Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279233 Unique Reference Number 17 November 2006 Inspection date Maxine Rose 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two year old son in a two bedroom basement flat situated in a converted Victorian house. The flat is situated in the Archway area of the London borough of Islington. The areas to be used for childminding are as follows, the spare lounge, the kitchen, the bathroom and a toilet. There is one child on roll. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children’s meals are tasty, nutritious and satisfying. The children maintain healthy teeth, active bodies and a strong immune system because their diet consists mostly of natural ingredients such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy the taste of the rice, steamed

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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 with vegetables and fresh herbs. They are keen to try different foods which meet their dietary requirements and the childminder makes sure second portions are readily available. Meals are served with a choice of drinks including fresh drinking water which helps to keep the children hydrated throughout the day. The children are practising to wash their hands and face before meals and after using the toilet. This practice helps to minimise the spread of cross infection. Other procedures implemented by the childminder also help to reduce the spread of infection such as cleaning tables and chairs with antibacterial agents. The children have an action packed day at the childminder’s home and when they go on short trips. Indoors the children are agile on their feet. They move swiftly to pick toys off the mat, climb on furniture or balance on the

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Helping children to be healthy

slide. They are also refreshed and energised by the chance to go out in the fresh air to visit the library or the park. The children’s routine is sufficiently balanced to enable them to rest in a peaceful area. The childminder is trained in first aid for children and infants. She uses her knowledge well to ensure there are suitable systems in place to record accidents and obtain consent for emergency treatment. These practical procedures ensure children can receive basic medical care if required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are able to make full use of the space and resources within the childminder’s home because these are well maintained and suitably organised to meet the children’s needs. Sufficient space is available at floor level for the children to select items easily from storage containers and low shelves. The furniture is practical in design and child friendly for example harnesses are connected to high chairs to maximise safety. Children are clear about what areas they can play in because of secure boundaries affixed to the entry of the kitchen. The children are able to develop their confidence and enjoy the challenge of climbing the stairs safely and independently. The childminder has taught the children how to climb the short flight of stairs and she supervises them well in the process. There are effective fire safety procedures in place such as the smoke alarms and a fire blanket. This helps to ensure the children and the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are alerted to potential dangers in order to evacuate the premises. The childminder is yet to practise a fire evacuation procedure with the children to ensure her plan of action is quick and effective. There are other safety features in the home that work well. For example the fitted socket covers, door stoppers, secure windows, doors and kitchen cupboards. This helps to ensure children do not gain access to areas that are unsuitable for them. The childminder maintains a system for recording accidents and children’s attendance thereby ensuring children’s personal details are monitored. The childminder is clear about her role where child protection matters are concerned. Her knowledge and experience of managing child protection matters helps to ensure children are appropriately safeguarded

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A host of exciting challenges await the children each day. Children develop their hand and eye coordination as they build and connect with construction kits. They enjoy problem solving tasks such as completing simple jigsaws or climbing up the slide. A range of books, some in dual language and some interactive, provide children with the chance to experience storytelling in

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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 interesting ways. The children are able to extend their physical skills as they manoeuvre large and small wheelie toys and throw balls. Their sensory perception is stimulated by the variety of percussion instruments they use and musical cassettes they listen to. The childminder provides a vibrant and enchanting environment for the children. There are comfy seating areas for the children to work from and colourful displays of books, pictures and posters adorn the rooms which inspires the children to explore. The children are active participants in most activities. They are well supported by the childminder who talks, listens and praises the children for their efforts. This builds children’s confidence and boosts their self esteem. As a result children are forming meaningful relations with others, they engage in conversation, they indulge in humorous

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play and they strive achieve independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are able to make a positive contribution because the childminder fosters children’s individuality in practical ways. The children enjoy meals that are consistent with meals they receive at home and also their dietary requirements because the childminder communicates effectively with parents to obtain relevant information. Children feel welcome and valued in the childminder’s home because she goes to great lengths to provide a familiar and stable environment for the children. The children are able to speak their mother language because the childminder reinforces this through books and using the language herself to engage with the children. In addition to this the children are able to use resources that are similar to those at home for example a potty. This helps to create a consistent routine for children. A wide selection of books, dolls and small world equipment reflective of positive imagery are available

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to the children. These resources help to inform children about the positive aspects of living within a diverse community. There are no children with special educational needs. The childminder is keen to embrace all children regardless of need and would provide support in practical ways. The childminder has established a professional relationship with parents in almost all areas. This includes providing opportunities each day to exchange information about the care of the children. This helps to ensure continuity of care, however the details about the complaints policy is incomplete which means parents are not informed as well as they could be.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children have sufficient space within the home to enjoy stimulating activities. Innovative use of space means children can be easily supervised whilst being served food because the dining table is affixed between the joining wall of the kitchen and lounge. Other useful ideas include low level table and storage containers. These resources help to develop children’s independence because they are able to select equipment easily. The childminder is suitably trained in childminding. She plans her time with the children well to ensure they have an enjoyable experience. The childminder maintains appropriate procedures and record keeping systems in most areas. For example an accident book, attendance register and information on children’s personal details and family background. This helps to ensure children are appropriately safeguarded in most areas. Some procedures are not maintained as well as they could namely

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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 the fire evacuation procedure and the parent’s complaints policy. Records are maintained in a confidential manner. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • devise and implement an appropriate fire evacuation procedure • ensure parents receive appropriate information about how to make complaints to Ofsted

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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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