Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298352 Inspection date 25 April 2005 Inspector Chris Banks

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in a three bedroom flat in the EC1 area of the London Borough of Islington. Most transport links are located nearby. The main areas used for childminding are a ground floor lounge, kitchen and two lower ground floor bedrooms. Children also have access to a patio garden and Coram Fields is within walking distance. There are no family pets.

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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 care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged over five after school. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in very clean and well maintained home. The childminder organises space with the needs of children clearly in mind and ensures they have a wide range of opportunities for physical play both in and outside the home. She has a thorough understanding of how to promote children's health. She actively promotes good hygiene with children and strongly encourages their independence skills in hand washing and other hygiene practices. The childminder responds to children's dietary needs well. She consults closely with parents about individual needs and takes good account of their wishes. She understands the benefits of healthy eating and positively promotes this with children. Food is healthy, nutritious and well prepared. The childminder holds a Food Hygiene Certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Safety is well promoted inside the childminders comfortable and well secured home. Children are able to play in absolute safety and comfort as the childminder takes good practical safety precautions and ensures they are well supervised at all times. Children are encouraged to behave in a responsible way and are clear about the boundaries set to protect their physical safety. On outings, they learn good road safety practice from the childminder and the well secured patio garden provides children with more immediate opportunities for safe outdoor play. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding the overall welfare of children. She has a thorough understanding of Child Protection issues and has up to date procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child. She also holds a valid First Aid certificate. There is an excellent range of good quality early learning toys and equipment for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children aged over 1 year with a slightly more limited choice for babies. Older children can comfortably and safely help themselves as everything is stored at an accessible level.

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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 childminder creates a very warm and welcoming atmosphere in the family home. Children are happy, confident and extremely well settled and benefit from the warm and motivated approach of the childminder. The childminder uses good communication skills with children and they respond very well to her. Children are provided with a good range of early learning experiences through play. Activities are well balanced and include opportunities for them to socialise with others at local children's facilities. Children are positively encouraged to use their imagination and explore their creativity and are encouraged to share their views about the types of activities they like to do. Their achievements are valued by the childminder who displays their work and also keeps photographic records of their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values children as individuals and effectively works with parents to ensure she meets their health, dietary and care needs. She has just developed individual 'Profile' books which she exchanges with parents on a weekly basis. In this way parents are kept well informed about their child's progress and are reassured that the childminder is taking an active interest in their child's welfare and development. Children's own contributions are valued and older children are encouraged to play and active part in the childminders daily routines which helps develop their confidence and independence. Children show care and respect to others and are well behaved. They play together in a co operative way and understand and respond well to the simple and realistic behaviour boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder has a good selection of toys and equipment that reflect different

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Helping children make a positive contribution

cultures and uses them with children in a meaningful way to help broaden their understanding of the wider community.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Documentation relating to childminding activities is very well maintained and is open to parents. The childminder is well organised and plans routines around the individual needs of each child. She ensures each day is varied and interesting for children. The well organised, attractively laid out play space and good quality play equipment encourages children to treat toys with respect.

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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 encourages older children and parents to contribute to their Profile Book when they go away on holiday. In this way, children are able to share their wider experiences with the childminder. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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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): • continue to improve the early learning resources for children aged under 1 year

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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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