Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284315 Unique Reference Number 04 January 2007 Inspection date Chris Banks 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 pre school aged son in a two bedroom maisonette in the N1 area of Islington. A lounge and kitchen diner are the main areas used for childminding purposes. There is no garden but a play park is within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. She is not registered to provide overnight care. The childminder currently looks after three children on a part time basis.

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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 are cared for in a bright, well maintained home with high standards of cleanliness throughout. Babies benefit from the good hygiene practice of the childminder who ensures nappy changing arrangements are comfortable and well managed. Older children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene. They are familiar with routines and the good example set by the childminder helps children understand why this is important.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from the risk of infection because the childminder has a clear written sickness policy which she shares in writing with parents. She takes effective practical precautions if a child becomes ill in her care, is well prepared in the event of an accident or emergency. If a child needs to be taken to hospital, there is a clear written contingency plan to follow. This ensures suitable arrangements are made for the care of the other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious snacks and meals are enjoyed by children because the childminder effectively puts the principles of healthy eating into good practice. Their individual preferences are taken into good account and special dietary requirements are well documented. Babies enjoy warm support whilst feeding and older children are learning to feed themselves independently.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands well the importance of ensuring children have daily fresh air and exercise. She uses her good local knowledge to ensure children enjoy a range of physically challenging activities in nearby parks and children's playgrounds.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and comfortable setting. They explore their surroundings in safety and with confidence because the childminder supervises children well and organises space to meet the needs of different age groups. Children's rest areas are safe and comfortable with sleeping children monitored closely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes good practical safety precautions and has some well developed written procedures that are effectively put into practice to protect children. This includes a fire evacuation plan and a safe arrival and collection policy. There is also a clear written procedure which is followed if a child is uncollected for any reason.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from well planned outings and learn from an early age about good road safety practice. The childminder also takes good precautions in the unlikely event of a child becoming separated during an outing. Wristbands are worn with the mobile telephone number of the childminder and a clear process is followed if a child becomes lost.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding the overall welfare of children. They are well protected because the childminder has a clear and thorough understanding of child protection issues. Parents are informed in writing about her responsibilities and there are up to date written procedures to follow if there are any 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 about a child. These do not however include the role of Ofsted and the process to follow if an allegation is made against the childminder or another household member.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can comfortably help themselves from a range of safe and well maintained toys and equipment which are regularly checked by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled because the childminder creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere in the family home. They benefit from the caring and motivated approach of the childminder who uses good communication and listening skills with children and takes a positive interest in what they are doing. Children are sensitively supported in their play and receive warm praise for their achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A stimulating range of play and learning experiences is enjoyed by children. The childminder is developing a good understanding of how they learn and develop and plans each day with care to maximise their enjoyment. Day to day activities such as shopping are used to extend their learning and daily trips to a pre-school drop in encourages children to interact and socialise with others. Within the home children are provided with some good play and learning opportunities. Resources are varied and interesting and are made easily accessible to children. They can choose from a good quality range of early learning toys and equipment and are able to play comfortably using low level tables and chairs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and their needs are well met by the childminder who liaises closely with parents to develop well organised routines. They benefit from a shared approach to the settling in process which helps them feel more secure when they finally separate from their parents. Children's progress is monitored well because the childminder shares information with parents on a regular basis. As well as having informal discussions with parents, the childminder takes photographs and keeps copies of children's work. These form part of a simple portfolio for parents which is in the process of being developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have regular opportunities to learn about the wider world by visiting local drop in centres where they socialise with children from different backgrounds and use a range of diverse play materials. A good range of non discriminatory toys in the childminder's home also helps children to acknowledge and value difference.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the calm patient approach of the childminder. They respond well to the simple and realistic behaviour boundaries set by her to protect their own and others' safety. Children are encouraged to be kind and considerate towards each other and are confident to express their feelings.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Space is sufficiently well organised for them to enjoy activities in safety and comfort. Older children benefit from being able to easily help themselves from the good range of toys and equipment and with gentle encouragement happily tidy away afterwards.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's growing understanding of how children learn and develop. She keeps herself professionally well informed by attending training courses and has recently signed up to join the local authority quality assurance programme to further enhance her childcare practice.

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Organisation

Documentation and record keeping is very well organised and information is stored confidentially. Parents are provided with detailed policies and procedures which also includes a clear process to follow if they are unhappy with any aspect of the service.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, it was recommended the childminder obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Written consent is now in place which means children's health and safety is better protected. To complement the fire evacuation plan, it was also recommended a written procedure be developed. This is now clearly displayed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following a recommendation made at the last inspection, parents are clear about how to make a formal complaint if they are unhappy about the service. There is now a written complaints procedure which includes details of how to contact Ofsted.

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Complaints 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 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 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): • ensure child protection procedures include the role of Ofsted and what to do if an allegation is made against the childminder or another household member

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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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