Special Educational Needs Support Service (Senss)

Inspection report for early years provision

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133213 Unique Reference Number 15 December 2006 Inspection date Liz Corr 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 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 1994. She lives in the N1 area of the London borough of Islington with her husband and teenage daughter. They live in a two bedroom flat on the ground floor of a house. The premises are close to most public transport links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Areas of the home to be used for childminding are the living room, kitchen and bathroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where there are satisfactory procedures in place to keep them healthy. They benefit from the clear sickness procedure which is discussed with parents. Consequently, children are suitably cared for when they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is promoted by suitable documentation to record the administration of medication and accidents. However, children's health and well being is compromised because permission has not been given for emergency medical treatment and the childminder has not maintained a current first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected by effective hygiene routines. The childminder ensures that children wash their hands before and after eating and she follows good hygiene procedures when changing nappies. This helps to minimise the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals prepared by their parents. The childminder supplements their diet with a range of snacks including fresh fruit and they are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Good communication systems ensure that parents know what their children have eaten during the day. Children benefit from the support offered to parents where there are dietary concerns.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular indoor and outdoor exercise which contributes to their good health and physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a comfortable and welcoming play space in the living room, where they can move around freely and independently. Accidents are minimised because they are always in the childminder’s sight or hearing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is promoted by the appropriate use of fire safety equipment, including a smoke alarm and a fire blanket. However, there is no emergency evacuation plan in place which would increase children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn about road safety and the importance of holding onto the buggy or the childminder’s hand. They know that it is only safe to cross at traffic lights when they green man appears.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedures in place to ensure that children are collected by authorised people. The childminder asks parents to introduce her to any other adult who may collect their children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of Child Protection issues including, recording and reporting concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy a variety of home based and community activities. The childminder has a good knowledge of local facilities and children are taken to local drop-in groups regularly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are familiar with the daily routine. The childminder reminds them their parents will pick them up after tea, which helps them to feel secure. Parents provide comfort items for sleep times. They are stored where the children can see them, which helps them to settle and feel at home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They receive regular praise and encouragement to try out new skills. Children are aided by the childminder as they press buttons on toys to see what will happen. She claps her hands and tells them well done, which encourages them to try again on their own.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Their communication skills and understanding of mathematical language is encouraged in everyday situations. They sing songs with numbers, talk about the colours of doors and cars as they walk to the drop-in groups. One child is playing with the toy telephone and is encouraged to extend their language as the childminder joins in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Frequent visits to local drop-in groups ensure that children enjoy a variety of messy and creative activities as well as developing their social skills. Younger children are gradually becoming more confident being part of a larger group. They take part in painting, sticking and cooking and enjoy taking their pictures home which increases their self esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and their individual needs are respected and catered for. She understands that each child is different and is attentive to how they might be feeling throughout the day. This helps children feel valued and cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the world around them using a sufficient range of play materials offering positive images of race and culture. They also learn about diversity through a variety of local drop-in groups. This helps to promote their sense of identity and to develop a positive image of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour through setting realistic expectations, that they can understand. When they squabble over toys she talks to them about the importance of sharing. She encourages them to be friends afterwards. They receive regular praise and encouragement as they play. Therefore they are developing good self esteem and learning about right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between their parents and childminder. Daily feedback ensures that parents are well informed of their child's progress. The childminder offers support and guidance regarding issues such as eating or sleeping patterns. This helps to build a positive

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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 partnership and enables children to feel settled and secure. However, the childminder does not have the new information for dealing with complaints, to further promote her partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards for childminding. A relaxed and comfortable environment is provided for children with sufficient space to play and explore. Most safety procedures are in place. However, there is no emergency evacuation procedure and therefore children are not fully protected.

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Organisation

The childminder is working in partnership with parents, she knows the children well and parent's views are valued. Each child receives individual care therefore, promoting their confidence and self esteem. Policies and procedures are shared verbally with parents and most required records are in place.

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Organisation

Children's health is not fully promoted because her first aid certificate has expired and she has not requested permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Organisation

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 seek permission for emergency medical advice or treatment. However, this has not been put in place and therefore children's health and well being is compromised.

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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. 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 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): • ensure parents give their written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • improve fire safety precautions by drawing up and practising an emergency escape plan • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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