Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number EY300368 Inspection date 17 August 2005 Inspector Usha Shah Type of inspection Type of care Childcare 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 lives with her husband and two children aged 18-months and 5-years. They live in a two bedroom, one level flat in a block of flats in the London Borough of Newham. It is situated in a residential area, close to shops, park and local amenities. Areas accessible to children are living room, main bedroom, toy room, kitchen and separate toilet and bathroom. There is no outside play area. The childminder takes children out regularly to parks and groups. The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for 4 children under 8-years. She is currently caring for one child under
5-years. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their physical development. They engage in activities that are fun and provide challenge. Young children are developing good physical skills, for example rocking movements, standing, throwing and climbing, due to the childminder providing appropriate challenges and support. Babies individual sleep needs are met well and they are able to sleep in a comfortable safe environment. Young children are given good opportunities for making choices and these are well supported by the childminder. Children are settled and relaxed in the childminders care, they respond to her warmly and babies recognise and smile at her. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder works in partnership with parents to provide freshly prepared meals and snacks for their children which are balanced and nutritious. Babies dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe Overall children are cared for in a welcoming and secure environment. Children move around with confidence and are at ease, as the childminder provides a child focused, welcoming and secure environment. Children make independent choices from a wide selection of age appropriate safe resources. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about safe practices. Although the childminder makes daily checks of the premises and garden before children have access, a potential risk was identified at the time of the inspection as the radiators are uncovered. Children are protected because the childminder knows the procedures to follow if she has any concern about a child. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do Children are making good progress in their development because many worthwhile activities are provided, which are well supported by the childminder. Children's communication skills are making progress because the childminder uses narratives, and reaffirms words which is helping to build their vocabulary. The children feel secure and comfortable because the childminder has a warm caring relationship with them, offers appropriate physical reassurance and is sensitive in her
approach. She makes learning enjoyable and fun and thus engages and sustain the child's interests. Children's early socialising skills are developing as the childminder provides regular opportunities for children to play in large and smalls groups through visiting toddlers groups, toy library and park. Children benefit from the childminder's good use and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. Helping children make a positive contribution Children's individual needs are met well because of flexible routine and positive partnership with parents. A comprehensive service provision document is shared with parents and they are kept well informed about their child's progress. Children's behaviour is good due to the childminder's positive approach of giving clear explanations and lots of praise. Children are helped to have a positive view of the wider world and increased awareness of others through using different resources such as: books; dressing up clothes; dolls; small world people and; visits to the library. Children are helped to feel valued and have a sense of belonging through age appropriate toys such as treasure basket, own cot to sleep and dummy from home. Children respond well to the familiar routine and they enjoy child centred home environment. Organisation The organisation is good. The space resources, activities and space used by the children is well organised to support their need for developing independence, and comfortable play and rest. The children feel at home and a sense of belonging because there is dedicated space and resources for them. The childminder's warm, calm and welcoming approach makes them feel secure. For example they feel confident to access, initiate and extend their own play. The childminder's knowledge of childcare and commitments, help children feel happy, competent and contented in their environment. The children's care, play and learning are enhanced through the childminder's secure understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. Her ability to plan age appropriate activities, maintain children's records and positive childcare practices enable children to make good progress in all areas of development. Overall, the needs of children who attend are met. Improvements since the last inspection
Not applicable. Complaints since the last inspection There are no complaints to report. 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 the heating radiators do not pose hazards to children. Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk