Lence Josifovska

Lence Josifovska Inspection report for early years provision

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EY298133 Unique Reference Number 15 March 2007 Inspection date Justine George 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her two children aged seven and five in the London borough of Lewisham. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and this includes a lounge, kitchen/dining area and bathroom. Children also have access to her children's bedrooms for sleep and play purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and younger children attend local parent/toddler groups, library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding seven children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and hygienic home and steps are in place to ensure their good health. In the event of children becoming unwell, they are sensitively cared for and contact is made with parents to collect them. Children are excluded from the setting until better. As a result,

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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 spread of infection is minimised. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in administering medication in which the required written consent is obtained and written records are kept. Children have access to a hygienic bathroom and the provision of clean towels and soap is readily available. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. As a result, children learn good personal hygiene habits. The childminder ensures children play in a clean home as they remove their shoes and regular cleaning routines are in place. However, toys for very young children are not cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the spread of germs. Nappy changing procedures are hygienic. Children are changed on separate towels which are washed regularly, and the childminder washes her hands after every nappy

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Helping children to be healthy

change and disposes of waste hygienically.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well promoted as they have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Windows are left open to ensure fresh air is circulated and children use the patio area of the garden to ride bikes. Children use local parks on a regular basis and walk to and from school. As a result, healthy life styles are promoted. Children are well rested as the childminder is aware of their routines and ensures children are made comfortable at sleep times. Children have their comforters of dummies or special toys, and regular checks take place to ensure their wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are fed in line with parents' wishes as information is sought about any dietary needs and the childminder ensures such needs are met. Healthy and nutritious foods are provided which are freshly prepared. Children enjoy their lunch of pasta bolognaise with cheese followed by a yogurt for dessert. Children also have healthy snacks of fresh fruit and regular drinks are given throughout the day to ensure children are well hydrated. Meal times are sociable occasions where children sit together at the table and general chat takes place. The childminder interacts well with very young children talking about what they are eating and asking "is that really yummy?". As a result, children develop social interaction.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit as they have a good range of toys and equipment. These are suitable for their age and stage of development and toys are stored where children can see and reach them safely. The premises are bright and airy and in good decorative order. The organisation of space and furniture ensures children have ample room to play and are comfortable when eating and sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is secure preventing children from leaving the premises unsupervised. On outings, rules are in place and shared with children. Children do not wander off to far ahead and they are informed of the dangers in crossing roads and looking out for cars coming out of drives. Young children use the buggy or are kept safe with use of reigns and older children are encouraged to hold onto the buggy or hold hands when crossing roads. The childminder ensures children are cared for in line with parents wishes as written consent is obtained to take children on outings and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, although this is not in place for all children. Children are protected in the event of an accident as the childminder has kept her first aid knowledge up-to-date. The childminder has not had to deal with any accidents, but would record any serious accidents and keep written records to share with parents. However,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

she is not aware of the need to record all accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a safe environment where most hazards have been identified and minimised. Stair gates prevent children's access to certain areas of the home, plug sockets are covered and fire detection equipment and procedures are in place. However, sharp knives and cleaning

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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 materials have not yet been made inaccessible, although the childminder ensures children are supervised at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from unfamiliar adults as the childminder ensures they are never left alone at any time and details are obtained of adults who have permission to collect children. In the event of an unfamiliar adult turning up, children are not allowed to go off with others until contact is made with parents. Vulnerable children are protected as the childminder has suitable knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the referral procedures of contacting social services. However, reference materials are not in place, for example the government guidelines of 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' . Furthermore, the childminder is not familiar with the procedures of contacting Ofsted in the event of any child protection concerns or allegations made against the family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and confident in the setting, playing with the range of toys available. Children have developed positive relationships with the childminder as she is caring and responsive to their needs. This is further supported with a settling in procedure suited to the needs of the child and their family. Parents are encouraged to visit and stay with their child for a couple of sessions enabling children to familiarise with the new environment safe in the knowledge that parents are close by. As a result, children's emotional development is well fostered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a good range of toys including puzzles, cars, garage and road mat, animals, construction bricks, various games of snap, letter cards and dominoes, letter boards, books and painting equipment. Young children also have a range of soft and exploratory toys to stimulate their senses. Young children enjoy observing others in play and make attempts at verbal communication. Young children enjoy using rattles which they shake and pass from one hand to another, developing their sensory awareness, helping them to make connections and develop understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's use of imagination is encouraged through use of small world play. Children enjoy playing with the cars and line them up in the garage or push them along the floor. Children show interest in the various vehicles, naming each of them specifically. This demonstrates that children are making specific observations, developing their awareness of the environment and wider world. Children also enjoy mark making, exploring colour and making random marks of lines and squiggles. As a result, children's fine motor skills and eye and hand coordination are developing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are collected from school and once at the childminder's home, they enjoy playing imaginatively together, making up fantasy games. Children enjoy super hero play or explore the various range of construction. As a result, children enjoy their time and benefit from opportunities to relax and enjoy the range of equipment after the structure of the school day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures an inclusive environment for all children as all are made welcome and the childminder liaises with parents to ensure she is well informed of children's needs. The childminder welcomes children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and works in

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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 partnership with parents to find out how to support children. This ensures continuity and consistency of care. Children have equal access to the toys on offer and they make independent choices of what they would like to play with. Therefore, children have opportunities to develop their own play ideas and gender stereotyping is minimised. Children learn about the multicultural society in which we live as the childminder takes children out to local groups or places of interest in the community. Children also have access to some equipment that depicts positive images of culture. Furthermore, the childminder shares her cultural experiences with children using her home language and providing traditional Macedonian dishes. As a result, children develop awareness of the multicultural society in which we live and develop positive attitudes towards

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show good levels of behaviour as they are well supported and stimulated in the setting. Children benefit from the routines in place and as a result, care is consistent aiding children's confidence and security. Children further benefit as realistic behaviour methods are used suitable for their age and stage of development. Children receive explanations to develop their understanding of why behaviour is not wanted and methods of negotiation and choice ensure any emotional outbursts are avoided. An example of this is when children want to take toys to bed, the childminder negotiates that one toy can be taken and offers children the choice of which one they would like to take.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in partnership with parents as information is obtained to ensure children's needs are met and parents are informed of how their child has been on a daily basis. All required records are in place to ensure contact can be made easily if required. The childminder is in the process of devising written policies and procedures to share with parents to ensure they are well informed of her service and responsibilities in caring for children. A complaints procedure ensures open and honest relationships are maintained, although a complaints log is not yet in place and good practice of including Ofsted's contact details are not available.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The necessary checks have been carried out to ensure suitability and children are protected from un-vetted adults as they are never left alone at any time. The childminder has completed the required level of training including first aid and is in the process of completing a course in home based child care. Most of the required paperwork is in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting, although written consent for outings and emergency medical treatment are not in place for all children and the childminder is not aware to record all accidents. Furthermore, the childminder has not kept her knowledge up-to-date with regards to addressing any complaints.

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Organisation

The childminder complies with her conditions of registration as adult: child ratios are maintained and the daily attendance record consolidates this. Furthermore, the childminder organises her time effectively to ensure children's needs are well met and their experiences are varied.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, several actions were raised to improve the outcomes for children. The childminder was to keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children. She has since purchased a notebook and is aware of the required details to record, in line with regulations.

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Improvements 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 childminder was to assess the risks to children in relation to garden equipment and take action to ensure that children do not have access to them. The childminder has improved children's safety by storing dangerous and unsuitable items in a lockable shed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was to also develop her awareness and understanding of positive ways to manage children’s behaviour, taking into account their age and stage of development. The childminder has improved strategies and uses alternative methods to minimise unwanted behaviours.

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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 cleaning materials and dangerous items are made inaccessible to children and ensure all accidents are recorded and signed by parents • further develop knowledge of child protection referral procedures and obtain government guidelines • improve knowledge of the requirements set out for dealing with complaints and ensure Ofsted's contact details are provided • ensure written parental consent is obtained to take children on outings and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and ensure this is in place for all children.

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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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