Walsh, Lorraine

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295485 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Jane Davenport

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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 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 has been registered since November 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 9 and 5 years in a house in Walthamstow, in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the premises, with the exception of the master bedroom, is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time, and is currently minding two children, who both attend on a part-time basis. 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 are cared for in a warm, clean, child friendly environment where they are learning the importance of good personal hygiene through consistent daily routines. Children are able to undertake tasks such as washing their hands with support, thus reducing the risk of spreading germs. Children benefit from being offered various healthy snacks and are beginning to enjoy the healthy options, such as raw carrot or banana. Children's meals and snacks comply with parental wishes and children's dietary requirements. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. She has a good understanding of health issues and written procedures to follow should a child become ill in her care. Her first aid supply is well-stocked and easily accessible. Children enjoy a wide range of play opportunities and experiences that promotes their good health and physical development. They have free access to the garden in

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Helping children to be healthy

good weather and are taken out daily to parks or drop ins where they can ride on bikes and benefit from exercise in the fresh air. All children are able to sleep and be active according to their needs. Children enjoy a close, nurturing relationship with their childminder, where they feel secure and confident because the childminder responds well to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. Children are able to move around safely and independently and benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example safety gates, the protection of the tiled fireplace hearth, and effective procedures for safe evacuation of the premises. There are good systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children, as they are only released into the care of a known adult. Children have access to a varied range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to have an undisturbed rest in the childminders bedroom if required. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. This promotes and safeguards children's welfare within the setting.

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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 The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home, and they relate well to the childminder. They have the opportunity to socialise and enhance their learning with other children, through regular attendance at drop-in groups, trips to the parks and visits to other childminders. Children are becoming competent learners as they are able to make choices, explore and investigate. They spend their time purposefully and are actively engaged and interested in the activities provided. They independently choose from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. Children enjoy being in the company of the childminder and the interaction between them is warm and meaningful. Children receive praise and encouragement for their achievements. Information about their progress and development is shared with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues and children are encouraged to value and respect the diversity within society. They have access to some resources and activities, which help them to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider community. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as the childminder works closely with parents, to ensure their normal daily routines of eating, sleeping and playing are followed. Children behave well because the childminder effectively manages their behaviour. 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. The children are developing skills in communicating their feelings and this is supported by the childminder's sensitivity. For example, she is aware that some children are shy of unfamiliar individuals and allows them time to gain confidence,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

whilst offering them reassurance. Children's needs are well met and their daily routines are shared with parents. Parents are provided with written information relating to policies, procedures and services provided. The childminder gives daily feedback to parents about their child's day. This helps provide children with consistent care between home and the childminding setting.

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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 Children feel happy and at home within the well organised, child friendly environment. Clear, consistent routines further enhance children's confidence, enabling them to choose their own toys and play happily and harmoniously. They are confident to make demands on the childminder in the knowledge that their requests will be appropriately met. All required records are in place, easily accessed and well maintained. The childminder develops her knowledge and understanding of good childcare practice by attending relevant training courses and using childcare frameworks effectively. 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 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 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): • provide an appropriate range of resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice

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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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