Childminder in BarnetOfsted inspection, 14 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147166 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Gillian Louise Critchlow

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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 good. 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children, in New Southgate, within the London borough of Barnet. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for three children. Areas used for childminding are the kitchen diner and one bedroom situated upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends

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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 the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a variety of activities that contribute to their good health, such as a well balanced, varied diet and daily outdoor activities to enhance their physical development. Children are able to make choices about indoor and outdoor play due to easy access to the garden. Children are cared for in a clean environment and are well supported in developing good personal hygiene. Children understand the importance of good hygiene practices through established daily routines that help to prevent the spread of infection and protects children's health. The 3-year-old child is able to follow routines for hygiene independently. The childminder is first aid trained and has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow should a child become ill whilst in her care, however systems for recording parental permission to administer medication is unclear.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home. Children are able to move around freely and independently as a result of good risk assessments and supervision levels being implemented. Children are aware of boundaries and are involved in discussions with the childminder about dangers such as road safety and potential hazards within the home, helping them to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment that are well-organised. Resources are readily available, allow free access and promote children's independence. Children are well protected. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow should she be concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled, they are eager to become involved in conversations, responsive to the daily routines and feel secure within their

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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 environment. Children move confidently within the home, freely accessing a good range of age appropriate resources that are readily available, which promotes children's independence and learning. Children relate well to each other. Children enjoy trips out to various activity groups to socialise with others. This helps to develop social skills from an early age. They continually ask questions and contribute to conversations, which extends their vocabulary and develops their knowledge and understanding of society. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and is pro-active in gaining the skills to implement it within her daily plans.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues, however children are provided with limited play opportunities, resources and activities to help increase their understanding and awareness of diversity. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of appropriate methods for managing behaviour. This helps children to develop an understanding of right and wrong. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their daily routines as discussed with their parents. Children play happily alongside each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is fully aware of all required policies and procedures in order to ensure children are kept safe and well protected. Records are up-to-date and stored securely ensuring confidentiality is maintained at all times. Children have free access to both indoor and outdoor play, this helps to develop their independence, giving space for free movement and exploration. Provision and resources are well organised to allow children to make free choices. The children can play, eat and rest comfortably. The childminder organises her time effectively, ensuring all children are included and participate in all areas of play and learning. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder now records the time children arrive and leave to ensure accurate documentation of children's attendance.

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Improvements 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint in relation to national standard 1:suitable person regarding an allegation of inappropriate behaviour management by the childminder. Ofsted investigated all complaints and found the childminder continues to meet the national standards. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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

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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): • ensure effective systems are in place for recording parents permission to administer medication. • provide an appropriate range of activities and resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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