Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312009 Inspection date 26 June 2006 Inspector Philippa Clare Williams

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and their three sons aged 14, 13 and eight years in Edmonton in the London borough of Enfield. The whole ground floor and upstairs 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 two children and is currently minding one child under five on a full-time basis. The childminder attends a local Sure Start group.

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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 satisfactory. Children receive care in a clean, warm environment and satisfactory practice is promoted well in relation to children's personal hygiene. For example, the childminder encourages hand washing, and keeps all areas and equipment clean. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's ability to maintain clear documents relating to medication and accidents sustained to children. However children are not protected from the risk of illness and infection because the childminder does not have a clear sickness policy. The children benefit from a balanced diet and regular drinks, because the childminder meets parental wishes and any dietary needs, she stores, prepares and serves the food provided. Children’s care is fostered through effective routines which allow for appropriate opportunities throughout the day. Children enjoy some physical activity through local walks, playing in the garden and trips to the park, they rest and sleep according to

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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 welcoming and generally safe. For example, they are kept safe through good levels of supervision and the use of appropriate safety equipment such as smoke alarms, safety locks and a safety gate. However the garden poses a risk to young children as children can access tools and building materials in the garage and shed. Children’s safety on outings is promoted through effective procedures with regard to use of pushchairs and harnesses. Children have free access to a range of resources that are suitable for their age and developmental stage and comply with British Safety Standards. They learn about their own and others safety through ensuring they tidy up after themselves. However children's awareness of fire safety is not promoted as they do not practise fire drills. Children are suitably protected because the childminder understands her role with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

regard to child protection, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and who to contact should she have any concerns. The required procedures are in place to ensure the childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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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, there is warm interaction, and they are given some opportunities for group socialisation at a group. They enjoy free access and make

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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 choices and decisions about their play opportunities. The childminder interacts well with them during play. She sits on the floor to ensure good eye contact and to give reassurance and support. The childminder talks to the children and encourages language development as they play. This helps them to be skilful communicators. She introduces the children to concepts of colour, numbers and letters during activities, for example, when playing with cars she counts them and talks about the colours, and introduces letters when completing a floor puzzle. However the lack of opportunities for young children to engage in messy play activities, in particular with natural materials can limit their development through exploration and experimentation using their senses, and their creativity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the individual needs of children well and is familiar with their personal routines. She is aware of their personalities and preferences and responds promptly to them. Children benefit from having opportunity to learn about differences and similarities as books and play resources present positive images of diversity. The childminder has sound awareness of special needs issues and aims to promote inclusion Children are valued and respected as individuals, they learn to share and take turns with the resources, for example they complete a puzzle together and take turns to play a board game. This is encouraged by the childminder who interacts positively with the children. The childminder has built positive relationships with parents. Information is shared verbally to keep them informed about their child's day and to ensure continuity of care. Parents have not been informed about the procedures to follow if they have a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

complaint and they unable to see a record of any complaints made as the childminder has not initiated a complaints log.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which is organised to meet individual needs. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enables children to feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. The childminder has a sound understanding of the needs of children. She updates her knowledge regularly and shows a commitment to further training. The records and documentation are organised and appropriately maintained, which contributes to the consistent care of children. However her registration certificate is not displayed, which may lead to parents not being able to check her registration status and conditions

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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 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 registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • develop and implement a policy for excluding children who are ill or infectious and share with parents • make the garden safe for children to use, provide a fire blanket in the kitchen and devise and practise an emergency escape plan • inform parents of procedures to follow if they have a complaint and maintain a complaints log • display registration certificate • provide a wider range of activities for under threes in particular messy play with natural materials

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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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