Childminder in HackneyOfsted inspection, 21 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY311129 Inspection date 21 April 2006 Inspector Maxine Rose

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children in a three-bedroom flat situated in the London Borough of Hackney. The areas used for childminding include the lounge, kitchen and bathroom. There is a secure outdoor play area. The childminder is registered to care for no more than five children under 8 years at any one time. Currently there are 3 children on roll.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a balanced range of snacks, meals and drinks which include a variety of fresh vegetable, fruits, milk and natural juice. Occasionally the children are given fresh water but not everyday. The childminder is highly aware of the importance of maintaining a hygienic home environment for the children. She implements a cleaning routine which reduces the spread of bacteria to children, for example food surfaces are cleaned with anti bacterial agents and the floor is swept in preparation for new activities. The children are learning about personal care and hygiene; younger children practise using the toilet independently and washing their hands, this helps to prevent the spread of cross infection. Occasionally children do not wash their hands before eating light snacks. The children participate in a range of age appropriate activities that positively promote their health. The children benefit from a

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

range of outdoor activities which enables them to get plenty of fresh air whilst developing their physical skills as they travel to and from the playgroup and local parks. The children strengthen their bodies and become more energised as they practise walking and running in the park. The children benefit from the childminder who has a current first aid certificate and maintains appropriate first aid equipments. The childminder has clear procedures for caring for children who are unwell and she records all medication given, however there are times when this procedure is not implemented fully.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are received into a home that is warm, clean and welcoming. The children have enough space within the home to move around with ease when taking part in a range of activities such as manoeuvring buggies in the lounge or building with construction on the mat. Children have easy access to resources such as dolls, books and construction sets. The furniture and play materials are well maintained. The children are able to investigate a range of interesting resources with minimal safety risks to themselves. The childminder has a clear understanding for maintaining a safe environment for the children; this includes defining play areas for the children with the use of stair-gates. This helps the children learn where it is safe for them to play in the home. The children are safeguarded by some fire safety measures they include smoke alarms and fire blankets. The procedure for fire evacuation has not

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

been implemented. The children receive consistent care and protection from clear procedures governing their arrival, collection and wellbeing. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues, this helps to ensure children are protected from harm. The children are made to feel secure by the close supervision they receive from the childminder. When outdoors the childminder takes appropriate measures to ensure children's safety, she obtains consent from parents and uses appropriate transport systems to reduce risks to children.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are confident and relaxed in their surrounding. They show an interest in their environment and younger children are keen to try new things out for themselves such as opening the tops of yogurt cartons. Most of the activities provide a suitable level of challenge for the children. They have great fun investigating the large blocks to build a ‘house’, exploring the programmable toys and listening to musical sounds. The childminder knows the children well and engages purposefully with them to promote their learning and development for example she sits at their level, gives eye contact and promotes topics for conversation which the children respond well to. The children have lively imaginations; they enjoy moments of role play when they dress up with hats and enact domestic situations where they push their dolls around in buggies. They are becoming more confident and independent as they learn new

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

words to express their needs such as 'yes', 'no' ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. The children are well supported in this area by the childminder who praises their efforts. The children are developing their social skills and learning about the wider world as they meet children of similar age and when they visit places in their locality such as playgroups, parks and shopping centres.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are warmly greeted by the childminder each day and all are included in the full range of activities. Their individual needs and interests are valued by the childminder and they are given the chance to express their needs and make choices. The children interact with children from a range of backgrounds and use some resources that reflect the wider community they live in, for example books, this helps children to develop a positive attitude to diversity. The partnership with parents is good. Parents receive useful information about their children's progress and are able to view children's records and discuss the arrangements for their care. The sound partnership with parents helps to ensure children receive consistent care and attention from the childminder in most areas. The children feel special and enjoy a smooth transition from home to minding. The children benefit from a trusting

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

relationship with the childminder who is calm and sympathetic when managing their behaviour. The children respond well to the childminder; they develop a good sense of belonging and feel valued.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are able to make practical use of the space and play resources within the childminders home because it is organised well, with suitable storage solutions that ensures easy accessibility for the children. The children enjoy a variety of stimulating activities in the home. They have great fun building with construction sets, using buggies to transport play equipment and eating together at the dining room

p.4

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 table. Information about children’s needs and development is kept in a confidential manner and regularly shared with parents; this helps to maintain continuity of care for children. The childminder maintains a record-keeping system that is accurate in most areas, with the exception of the medication records. The childminder is fully aware of all the legal requirements, for example, notifying Ofsted of any changes, completing documentation and keeping it for a period of time. The childminder is suitably trained in minding and first aid. She has a sound understanding about children's learning and development. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminder's first inspection.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are 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 made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 parents provide written consent for the administration of medication to their children. • ensure children have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day. • ensure children wash their hands before handling food.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5