Seisay Sarah

Seisay Sarah Inspection report for early years provision

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EY222978 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2007 Inspection date Helen Maria Steven 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 October 2002. She lives with her partner and three children, two sons aged nine years and seven years and a daughter who is rising two years, in Maida Vale in the London Borough of Westminster. The premises is a two bed roomed maisonette arranged over two floors. The main areas of the home used for childminding are the living room, hallway and kitchen. No garden is available, but the childminder takes children to local parks and playgrounds for regular outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children. Currently there are two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is an active member of a local carer and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and Westminster Accredited Childminders Network.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder has appropriate procedures in place for when children are unwell, however the risk of cross infection is not reduced at sleep time as children do not have exclusive use of bedding. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to effectively treat children in an emergency. A first aid box is in place, but does not contain items such as sterile pads. Procedures are in place to ensure that medication is administered appropriately, however there is no parental consent in place to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they are introduced to a range of healthy foods supplied by the parents. The childminder ensures that these are stored and heated appropriately. They are encouraged to expand their gastronomic experiences by trying a variety of foods from different cultures, for example when celebrating black history month. Children share meal times together sitting in highchairs and at the table in the kitchen. They help themselves to their individual cups when they identify that they are thirsty. Babies learn to feed themselves and are supported by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health, for example regular visits to local parks and opportunities to use climbing equipment at the drop in groups. Children enjoy being enveloped in a ball pool, playing on the bouncy castle and dancing, thus developing control of their bodies. Babies use the furniture to pull themselves up to standing and as support for their mobility. The childminder actively encourages and supports them to take steps independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is generally aware of risks and hazards, for example, when out of the home she chooses enclosed playgrounds and talks to the children about road safety. A safety gate is placed at the bottom of the stairs to prevent younger children from attempting the steps without supervision, however this gate is not secured to the wall and can not with stand children using it to pull themselves up. Electric sockets which are accessible to the children are not protected, for example in the hallway and beside the travel cot in the living room, this can cause children harm. The layout of the home provides challenges for the childminder in moving the children around the home and supervising the children when she herself needs to use the bathroom. For example whilst the childminder was out of the room a baby was observed standing alone and then falling near the edge of a table, on this occasion the child was not hurt, but a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

risk is present when children are not under direct supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder ensures that children can choose toys appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has equipment to enable her to take the children out safely, for example she has a triple buggy and has appropriate car seats provided by the parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. A policy is available for guidance, but is in relation to the drop in group that

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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 the childminder organises. Currently the childminder does not have contact numbers of the local social service department to enable her to seek advice or make a referral swiftly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident and make themselves at home. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities that appeal to all. The childminder provides an excellent range of activities to promote younger children’s learning, for example, she has developed an interesting treasure basket that provides children with rich sensory experiences. Babies explore the sounds of a thick chain as they move it between their hands and bang it on the wooden floor. They keenly observe how a bunch of keys moves when they shake it and explore different textures and materials in their mouths in line with their stage of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to each other for example, one baby comes to sit alongside the other and babbles, smiles and uses body language to communicate. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children’s creativity is supported by their opportunities to enjoy drawing and decorate masks. They enjoy singing familiar rhymes, explore rhythm and music through activities arranged by the childminder. Babies switch on musical toys and spontaneously move to the tune. Children look in wonder at a multitude of bubbles surrounding them at the drop in group, they lift up their arms to catch and pop them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to physical contact from the childminder, they snuggle in close and respond to the softness of her voice as she affords them time to gently wake from their sleep. She talks and commentates to them to extend their understanding and language skills. They share familiar books such as ‘Dear Zoo’ and children enthusiastically lift the flaps to reveal what is underneath and turn the pages. The childminder has a good awareness of children’s developmental needs and ensures that they spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, younger children are introduced to African culture by dressing up, observing images and artefacts tasting food, singing and participating in drumming.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow a regular daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other and are beginning to play together harmoniously. They behave well and respond to the childminder’s praise, for example, babies echo the childminder’s phrase ‘good girl’ whilst laying down having a nappy change. The childminder has not had experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, but discusses all children’s needs to ensure that she can appropriately support them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given both verbal and written feedback daily regarding their child's activities; this contributes to continuity in the children’s care. A gradual settling in period enables the children to build up their confidence at being separated from their parents. Parents report that they are very happy with the service that the childminder provides and their children are happy when they approach the childminder’s home.

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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 satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the friendly environment. They are confident to initiate their own play and learning. Parents are well informed about their children's progress and activities enabling them to contribute to the continuity of their child's care. The children’s individual details are known to the childminder including their likes and dislikes.

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Organisation

Most paperwork required to promote the welfare, care and learning of children is in place, however the required daily attendance register is not always completed appropriately. For example, children who are attending without their parents whilst settling are not included. This is a breach of regulation. The childminder arranges a settling in period over a number of weeks, however during this time she is caring for more than one child under the age of one year. This means that she is not meeting required ratios, as they apply to all children she is responsible for who are on the premises. This is a breach of regulation.

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Organisation

The childminder has adopted a range of policies and procedures and makes this available for parents. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed alongside information for parents in the kitchen. The childminder is proactive in ensuring that she keeps herself updated in issues surrounding childminding by attending various courses and being involved in the local childminding network. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an attendance register to ensure it accurately reflects children's daily attendance. The childminder has not consistently ensured that her register is up to date to ensure that an accurate record of children's attendance is in place. For example the register does not record any attendance for the day of inspection for any child present. There is no attendance record for children who are present in the childminder's care during their settling in process.

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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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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 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 hazards to children are minimised by making safe all electrical sockets that are accessible to children and ensuring the safety gate across the stairs is secured • ensure that a daily attendance record is kept of every child being cared for • ensure that childminder: child ratios are maintained at all times

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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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