Childminder in Newham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY257202 Inspection date 07/02/2008 Inspector Maxine Rose

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Type of inspection Care Type of care Childminding

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Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be freely reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided the source and date of publication are stated.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The provider must give a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must give a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Day Care and Childminding (inspection) (England) Regulations 2005 No 2300 Regulations 5 and 6).

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her mother and one child aged five in Stratford in the London borough of Newham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local childminders support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are served a variety of well balanced meals that help them develop healthy teeth and bones. Children's meals contain nutritious food such as fresh fruit, vegetables and drinking water. The children help to reduce cross infection by washing their hands before handling food. Each day the children have the chance to develop their physical skills whilst playing outdoors on the climbing apparatus in the fresh air. The children can receive first aid and prescribed medication because the childminder is trained in first aid and has practical procedures in place. At present there are arrangements in place for all children to receive emergency medical treatment. This compromises the children’s health because it can delay the time needed for them to receive medical care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children use a range of play equipment such as puzzles, books and construction set because these are well maintained and some are easily accessible. At times the arrangement of furniture such as the television does not always allow the children to make full use of space. There are some practical safety features in place to reduce risks to children. These include the installation of smoke alarms, stair gates by the kitchen entrance and fire guards. These features help to alert children to fire danger and prevent children from playing in areas that are unsafe. Whilst fire safety equipment is in place the fire evacuation procedure is yet to be implemented to develop children's understanding of how to behave in the event of a fire. Children’s accidents and attendance are recorded. This helps to ensure children are closely monitored. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children. This helps to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are able to develop their independence as they make choices and select resources that they like to play with. Outdoors the children play well together, sharing and taking turns on the climbing apparatus. The children speak clearly and with confident. They talk about their experience such as their shopping trip. Children’s personal handbooks show they are learning to write their names and draw numbers by tracing over templates. These activities help children to recognise numbers and develop skills for writing. The childminder relates well to the children which makes them feel relaxed and settle well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All children are treated with equal concern and all are involved in the range of activities available. The children have access to a range of resources that reflect diversity in positive ways. These resources include books and small world toys. In addition to this the children take part in different cultural festivities such as eating Chinese food in celebration of Chinese New Year. There are no children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The childminder has clear ideas about how she could support all children to make progress in all areas of their development. The children behave well. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children receive clear guidance on how they should behave. This also helps to ensure parents can share information and that children can receive consistent care.

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Organisation

The children access some resources easily as low level shelves and containers are used to store children's play equipment. Whilst children can access some resources the arrangement of some furniture means children cannot make full use of the space. The childminder is suitably trained. She plans an interesting range of activities to help the children progress. Much of the necessary documentation is in place to promote the welfare and care of the children. There are shortcomings with the procedure for emergency treatment and the implementation of the fire evacuation procedure. The setting meets the needs of the range of children to whom care is provided.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder was issued with recommendation. This recommendation was to ensure parents and carers signed all entries in the accident book and that this information was kept confidential. The childminder has addressed this recommendation. This helps to safeguard children because their accidents and injuries can be closely monitored by the childminder and the parents.

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Complaints about the childcare provision

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

 ensure parents provide consent for children to receive emergency treatment  implement the fire evacuation procedure  ensure the furniture in the lounge is suitably arranged to enable children to make full use of the space

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

procedures set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted’s role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2473) which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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