Childminder in Haringey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140346 Inspection date 03 March 2006 Inspector Sandra Wickham

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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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband, their adult daughter, and son, their daughter aged 15 years and son aged 12 years, in Wood Green, the London borough of Haringey. The childminder works jointly with two other registered childminders, one of whom is her husband, and three assistants. The areas of the premises available to minded children consists of the ground floor front living room, a breakfast room, a back living room, one bedroom, toilet and bathroom and fully enclosed garden. The family have a dog and a budgie.

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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 childminder group currently has 15 pre-school children on roll, and 2 attending full-time school. The childminder group also provided care for children over eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The health needs of children are promoted well because the childminder meets all regulations with regard to maintaining accident and medication records. Children's daily routine encourages them to develop awareness of good hygiene practices. For instance, children are given gentle reminders to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after messy play. Children are generally well nourished because the childminder meets parental wishes and encourages children's awareness about eating fruit and vegetables. Children's independence skills are being fully promoted because children are encouraged to make choices regarding what activities and resources to use. Children have regular access to physical play opportunities, both indoors and outdoors, as the childminder takes children to local parks and toddler groups. Children's individual rest needs are met and they are able to rest safely and

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Helping children to be healthy

comfortably in the childminder's care. Children can expect to be responded to appropriately in the event of an accident or emergency as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has a good range of first aid supplies and has appropriate emergency contingency plans in place. The childminder has information about the Birth to three matters framework and includes this in her practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are able to select activities and resources freely from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Children are developing a sense of safety on and off the premises, because the childminder discusses road safety when out with the children. In addition children are given gentle reminders about being careful when playing so don't bump into other children. Children are secure and confident in the environment. The childminder takes steps to reduce hazards to children on the premises, with smoke alarms fitted on the premises and a fire blanket accessible in the kitchen. The childminder continues to develop her systems for risk assessment of the areas accessed by children. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures, having undertaken training and assessments on this topic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder's knowledge and understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and the childminder is aware of the relevant procedures to follow.

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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 The provision is outstanding. Children are well settled at the childminder's house, they make themselves at home and relate well to each other. The children make excellent progress because the childminder recognises and encourages the uniqueness of each child. For instance, one child spontaneously burst into song with "Bob the builder" in a clear voice. This later lead into a music session, in which all the children took great delight in choosing and playing the various instruments whilst signing nursery rhymes. Children have close and caring relationships with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self worth. Children enjoyed taking part in the table top activities, where they could attempt a puzzle or engage with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

fitting the pegs into the peg board to form a pattern. Children are very independent as they self select their own activities and resources to lead their own play. The resources and equipment provide children with sufficient challenges to stimulate their creative needs and sensors. For instance, children enjoy wearing the dressing up clothes and are encouraged to learn words and meaning through informal conversations at snack time. Children spend their time purposefully, they enjoy exploring and investigating the many varied toys and resources which contribute to their creativity and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about cultural and racial diversity, gender and disability through the meaningful range of resources and activities. Children become aware of their differing backgrounds and learn to value and respect these differences. Children feel valued and respected, because the childminder encourages children to express themselves by using positive language and treats all children with equal concern. Children's individual needs and family backgrounds are known and effectively met, for example children take part in celebrating various cultural festivals. Children are pleased when they receive praise from the childminder, for instance when they complete a puzzle or join in the music session. This enhances their self-esteem and encourages them to try new challenges and make progress. Good partnerships with parents ensure children are consistently cared for, both at home and when with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder, for example when meeting children's dietary needs. Children behave very well with the childminder and are settled and comfortable. They have time to relax as well as be active.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well organised and child centred environment. The space and resources are organised in a such a way whereby children can confidently initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children freely choose to play independently or with the other children. The childminder promotes the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder ensures daily dialogue is exchanged with parents regarding children's development. This all contributes to continuity in the children's care. Good planning systems are in place which keep

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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 children healthy and safe and enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made be parents, which they can see on request. The complaints 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): • continue to develop systems for risk assessment of areas accessed by children

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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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