Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY330601 Inspection date 09 June 2006 Inspector Jane Davenport

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 good. 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 2006. She lives with her partner and their four year old son in the Walthamstow area of the London borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom/toilet are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, and is currently minding two children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local childminder drop in groups and takes minded children to the local library and parks. She is a member of the National

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 Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and tidy environment and, from an early age, they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. Hand washing, explanations about germs and nappy changing routines are effective in helping prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is currently attending a first aid course and will receive a certificate at the end of it. She has a good knowledge of first aid procedures, which means that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. She records accidents appropriately and parents give prior written consent to administer medication, which ensures that children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet, which ensures children's individual dietary requirements are met. Menus are varied, well-balanced and nutritious and healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

yoghurts are included. Babies are given the opportunity to learn to feed themselves, which helps encourage their independence, and older children are beginning to develop their own preferences and make choices for themselves. Individual daily diaries provide information for parents about nappy changes, rest times, activities and what their child has eaten during the day. This is a very effective way of ensuring continuity in the care the children receive, both at the childminder's and at home. Children have plenty of opportunities on walks and outings for healthy exercise in the fresh air. They are offered drinks regularly during hot weather and are encouraged to play in the garden in the morning, when there is still plenty of shade. They are protected with sun cream and encouraged to wear their sun hats. Babies and young children receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional well-being and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences. The

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

childminder has started to use the Birth to three matters framework to support children's development, so they gain strength and co-ordination.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious, well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. The premises are secure and there are good procedures in place to monitor sleeping children and to ensure children are unable to leave the premises without a suitable adult. Good interaction from the childminder helps develop children's awareness of safety within the setting. They also learn about

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 road safety and the importance of using pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Children have easy and safe access to good quality toys and resources, including sensory toys and natural materials, which are stimulating and suitable for their stage of development. The childminder is vigilant in making sure that items with small parts, which could cause choking, are not accessible to babies. There are regular risk assessments both indoors and out, which enable the childminder to identify and quickly address potential hazards. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures including a fire blanket, socket covers, window locks and smoke alarms. The childminder has devised and practised a written emergency plan, which effectively outlines how to evacuate the premises in the case of an

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

emergency. Effective child protection procedures promote and safeguard children's welfare within the setting. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They enjoy a warm interaction with the childminder and have the opportunity to socialise with other children. They are motivated and concentrate well at chosen activities. Young children explore and experiment through a range of well-planned activities that are stimulating, easily accessible and appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder manages the differing provision for babies and older children very well. The older children show care and concern for the baby and help to set up activities for when he arrives. The childminder's planning is good and weekly timetables are available for parents' information. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged well, through activities such as art and craft, painting, play dough, listening to and playing music, stories, small world play and dressing up. Role play is very well developed and

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extended. For example, the two four year old boys playing "shop" use their imagination well, as one drives to the shop and collects the shopping trolley and the childminder scans their goods through the play till. They use appropriately developed language and learn about money and paying for things, as they produce their "twenty pound notes" and are given change in coins. Children's experiences and learning are enhanced by the inclusion of regular outings in their timetable. They attend toddler soccer sessions, several local childminder drop ins and the local library. They enjoyed a recent visit to Whipsnade zoo and eagerly identified the animals they saw on the work sheets they took with them.

p.4

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 The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equalities issues. Children are allowed to be themselves, their interests are encouraged and they are respected and valued as individuals. She endorses respect and consideration for others and answers children's questions honestly and positively. Children have access to some good quality resources and activities, which help them to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider community. There are good systems in place to support children who have special needs. The childminder is able to adapt activities for children with special needs, so they can experience a wide range of stimulating activities appropriate for their level of ability. Close liaison with parents and outside agencies ensures all children's needs are well

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

planned for and met. Children's behaviour is generally good; this is as a result of the childminder developing consistent methods for managing behaviour, which takes into account their age, level of understanding and maturity. Good behaviour is positively reinforced by means of praise and affirmation. Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive and parents are happy with the care provided. They are made to feel welcome in the childminder's home and are given daily feedback about their child's day. This helps to provide children with consistent care between home and the setting.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children feel settled within the very well organised environment, where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. They are confident to make demands on the childminder, in the knowledge that their requests will be appropriately met. Record keeping is excellent and the childminder has consolidated several of her policies and procedures in writing. Registers are up to date and contain children's hours of attendance. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare; regular informal discussions with parents and written feedback ensure continuity of care for the children. Comprehensive systems are in place to keep children safe and enable them to make progress. The childminder has attended several NCMA workshops, including healthy eating,

p.5

Organisation

contracts and policies and procedures. She is committed to attending further childcare and development courses, which will help her to reflect, monitor and improve the current good quality of care and education offered to children.

p.5

Improvements 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 Not applicable.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 and improve current good practice.

p.6

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.6

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.6