Inspection report for early years provision

Unique Reference Number	XXXXXXXX
Inspection date	13 October 2006
Inspector	Caroline Preston

Type of inspection	Childcare
Type of care	Childminding

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives in a house in Dagenham, Essex. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. 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 after school.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, which has many bright and colourful posters all around. They benefit from the high level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home which effectively contributes to limiting the risk of cross infection. This is further supported by the childminder’s gentle reminders to children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after meals.

The childminder has relevant first aid training and is able to implement procedures such as the recording of accidents and administration of medication appropriately to maintain good health and consistency of care. Children's individual health and dietary needs are appropriately recorded and the childminder ensures that parent’s wishes are followed carefully.

Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet, they are provided with substantial and well balanced meals which take into consideration children’s individual dietary needs. They are offered a wealth of Nigerian food, pasta, breads, fruit, vegetables and drinks. Children confidently choose apples from the fruit bowl for a healthy snack in the morning with a cup of fresh milk.

Opportunities for children to be active learn to control their bodies and develop their physical skills both indoors and outdoors are good. Children use large play equipment at the local playgroups they attend, they dance to musical instruments, put together puzzles pieces and draw colourful pictures.

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move confidently around the bright, welcoming environment which the childminder has organised. Space is planned well and used effectively to allow children opportunities to engage in a varied range of activities and enjoy mealtimes.

Children use high quality toys and equipment that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Including musical books and games, chairs that play music and speak when you sit on them, computer programmable toys that are bright and well made. Children's safety is promoted because the childminder is vigilant at reducing risks and minimising hazards. For example, high locks on the front door so children can’t escape or to allow unwanted visitors to enter. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is clear regarding her role and responsibilities and of the procedure to follow if she had concerns. This supports children’s wellbeing and safeguards their welfare.

 Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled they work co-operatively with the childminder in a relaxed and friendly manner. Children benefit from a warm trusting relationship with the childminder who knows them well. Children are cared for in an attractive and child focussed environment, displays of appropriate posters such as cartoon characters like Winnie the Pooh add to the welcoming atmosphere. The childminder plans her day well, providing a wide range of stimulating activities with a clear understanding of each child’s age and stage of development. For, example many talking books that promotes speech and language development. This helps each child to be kept interested, take part and have fun. The childminder is currently supporting older children with learning the alphabet in agreement with parents, supporting partnership with parents.

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well and are polite. They respond well to the childminder’s gentle and fun approach to caring for them. She laughs and plays with them, ensuring at the same time they are safe. She speaks to parents and gathers all relevant information about both parents and children. This guarantees that she has a good knowledge of each child’s individual needs and contributes considerably to children’s well being while in her care.

Play materials and resources reflect positive images of all aspects of society. However, too few reflect disabilities, therefore children have few opportunities to learn about disabilities. Daily verbal and written feedback about their child’s day keeps parents informed and helps to provide continuity of care. The childminder is committed to caring for all children, although has no experience of caring for children with additional needs.

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s good organisation of the premises. They are provided with a lot of space both in the front room and upstairs in the play room. Both rooms are bright and well organised with play resources and posters all around. The daily routine allows children freedom of choice to rest, be active, eat and learn.

Children benefit from the childminder’s appropriate vetting procedures and her safely managed documentation. Records are clear, current and stored with an awareness of confidentiality. All required documentation is in place, personal details and information about each child is kept in separate folders and stored safely. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable.

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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.

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

The quality and standards of the care

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

• ensure that children are offered a range of toys and resources that promote disability.

Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the 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 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk