Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307621 Inspection date 06 April 2006 Inspector Roulla Xyrizos

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her husband in a 3-bedroomed end of terrace house in Enfield. The property is situated on a quiet residential road. It is close to local shops, parks and schools as well as within short walking distance to local transport facilities. Parts of the ground floor are used for childminding purposes which comprise of a playroom, en suite toilet/shower, and occasional use of the dining area which is situated next to the kitchen. The garden is not available for outside play. The only pets in the household are goldfish.

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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 is registered to provide care for 3 children under 8 years; of these, no more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year. At present, she cares for 2 children aged 6 and 9, and 1 child aged 11 months. The children attend part time hours. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean environment. They are generally protected from infection by the childminder maintaining good hygiene standards in the home, although there is a risk of cross infection because the changing mat is not always cleaned after nappy changes. Hand washing before eating and after toileting is encouraged. A verbal sick children's policy is in place, which protects other children in her care. Children's medical records are up-to-date. However, the childminder has not yet renewed her first aid certificate which may affect her ability to deal appropriately with any incidents that occur when children are in her care. Children are offered a satisfactory variety of food and benefit from a reasonably healthy balanced diet. Their individual food preferences and dietary requirements are taken into consideration when providing meals. Children are offered regular drinks to

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Helping children to be healthy

keep them hydrated. Children have minimal opportunities to benefit from activities which involve physical exercise and fresh air. Younger children are given opportunities to rest or sleep according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is generally safe, child friendly, inviting and welcoming. The childminder ensures the home is clean, warm and well maintained, enabling the children to play safely and free from harm. The childminder helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe by talking about road safety and explaining fire evacuation procedures to the children. Children are kept safe indoors through a good range of safety measures which include the use of suitable safety equipment, safety gates and smoke alarms. Children are suitably protected because the childminder understands her role with regard to child protection, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and who to contact

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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 should she have any concerns. Children are able to freely access safe toys and equipment, however there is an insufficient range of resources to meet the developmental needs of all children including resources to encourage active physical play. There are missed opportunities for children under the age of 2 to develop independence and self help skills due to an insufficient range of equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. They develop positive relationships with the childminder and each other. Children communicate well with the childminder as a result of her responsive approach. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate indoor activities, although these are not always sufficiently challenging to help children to take the next step. Relationships are generally good and there is warm interaction between the children and the childminder. Children enjoy being together, playing together and with the childminder. For example, the children enjoyed playing a variety of games with the childminder who extended their learning by asking questions, praising their achievements and joking with the children. However, younger children are not always given the opportunity to join in with the older children's play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled, valued and respected; for example the childminder discusses children's particular needs with their parents and demonstrates respect and understanding for children's individual preferences. She keeps parents well informed of their child's progress by regular daily feedback and parents report they are very happy with the care their children are receiving. Although the childminder verbally informs parents of her policies and procedures, she does not have clear written policies in place and is not familiar with Ofsted's complaints procedures. Resources present positive images of diversity although the childminder does not always extend children's learning for example by use of books and further activities .

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, because the childminder is a good role model and encourages positive behaviour when she praises the children and appreciates their efforts. Children are learning to share and take turns as the childminder supports them well.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she is providing care. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which is organised to enable the childminder to meet children's individual needs. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enables children to feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. This makes children feel valued and cared for. The records and documentation are organised and appropriately maintained, which contributes to the consistent care of children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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 satisfactory. 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): • maintain a current first aid certificate and improve hygiene procedures by avoiding risk of cross infection. • improve children's opportunities for activities which involve physical exercise and fresh air and ensure children are sufficiently challenged. • provide sufficient and suitable equipment and play resources to promote self help skills and independence for all children. • ensure there are clear procedures for keeping parents informed about the overall service and be familiar with Ofsted complaints procedures

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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 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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