Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221573 Unique Reference Number 08 June 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Liverpool Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 lives with her husband and four children aged 14, 11, 10 and four years, on the ground floor of a housing estate in the Stoke Newington area of the London borough of Hackney. The whole flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years all day. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group, library and parks. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted because the childminder has effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of germs and she knows and understands how to protect children from infection. There are acceptable systems for sick children, and the childminders' good knowledge of first aid ensures children receive appropriate care. The environment is clean and tidy and young children are introduced to good hygiene practices as tissues are within their reach and wet wipes used to clean their hands after creative activities.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with meals that are well balanced and nutritious. Their dietary needs are well catered for and taken into consideration when planning the menu. Children eat freshly cooked meals on a daily basis, which includes chicken, rice and vegetables. They are offered a variety of fruits for snacks and after lunch. This means that children are developing healthy eating habits. Young children are developing healthy independence because fresh drinking water in a beaker is put where they can see it and they help themselves to this when they need to. Young children are acquiring physical skills as they push and pull along a range of mobile toys, and supported to climb up and down a mini slide. Their fine motor skills are developing well through suitable play equipment such as activity sets with knobs, pop up toys and small balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a relaxed and welcoming environment. They have ample space to move around freely and independently. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment. Young children are learning simple rules that help to keep them safe when playing. Children can explore with minimal risk to their safety when indoors because there are suitable safety measures, for example stair gates, safety film on low level glass, fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation procedures. However, a few potential hazards such as debris, wooden planks and unsecured step ladder could pose some potential risk to children's safety when out in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have safe and easy access to toys and equipment and consequently they are developing independent skills and encouraged to make choices for themselves. There is a good range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment that is suitable for children of all ages and conforms to safety standards. Children are protected because the childminder understands her responsibilities with regards to child protection. This ensures that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy to attend and look forward to their day. Young children are beginning to relate to others and the childminder through smiling, offering and taking back toys and participating in small group play. The childminder observe and monitor children's achievements

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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 and general well-being. This enables the childminder to have good knowledge of children's development. Activities are planned around children's needs and interests and daily routine in place ensures children care and developmental needs are met. Young children are beginning to communicate their ideas and feelings through smiling, using hand gestures and responding to the childminder's simple commands.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have good opportunities to participate in a range of creative activities. For example, they paint with brushes and their fingers, use large felt tip pens to make marks, and handle play dough. Young children are supported to use all their senses as they explore the feel and texture of wet and dry sand, taste different foods and observe changes to water when soap is added for water play. Children benefit from regularly visiting local toddler groups and other under five facilities, all of which helps to develop their social, emotional and physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met and they are developing well because the childminder has established positive working relationships with parents, and regularly shares verbal information and written records that gives details about children's achievements and general well-being. This ensures continuity of care and encourages parents to become involve in their children's learning. Despite obtaining medication, outings and observation consents from parents prior to children's starting at the setting, not all parents are encouraged to give consent for the childminder to seek urgent medical treatment. Children benefit from constant praise and encouragement, which helps them to feel good about themselves and gain confidence. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, help children understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children come from a variety of backgrounds and they are warmly welcomed into the environment. The childminder acknowledges children's different abilities and provide a range of activities that is appropriate for their stage of development. Children are provided with resources that positively represent themselves and those from the wider community and supported to develop positive attitudes to others through the contacts they make at toddler groups.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The efficient organisation of children's care ensures that their needs are fully met, and resources are varied and purposely used to support their development and learning opportunities. Children are cared for in a generally safe and secure environment. The childminder's good use of time and flexible routine enable children opportunities for sleep and relaxation, active play and trips out to the local community. This contributes to children's physical, intellectual and social development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder knows and understands the National Standards and she has interpreted these well in her practice and procedures. She has attended a number of courses and is committed to further improving her skills through participating in a quality assurance scheme and receiving

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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 support from a childminding network co-ordinator. The childminder keeps relevant information that is required for the welfare and safe management of children. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to develop knowledge and understanding of child care issues, improve safety both indoors and outdoors, and obtain parents consent prior to administering medication.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended a number of child care courses and is continuing to further develop her knowledge and skills. This ensures that she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. Suitable measures such as stair gates and fire safety equipment are in place to ensure children's safety indoor. However, the outdoor area needs to be made safer. There are appropriate procedures in place for administering medication safely to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The 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): • make sure that the garden is safer for children to play • request written consent from all parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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