Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315603 Inspection date 10 April 2006 Inspector Sandra Hornsby

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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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. 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.

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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 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband, and 2 children aged 2 years and 2 months. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children, but currently does not have any children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder offered a clean and hygienic environment where she talks about encouraging children to practise good hygiene through hand washing before food and after the toilet. The childminder said she will discuss with the children about why they need to wash hands so the children are learning about germs and keeping themselves well. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate which means that she is able to give appropriate care to the children if they have an accident or become unwell. The childminder's records demonstrate she keeps up to date medical information about the children, such a allergy information and immunisations, this further protects their health. Having the food hygiene certificate means she has a good knowledge of food safety, preparation and storage which protects children, and helps prevent them getting food poisoning. The childminder has an agreement with

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Helping children to be healthy

parents about their children not attending if they are sick, this prevents cross infection of bugs and infectious diseases. The childminder appropriately stores food brought in by parents and will present it to the children. The childminder has a good understanding about healthy diets and will discuss with parents about appropriate, healthy snacks and lunches for the children. She encourages them to offer fruit and vegetables, which help children to develop a healthy eating habit. The childminder is planning to use the garden for outside play, so children in her care will get regular exercise and fresh air. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework, and is keen to develop her knowledge in this area of her work by attending further courses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder explained she is organising the environment so children will have space, and can move about freely and independently. They will have free access to safe and age appropriate toys and equipment to encourage them to make decisions and be independent. The childminder has toys and equipment that are safe and clean, and she explained how she would ensure toys and activities presented to the children would be suitable for their age and stage of development. The childminder is taking action to ensure that risks in and outside her home will been minimised, so that children can play safely. She explains how she helps children to learn about their own safety through discussion about fire evacuation and road safety. The childminder demonstrated she had a satisfactory understanding about child protection issues, and understands her responsibility to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about encouraging children’s development through offering

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 different activities and play opportunities, for example she will offer drawing, playing with dough, reading stories, games and using their imagination by playing with dressing up clothes. The impact of these on the children’s development is not clear as there are no records kept by the childminder. The childminder talks about praising and encouraging the children, as this helps the children to feel good about themselves, building their confidence and self esteem. The childminder explained that the play resources are going to be made freely available and organised in a manner which helps to promote their decision making skills, and independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks of caring for children, ensuring that she is aware of their individual needs. There are documents in place that indicate that the children's needs are identified and addressed by the childminder, such as children's information sheets and contracts. Children would be given opportunities to learn about different cultures and religions through activities and discussion, and about disabilities through play and discussion about the community around them. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving some examples of how she would approach situations for different children. Saw dated records from children not present which indicates that the childminder works in partnership with parents. Through discussion, and viewing records the childminder demonstrated she does not obtain parents consent for outings and the use of the car.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder talks of organising the environment in a way that will enable children to have free access to her toys and equipment. This will encourage children to organise and pursue their own games. The childminder was able to explain her understanding of the 14 standards and the regulations through the inspection and had informed Ofsted about the recent changes which have an impact on her childminding business. The childminder has attended some additional training which indicates she is enthusiastic about her childminding and ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she will look after. The childminder demonstrated that she keeps most of the documents that support the care and welfare of the children. Evidence suggests that the needs of all children would be met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under 3, for example through the Birth to three framework' • ensure that written parental permission is obtained for outings and travelling in the car

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The quality and standards of the care

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

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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