Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335569 Unique Reference Number 19 January 2007 Inspection date Sharon Henry 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 2006. Members of the household include her partner and their two young children. The family live in the Walthamstow area of the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for four children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder discusses dietary needs with parents and provides the food for children. Written information about the children's dietary requirements, including food allergies are recorded in

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Helping children to be healthy

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 contracts. Thus ensuring the children’s good health is maintained. The childminder offers mostly home cooked and healthy foods and snacks which include raisins and fresh fruit. Children have opportunities to sleep and rest according to their needs. Children are given drinks ensuring they remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children stay healthy because they learn to follow good personal hygiene routines. The childminder encourages them to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before they eating. Nappy changing routines follow good practice. For example, the childminder wears disposable gloves and soiled nappies are disposed of appropriately. Children benefit from the childminder’s high standard of household cleanliness. This good practice minimises the risk of infection amongst children. Children's health and well-being is safeguarded in an emergency situation through prior written consent from parents being sought.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the effective measures in place regarding the administration of medication. Parents are required to give prior written permission and all administered medication is recorded. This ensures children are given the correct dosage and therefore further promotes children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is well supported with daily walks to and from school and visits to the park. The childminder regularly attends drop-ins and toddlers groups where children have the opportunity to play on large apparatus such as bikes and slides.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel comfortable in a warm, clean and well presented environment. They use a good range of developmentally appropriate resources, encompassing all areas of learning. Toys are in good condition and easily accessible, which promotes children's choice and develops their independence. Space and furniture are well organised to allow children to move around safely and play in comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is paramount. Regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure that the premises pose no risk to children. Safety equipment such as smoke alarms on all levels of the home, socket covers and a fire blanket correctly position in the kitchen, all contribute to children's safety within the home. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and the childminder practises the procedure with children. As a result, children become aware of what to do should an emergency arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant when taking children out. For example, younger children are strapped in the buggy and older children are encouraged to walk on her inner side away from the road. The childminder gains permission from parents to transport children in her car. She is aware of the recent law regarding car safety and has acquired appropriate car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected in the childminder's care as she has sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has attended training and understands her role and responsibility with regard to keeping children safe from harm. She has all the relevant

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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 documentation and contact numbers, if she has any concerns about the safety or welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a good relationship with the childminder. Their sense of fun and enjoyment is encouraged, and the childminder is affectionate and caring in her approach with them. As a result, children are happy and settled in the childminders care. Children's individual needs are promoted and met effectively by the childminder. She knows them well, which makes them feel secure and safe in their environment. The childminder is aware of Birth to three matters framework, but has not had the opportunity to fully implement this into practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children self-select their toys and play with the childminder who encourages them to participate in activities. As a result, children are interested in what they are doing. They fully use their imaginations during role-play because they have access to very good, quality resources. For example, they can select from a wide range of play foods and enjoy making fillings for sandwiches.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children know their way around the setting, moving freely from one area to another, demonstrating children feel at home and relaxed. Children experience a good range of interesting activities inside the home. They participate in painting activities during which the childminder develops their understanding of colour. She chats freely to them extending their vocabulary. The childminder provides ample resources such as plenty of paint, dough, crayons and construction, enabling children to make independent choices in their play. She has a good awareness of how she is developing children’s learning and skills during activities. For example, she talks to them about what they are doing and encourages them to describe what they have done, developing their language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy looking at books as they point to the pictures and help turn over the pages. They are excited as they play with the construction and the younger children play with the rocking house enthusiastically.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder carries out observation of the children and has started tracking their developmental progress. She uses this information to inform her planning and to ensure that the environment enhances children's learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder establishes children’s needs and routines at the agreement stage and she assures high quality support through on-going communication with parents. Therefore, children receive appropriate levels of care. Children have the opportunity to learn about their community through an adequate range of anti-bias equipment, including books, puzzles and small world figures.

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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 Children are well behaved. They feel valued as individuals and develop a sense of belonging as the childminder offers praise and encourages their social skills and good manners. Children are warmly welcomed into the home and treated with respect. They are becoming independent as they help to tidy away toys before selecting alternatives. Children make choices and select resources, creating their own learning environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder acts as a good role-model. She is kind and sensitive and speaks positively to children. Clear boundaries and simple rules are consistently applied. As a result, children are well mannered, sensitive towards each other, and are learning to share and play happily together. They understand responsible behaviour, such as sitting together at the table at meal times, sharing and taking turns when playing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and disabilities, the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding. She appreciates the importance and value to the child of working very closely with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit as parents share relevant information with the childminder on a daily basis keeping her aware of their needs and progress. Parents are also informed of the progress their children make whilst at the childminder's. Written policies and procedures, signed and agreed to by parents, work well and promote children's health, safety and enjoyment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from their care being well organised. The effective organisation of time, space and resources ensure the individual children's needs are given priority and enable them to develop. Children enjoy the benefits of an organised environment, where toys and resources are stored at low level, allowing them easy access and opportunities to lead their own play. Children's general care is enhanced as the childminder uses the information and experience gained on courses to improve her childcare practice. Consequently, children are able to enjoy and achieve in a positive environment.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures all documentation is complete and up to date. She has compiled a file with all her policies, procedures and other useful information to share with the parents so that they are well informed. However, parents are not informed of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

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 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): • develop a system for logging complaints received by parents, in line with current legislation.

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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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