Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY100852 Inspection date 03 March 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 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 2002. She lives with her husband, and teenage daughter in Edmonton in the London Borough of Enfield. The childminder has a designated playroom at the rear of the house with an open plan kitchen, which she uses for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, and is currently minding two children on a full-time basis.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment, where the childminder has good daily routines and practices that effectively contribute to limiting the risk of cross-infection. This is further supported by the availability of children's own bowls, flannels, soap, baby wipes and paper towels, which are used effectively by the childminder to limit the spread of germs. The childminder uses simple discussion to support children's understanding about why they wash their hands, and how germs may make them sick. The childminder has relevant first aid training, so children are treated appropriately if they have an accident. The childminder has procedures in place such as recording medication and accidents and parental permission to give medicines, which contribute to ensuring children's health needs are met, and they are treated appropriately. Meal times are social occasions and give children the opportunity to

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy their food and become independent as they feed themselves. Children's nutrition benefits as most meals are prepared from fresh ingredients. The childminder has a good understanding about what the children enjoy and cooks food she knows they like and what they are familiar with. Young children have a healthy relationship with the childminder who is receptive to their needs. The childminder follows the young children's individual routines for sleeping and eating, which contributes to their well-being. The children are offered some physical play, they exercise to music; and sometimes use the garden. The childminder understands the benefit of outside play, but children do not have regular opportunities to get fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an attractive and child focused environment, where appropriate posters and pictures add to the welcoming atmosphere. They move confidently around the space which is well organised and used effectively to allow children opportunities to engage in a varied range of activities. The children benefit from having access to safe, clean and age-appropriate activities. Equipment is washed and checked regularly and broken toys disposed of immediately. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, which helps her to protect children from harm and neglect. She liaises fully with other professionals to ensure the children's welfare is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy, contented and relaxed in the care of the childminder. Children play in a well equipped room, where they have immediate access to a good

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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 range of activities. The children confidently select toys for themselves and choose what activities they wish to play. This helps children to explore their surroundings, find out if there are any new toys and equipment, and make decisions about what they want to do. The children benefit from the play opportunities, and the positive interaction offered by the childminder, who offers support, praise and reassurance. The childminder interacts with the children using lots of eye contact and smiles, she also sits at the children's level and plays alongside them on the floor. Consequently young children's emotional well-being is being supported which helps them develop confidence and independence. The children benefit from the childminder having a good understanding about child

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development, where they have opportunities for some physical play, dancing and singing, and quiet time where they relax and read a book. The childminder understands about extending children's opportunities and thinking, and introduces new and more difficult tasks for them to do. For example, when the birds visit in the garden the children will look at pictures in the books to see them close up, and talk about them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a welcoming environment where they are all treated as individuals. The childminder has a good understanding about the children and ensures that all their differences and individual requirements are respected. The children have access to resources, and are cared for in a way that supports their learning about people being different and promotes their own identity. For example the childminder cooks food the children have at home, so they are familiar with this. This helps the children to feel comfortable and secure in the setting. The childminder is able to support children and families with special needs. The children behave well and respect and respond to the childminder who uses appropriate strategies. There are various documents in place supporting the childminder's management of behaviour and parents have access to this at any time. The childminder uses praise and encouragement with the children who responded

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positively to the praise. This promotes the children's good behaviour. Good partnership with parents is ongoing, and parents have the opportunity to write in the children's journal; this helps the continuity of care and keeps parents up to date with their children's progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from having access to an environment that is safe and well organised to promote children's confidence and independence. They also benefit from having a caring and well experienced childminder who demonstrates a warm and caring attitude towards the children. The childminder is very aware of her role in protecting children and works with other agencies to protect children, and support

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 their care and welfare. Children's needs are being met by there being good communication with parents and up to date documentation being maintained. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • offer children regular opportunities for outside play with fresh air and exercise and develop their physical skills, health and fitness

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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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