Childminder in Barnet

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311905 Inspection date 17 March 2006 Inspector Julia Louise Crowley

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 10, 9 and 6 in New Barnet. The whole ground floor and the first floor bathroom of the childminder’s 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 6 children at any 1 time and is currently minding 3 children, 1 child under 5 and 2 children over 5 before and after school. The family has a dog and a cat.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, they benefit from the high level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home which effectively contributes to limiting the risk of cross infection. This is further supported by the use of individual towels and appropriate daily routines, such as children being reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Discussion and simple explanation such as, how forgetting to wash your hands could lead to being unwell, helps children learn about the importance of keeping themselves healthy. Children receive nutritious snacks. This encourages the children to develop healthy eating practices. Meals are provided by the childminder. Fresh drinks are available at all times and children confidently help themselves. This encourages children to think about their own personal needs. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet,

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Helping children to be healthy

they are provided with substantial and well balanced meals which take into consideration their individual dietary needs. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and can therefore give appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder's responsible attitude makes sure that the care of the dog does not adversely affect the care of the children. There are appropriate systems and routines in place to keep the garden clear and clean and animal bedding and food is not accessible to the children.

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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 spacious home, where risks are identified and minimised. Children learn to keep themselves safe, by listening to simple instruction and copying the childminders actions. Children are able to explain reasons why simple safety tasks must be completed. For example, tidying toys away, before selecting another, so that the floor is safe to walk on. Children are supportive in helping and reinforce safety practices with each other. Children move confidently around the home, both inside and out, making their own choices about their play. Space is well organised and used effectively to allow children to be active, engage in physical activities, table top and floor activities and to enjoy opportunities to relax and share books in a comfortable environment with soft furniture and carpet. Children access a very good range of play equipment and resources, much of which

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is presented at low level in labelled boxes and in open storage trolleys. The learning

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 is bright and stimulating, welcoming to both children and adults. This enhances children’s learning and increases opportunities for them to be independent and develop self-esteem, for example as they notice their creative work displayed. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has completed her first aid course and has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm trusting relationship with the childminder who knows them well. She ensures all children present are able to enjoy the play activities on offer. The childminder's warm interaction and good support helps build positive relationships, children confidently approach her and chat happily about what they are doing. Lots of appropriate cuddles are evident, particularly for the new and younger children which help them feel secure. Children are involved and participate in games and activities. They use language and expression to develop games into imaginative stories, for example children enjoy presenting a short play in their imaginary theatre. Children enjoy and learn from a range of activities that allow them to explore and investigate. For example, the children have access to books and board games and are offered time to complete homework if needed. Children are interested in the activities available and spend

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

time concentrating on self-chosen activities. The childminder makes good use of routines, such as snack time to develop children's understanding of mathematical concepts. They confidently count and compare the content of their plates and discuss and compare different size, shape and weight. Children have frequent opportunities to freely explore and experience a wide range of textures and medias, including paint, water, collage materials and cookery. Children handle a varied selection of tools and materials with ease and confidence. They are purposefully engaged throughout their time with the childminder and have a positive attitude to learning through play. The childminder could further improve outcomes for children under 3 by using the Birth to three framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel good about themselves and learn to show respect for others. They learn to accept differences within the community around them, although few resources reflect disability. Children enjoy respectful relationships with adults and each other. They are showing confidence and self-esteem trough their conversation with each other and their ability to apply their own imaginative and creative ideas. Children are happy and self assured in the childminder's care and show

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 consideration and genuine concern as they learn to share and co-operate, recognising that this is the kind thing to do. They show a real sense of security and belonging and are confident and valued by the childminder. Children develop as they initiate their own learning and value their achievements as well as those of others. Children play with toys and play equipment that represents themselves and the wider community, encouraging them to have positive attitudes towards others. Children are well behaved and responsive to the childminder. Children develop effective relationships with one another and delight in joining together in their play. The childminder's interaction is good and she has a thorough knowledge of their individual needs, likes and interests, enabling each child to reach

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their potential whilst in her care. All children benefit from effective working relationships between the childminder and their parents. Parents are well informed about the childminder's service through policies and procedures, comprehensive records and photographs displayed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has organised the play space, toys, and equipment, within her home very effectively. This enables children to play and explore freely without any restrictions. She has organised an inviting play room, where children feel at home and at ease. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared regularly with the parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Children feel secure and at home. They are confident to make demands on the childminder in the knowledge that their requests will be appropriately met. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games. Everyday planning is monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable

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Organisation

them to make good progress in all areas of their development. 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 the last inspection. 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

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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 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): • improve knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under 3 for example through the use of Birth to three matters framework • provide an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote positive images of disabilities

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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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