Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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8QLTXH 5HIHU HQF H1XPEHU 13 March 2007 ,QVSHFWLRQ GDW H Julia Louise Crowley ,QVSHFW RU

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Childcare 7\SHRILQVSHFWLRQ Childminding 7\SHRIFDU H

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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 $%2877+,6,163(&7,21 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

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has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later. 7KHNH\ LQVSHFWLRQ MXGJHPHQWV DQG ZKDW WKH \ PHDQ

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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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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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On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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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:+$762572) 6(77,1*,6,7" The childminder was registered in 1995. She lives with her two adult daughters in Barnet, within the London Borough of Barnet. The whole of the childminder’s bungalow is used for childminding, apart from the master bedroom and one of her daughter’s bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, one over five years and four under five years all on a part time basis.

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7+(())(&7,9(1(6 62) 7+(3529,6,21 +HOSLQJ FKLOGU HQW REHKHDOWK\ The provision is good. Children's health is promoted successfully in a clean and well organised environment. Children have a strong understanding of simple good health and hygiene practises, because the childminder is supportive and offers clear instruction. For example children access tissues easily and wash their hands independently with confidence. The childminder has completed appropriate

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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 courses in food hygiene and first aid, as a result the children are well cared for if an accident should occur and infection is minimised through effective hygiene procedures. For example using anti bacterial wipes on surfaces. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to record accidents and the administration of medicines subsequently children's health is monitored and catered for successfully.

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Children are well nourished because they enjoy a healthy menu which caters for their individual needs. The childminder plans nutritious menus and healthy snacks. For example, cheese sandwiches and a variety of salad vegetables. The childminder provides a jug of juice and beakers; this enables the children to access regular drinks throughout the day.

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Children enjoy frequent opportunities for outdoor play, dancing and exercise. For example children have easy access to a large, well equipped and child friendly garden. This is because the childminder has a good understanding of the importance of exercise and fresh air.

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3URW HFWLQJ FKLOGU HQIU RPKDUP RUQHJOHFW DQG KHOSLQJ WKHP VWD \ VDI H The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe welcoming and secure environment both indoor and outdoors. For example toys are accessible and presentable and menu and certificates are on display. The childminder effectively risk assesses the premises and removes any possible hazards. She provides safe, good quality toys and materials which enables children to play confidently. For example children decide to play in the play kitchen and know where to safely find the play food and cups and saucers. The childminder has a wide range of safety equipment in place e.g. stair gates, plug sockets, smoke alarms, locked cupboards and car seats, this means that children are cared for safely. Children have a good understanding of simple safety procedures because the childminder encourages and informs them, for example, children help to clear away toys,

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because they no it may cause an accident. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has effectively risk assessed the venue and discussed thoroughly with parents. Subsequently the children enjoy a well organised and fulfilling experience.

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The childminder has the required documentation and demonstrates some awareness of child protection but is not confident in her understanding of local safeguarding children procedures to enable her to act promptly if concerns arise. Children's safety is compromised.

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+HOSLQJ FKLOGU HQDFKLHYH ZHOO DQG HQMR \ ZKDW WKH \ GR The provision is good. Children are confident and self assured because the childminder offers them effective opportunities to make independent choices and lead play. For example, childminder plays with the two year old child, she listens as the child, and follows his instruction. Children are interested in what they are doing, because the childminder is successful in providing stimulating, challenging toys i.e. well stocked play kitchen with food and crockery, dolls house with a good range of figures.

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Children ask questions with confidence because the childminder is quick to respond and discuss with them. They use their initiative to problem solve, for example children collect up the play eggs and carefully places them in the egg boxes so that they fit. Children look to the childminder for reassurance and she consistently offers them praise.

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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 The childminder spends time observing the children, she knows what toys they enjoy and can take them to their next stage of development. For example, the childminder ensures that children can now access large interlocking cardboard puzzle pieces, so that they can develop new skills and enjoy challenge in their play.

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+HOSLQJ FKLOGU HQPDN HDSRVLWLYH FRQWULEXWLRQ The provision is good. The childminder successfully provides equipment and toys that ensure children are able to achieve i.e. Children eat a meal together at the table, each child has their own specific size cutlery and crockery and the younger child is included in a high chair. Children gain a sense of belonging because the childminder includes them in all activities and welcomes them warmly on their arrival. For example child arrives after a nursery session, the child is provided with a favourite activity and the childminder enthusiastically asks questions about the child's morning at nursery.

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The childminder demonstrated through discussion that she has a good understanding of children's needs and welcomes children with learning difficulties. The childminder has had some experience in the past, she liaises with parents and other agencies, to ensure that the child's needs are met.

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Toys and play equipment provided offers positive representation of the wider community, encouraging children to have positive attitudes towards others. For example, play figures, play food and cooking utensils, puzzles ands books.

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Children learn the difference between right and wrong because the childminder effectively offers the children explanation and reinforcement of positive behaviour. Children are encouraged to share and take turns so that they understand each others feelings and negotiate. For example children are encouraged to take turns when they play with a puzzle.

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The childminder has all required policies and procedures in place and regular informal discussions with parents ensures continuity of care for the children.

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2UJDQLVDWLRQ The organisation is good. The childminder provides a spacious, well organised and child friendly environment. She has a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play, subsequently children gain in confidence and achievement.

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The childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding protection of children from persons living in the household and has ensured those over 16 years have undergone appropriate suitability checks. She is less familiar with local procedures and shows a commitment to increasing her knowledge of these. All required documentation is in place and available for inspection.

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,PSU RYHPHQWV VLQF HWKH ODVW LQVSHFWLRQ The childminder was asked to remove dangerous items form the bathroom. Since the last inspection the she has made ongoing daily risk assessments regarding hazardous substances and ensures they are kept out of reach of minded children. Children can now use the bathroom area safely. In addition the childminder was asked to complete the record of daily attendance,

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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 including children's times of arrival and departure and that the record of medicines administered to children, includes a parental signature to acknowledge the entry. Both of these documents are complete and maintained, ensuring that the childminder can promote the children's health and safety.

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&RPSODLQWV VLQF HWKH ODVW LQVSHFWLRQ 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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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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On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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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:+$70867%(’21( 72 6(&85()8785(,03529(0(17" 7KHTXDOLW\ DQG VWDQGDU GVRIWKH FDU H To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase knowledge of local safeguarding procedures and local contact numbers

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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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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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