Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY310086 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2006 Inspection date Audrey Opal Ufot 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 2005. She lives with her husband and daughter aged four years in the London Borough of Camden. The whole of the flat is used for childminding and there is no access to an outdoor area although children are regularly taken to local parks drop-in. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding four children, under five years, all are part-time and attend on different days. The childminder collects children from a local school and visits the local library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has a Staffordshire bull terrier as a pet.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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's health and hygiene is promoted as the childminder sustains a satisfactory level of cleanliness throughout her home. Children are learning about personal hygiene as the childminder has procedures in place to help stop the spread of germs, for example, young children’s hands are cleaned with wet wipes before lunch and after nappy changing. Older children are taught self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The children are well cared for and protected from illness due to the childminder having effective procedures in place for first aid, accidents, and medication all of which are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s good health is promoted as parents provide their children with a balanced and healthy mid morning snack and lunch. Their allergies and dietary requirements as well as their individual food preferences are met, because the childminder has gathered this information at the beginning of the childminding agreement. Children are offered drinks throughout the day such as water, fruit juice and formula milk at set times. Meal times are a relaxed occasion, there is suitable child sized furniture like a high chair and booster seat for the children to sit and eat comfortably with the childminder. Older children are independent as they feed themselves with the childminder’s encouraging words like 'is that nice'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of daily outdoor play activities, for fresh air and exercise which promotes their wellbeing and helps them develop good physical skills. The daily routine provides opportunity for regular visits to the local farm, zoo and parks where children can run, climb and play throwing and catching games. Visits to a drop-in group also provide opportunities for younger children to play in the baby gym area and the childminder has a portable soft play set for indoor play. Younger children show great delight and enjoyment as they clap their hands and sway their bodies to the tune and sound of a caterpillar pull along musical toy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming family home environment where the childminder has made adequate use of the space to help the children explore independently, rest, eat and play comfortably. Suitable and well maintained furniture and equipment is readily available to meet the children's individual needs such as, stair gates, child sized tables and chairs, a high chair and travel cot. Children are gaining independence and self-confidence because the childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys. The childminder monitors and supervises the choices the younger children make to ensure that they are appropriate and safe; younger children benefit from the wide range of activities and are occupied and content.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder makes suitable risk assessments of her home and has taken positive steps to promote safety for the children. She ensures appropriate action is taken so that risks to children are minimised, for example, there are smoke alarms in the hallway and in the living room and

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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 current public liability insurance is in place. However, the fire blanket is not appropriately positioned in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and of her role and responsibility in relation to these. She is confident to follow the correct procedures to protect children from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy their day. They receive quality attention and affection from the childminder as they play, crawl and explore the safe and secure home environment. The childminder plans activities that are exciting and supports children when they initiate their own play. Young children are learning effectively through their play because the childminder purposefully and appropriately intervenes when they show an interest in doing a puzzle. For example, she says ‘where does this piece go?’ ‘Up the top or to the side?’ ‘Lets turn and push it in’ as the child turns the puzzle to fit in the relevant shape. The childminder gives lots of praise such as ‘well done’ to raise the children's confidence and self esteem. She is a good role model, is calm and shows an interest in the children’s activities. She understands how children learn and makes learning fun for the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good range of interesting activities as the childminder plans some activities based on themes. For example, children with the support of the childminder cut out stencils of Christmas trees ready for painting and are making Christmas cards for their parents. This has extended the children's learning about celebrating different festivals and cultures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have regular opportunities to learn about animals, such as visits to London Zoo and a local farm. Children are learning about the local and wider community which is enhanced by these outings. They also enjoy regular opportunities to explore the outdoors as they visit the local shops and parks where they are able to stretch their bodies, run around, jump and play enthusiastically.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy at the childminder's home. They are familiar with the daily routine which enables them to feel safe and secure. Children enjoy and have a respectful relationship with the childminder. The childminder knows the children’s individual care needs as information is discussed with parents, such as their age and stages of development. She observes the children's personalities well and the children respond to her positively and are happy in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the world they live in as the childminder provides a few suitable toys, and children can choose from a range of books that reflect positive cultural images and are supported by visits to the local library. The childminder talks to the children about different cultures and they take part in activities that celebrate birthdays and festivals. This encourages children’s understanding and knowledge about their families and others in their community.

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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 However, there are insufficient toys and play materials that promote different cultures and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. She has considered access to her premises and where possible would make changes as required to support children’s care and enhance their play. She ensures information from parents about the children's dietary and allergy requirements is appropriately considered. Although she does not have the current Disability and Discrimination Act booklet to use as a guide.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages good behaviour by explaining clearly why some behaviour is not acceptable; she uses strategies like continually saying ‘no’ and uses distraction for younger children. Children are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a trusting partnership with parents. She encourages a two-way flow of information with parents and gives daily feedback about the children’s care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children and she meets their care needs effectively. She is warm and affectionate towards the children and they receive lots of cuddles, as a result they are relaxed and happy in her care and behave well.

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Organisation

The indoor environment is laid out to make the most of the available space and maximises children's play opportunities. They are able to make their own choices and freely select toys independently. This supports children in developing their independence and confidence.

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Organisation

The childminder organises the day to include a variety of play activities and physical exercise. For example, she undertakes after school collection, outings to London Zoo, the local farm and parks to broaden the children’s learning experience and for them to socialise with their peers and other adults in their community. The childminder has developed her knowledge and skills to benefit the children. For example, she has completed training in 'Introduction to Childcare Practice' and intends to further her knowledge by attending training in 'Birth to Three Matters' framework and other qualifications within this field.

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Organisation

Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between parents and the childminder. Documentation is very well organised. The childminder keeps all the required records that contribute to children's health, dietary needs, safety and wellbeing, which are shared with parents. The childminder is aware of recording complaints made by parents. However, she does not have a method in place to record any complaints made by parents.

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Organisation

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 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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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 that there are sufficient toys and play resources that promote different cultures and disabilities • ensure that the fire blanket is appropriately positioned in the kitchen according to the manufacturers guidance • devise and implement a method to record any complaint made in writing by parents.

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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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