Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336511 Unique Reference Number 07 November 2006 Inspection date Catherine Greene 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. She lives with her six year old daughter and five year old son in Camden. They live in a two bedroom flat on the third floor. The areas of the childminder's premises available to children are the living room and bedroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time. There are currently two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is available to collect children from the local primary school.

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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's health benefits because the childminder follows highly effective procedures which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. They are cared for in a warm, clean, family environment where daily routines help children learn about health and independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular outdoor activities that encourage them to develop physical control and co-ordination. A planned routine of visits to drop-in groups and local parks ensures that children can experience larger physical play experiences. With the childminder's encouragement children are growing in confidence when using resources such as climbing frames, swings, bikes and footballs. The childminder has a very good understanding of appropriate types of activities that will give children confidence to experiment, set their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to eat and rest according to their developmental needs. Close partnership with parents ensures that the children's individual needs are met. Children help themselves to easily accessible drinking water throughout the day. They enjoy nutritious, cooked foods, fruit and vegetables at snack and lunch time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk from accidents are minimised by the childminder's knowledge of possible danger in the home. She has risk assessed her home and is vigilant in her supervision of children throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing confidence in their own ability and are able to move around the home freely and independently. This is achieved because the childminder encourages children's independence whilst raising their awareness of safety issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a selection of safe play equipment suitable to their age and development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare with regular communication with parents. She has taken steps to ensure children's safety. For example, she has a photocopy of the child's health record book which gives her a comprehensive history of immunisations and development to date. She holds a current first aid certificate and has attended recent child protection training. She has a clear understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's home and are happy and content in her care. They benefit from the childminder’s calm and patient approach which encourages them to relax and settle in her home.

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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 Children receive lots of cuddles and attention from the childminder, consequently, they develop a strong sense of self which promotes their confidence and self-esteem. They achieve well because the childminder is skilled at providing play opportunities. She uses her good understanding of early years practice to provide good quality care and learning activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children socialise well through regular attendance at local community groups such as the Calthorpe Project and Bedford House baby gym. A good selection of play materials are provided for children, these are well organised and children are able to self-select which encourages their independence and choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and happy in the childminder's home because she values and respects their individuality, culture and language. The childminder's regular attendance at the local community centre ensures that children benefit from a rich, cultural environment where several languages are spoken.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is positively managed by setting realistic expectations that children can easily understand. The childminder praises children as a positive incentive for good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good awareness of providing care for children with learning difficulties and/or disability. She is interested in further developing her knowledge by attending disability awareness training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's personal daily routine is followed and discussed thoroughly with parents. They are welcomed into the home by the childminder's own children, this gives them a good sense of belonging. Children have access to a limited range of equipment that promotes diversity and positive images.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of organisation and the well planned routine and information for parents.

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Organisation

The home is well organised, and space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel at home and at ease in this caring environment. Parents' views are valued and there are systems in place to share information daily which contribute to the children's sense of confidence and well-being.

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Organisation

The daily routines are planned and are based on the individual needs of each child. All required documentation is in place and the childminder has sought to update her knowledge of first aid and child protection which impacts well on children's overall safety and wellbeing. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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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

The provider is required to keep a record of any 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): • continue to develop the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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