Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY258065 Unique Reference Number 23 November 2006 Inspection date Amanda Joy 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and children aged 10 and seven years. They Live in Bush Hill Park within the London borough of Enfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has a certificate in Developing Childminding Practice and is in the process of completing further training; Extending Childminding Practice.

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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 benefit from the high standard of hygiene and cleanliness maintained throughout the childminder's home to protect children's health. Children use disposable paper towels after washing their hands to minimise the risk of cross-infection, these are disposed of appropriately in a low-level waste bin. The childminder has completed relevant first aid training and is fully aware of ensuring suitable accident and medication procedures are followed. This means children receive the appropriate care if there is an accident or medication needs to be administered. The childminder follows babies’ individual routines for eating and sleeping. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is pro-active in encouraging children to try different foods to ensure they have a balanced and nutritious diet; they eat a varied range of vegetables and fruit with every meal. She plans her menus weekly and provides a nutritious diet which includes dishes from other countries. Food which is provided by parents is stored appropriately in the fridge. The childminder treats meal times as an opportunity to help babies’ to enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Meal times are happy and relaxed occasions whereby children all sit and eat together. Babies receive regular drinks to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is well nurtured; the childminder ensures that they have daily opportunities for vigorous exercise. Good use is made of local resources, such as the park and soft play centres. Children also walk to and from school where they benefit from daily exercise in the fresh air. Younger children develop their balance and co-ordination as they push the buggy and climb in an out and of a big basket. Their finer motor skills are developed through activities, such as building with blocks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a safe, spacious well-organised environment. The childminder offers very good supervision. Most safety measures are in place to enable children to explore, take risks and be protected and safeguarded from harm and danger. However, low-level glass in the lounge is accessible to children which compromises their well-being. Safety gates at the bottom of the stairs and in the kitchen prevent children having unsupervised access to areas not used. Appropriate fire fighting equipment is in place to ensure children’s safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy access to a varied range of age appropriate play equipment which is safe and in very good condition. Resources are invitingly displayed on the floor, in baskets and on shelves; a low-level toy box holds more play equipment for the older children. Toys and resources are carefully selected to ensure they are suitable.

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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 The childminder promotes and safeguards children’s welfare. She has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She knows what procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They have developed good relationships with the childminder, there is obvious warmth between them; there is lots of interaction and appropriate cuddles are evident. Children express their pleasure and enjoyment through laughing and smiling as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a good balance of adult directed and child initiated games that help them progress in all areas of learning. Children under three explore and experiment through a range of well-planned interesting activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. They engage in basic role play and have fun when they wheel the baby in the buggy and pretend to sweep the floor with the brush. The childminder encourages children’s language development as they look at picture books together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are supported well by the childminder; they explore their senses and creativity as they participate in music activities. They enjoy listening and dancing to their favourite song ‘Row the Boat’ and laugh with delight as they play peek-a-boo games using puppets. However, there are limited opportunities for them to participate in messy play which hinders their creative development. Older children enjoy and participate in a varied range of creative activities, such as colouring, cutting and sticking. Children benefit from good opportunities to develop their social skills when they socialise and mix with other young children at parent and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's cultural and ethnic backgrounds are recognised and acknowledged by the childminder. Children are beginning to learn to value and respect differences. They celebrate and join in the festivals and celebrations of Chinese New Year. They take part in preparing Chinese food and display colourful dragons in the home; this contributes well to children developing a strong sense of identity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has very good knowledge of their individual needs which contributes to their well-being. She ensures children's inclusion by being very aware of their individuality, age and stage of development. This ensures children have equal opportunities to maximise their enjoyment and potential. Children have access to a good range of play resources and books that reflect diversity which helps them to understand about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good relationships with parents. Parents are given some brief written information about the childminders care practices before the placement begins. Contracts are used to confirm all financial and care arrangements; this is to ensure continuity of care. Time is made available daily to share information about children’s progress and welfare.

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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 childminder is a good role model; she treats children with respect and manages children’s behaviour in a calm, positive way. Good explanations help children begin to understand right from wrong. Children are reminded not to climb behind the settee in case they get stuck; they are distracted effectively through the use of books and listening to their favourite stories. Frequent praise helps children to feel good about themselves and their achievements, consequently they develop a high sense of self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has good record keeping systems in place. The required documentation is in place, well organised and easily accessible. This contributes to the welfare of children.

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Organisation

Most areas of the home are safe although the childminder has overlooked the fact that low-level glass is accessible in the lounge. Children are at ease and very settled in their environment. They benefit from well planned routines and participate in a varied range of interesting activities which helps them develop well in all areas of their learning.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and skills in childcare by attending training. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to make sure that the fire place and some low-level glass were made safe or inaccessible to children. She also agreed to obtain an appropriate insurance for transporting children in her car and to improve her knowledge of medication procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made satisfactory progress since her last inspection. She has since moved premises; most areas of her new home are safe and suitable, although low-level glass in this house now needs to be made safe. The childminder has a suitable car insurance cover in place, for when she takes children on outings. She has a good knowledge of medication procedures and ensures she has written permission from parents regarding emergency medical treatment. This promotes children's health appropriately.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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Complaints 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

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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 low-level glass is made safe or inaccessible • further develop opportunities for younger children to participate in creative play

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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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