Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319630 Unique Reference Number 29 June 2007 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and one year in Edmonton, an area which is part of the London Borough of Enfield. The family home is a two-bedroom flat that is situated on the 10th floor of a modern housing estate. The flat is on one level and children have access to most rooms. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child before and after school. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group and childminder’s support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are able to maintain good health in all areas of their development because the childminder has clear routines and procedures. For example the children eat a nutritiously balanced diet because the childminder consults the parents about children’s healthy eating options. This results in children receiving meals that are made from natural ingredients such as meat, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition the children have a choice of drinks such

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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 as diluted juice, milk and fresh drinking water to keep them hydrated throughout the day. These drinks are kept in beakers or bottles and are easily accessible for the children to enjoy whenever they want. Children’s dietary needs and food intake are recorded and adhered to ensure all children sustain healthy growth and development. The childminder takes positive action to minimise cross infection to children. For example all areas of the home are kept clean, this includes, floors, toilets, kitchen food surfaces, children’s bedding and high chairs. The children learn to keep clean as they wash their hands before handling food and after using the toilet. The children’s physical needs are well supported. They have good opportunities both in and outdoors to extend their physical skills and use a range of equipment. For example children

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Helping children to be healthy

use wheeled toys and tricycles which develop their coordination and balancing skills. The children have hoops, bats, balls and skipping ropes to refine their skills and make exercise enjoyable. The children enjoy being in the fresh air when they take walks to the park. The childminder is trained in first aid for children and infants. She has suitable procedures in place for managing sick children, the administration of medication and emergency treatment for children. This helps to ensure children receive appropriate medical if required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder is highly aware of safety issues and active in implementing effective measures to reduce risks to children. The children move around the childminder’s home and explore with confidence. This is made possible by secure locks on doors, windows and cupboards to prevent children leaving the premises and gaining access to unsuitable areas. Smoke alarms, electrical socket covers, furniture and door safety blockers are installed to alert children to danger and to prevent them from coming into contact with sharp objects. The childminder has clear fire evacuation procedures which she formulated in conjunction with the fire office department. The fire escape plan is yet to be put into practice. This compromises the children’s safety. The childminder does conduct daily risk assessments. This helps to ensure that items such as the fire blanket, chair harnesses, storage, furniture and children’s play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

equipment are suitable for use and, where appropriate easily accessible to children. All the necessary safety procedures are in place these include a record of accidents, children’s attendance and consent for outings. These procedures help to ensure children’s ratios are maintained so children can be closely monitored and protected from harm in and out of the setting. The childminder is very clear about her role regarding safeguarding children. She has a clear understanding about the signs of abuse and the action she is required to take when concerns arise. This helps to ensure children’s welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are presented with a range of stimulating activities which support and challenge their development. For example older children recognise letters of the alphabet and numbers because they use these to form simple words or for counting on the magnetic board. The children extend their imagination and communication skills when they dress up and play with dolls. Children express their ideas when they invent and perform different role-play scenarios. The childminder develops the children’s language skills through storytelling and daily discussions. The children actively engage in the story of ‘Mrs Harvey’s Hat’, they are familiar with the themes in the book and retell the story themselves. The children are able to exchange books when they visit the library after school. Younger children have endless fun when experimenting with paints and moulding with play dough. They utilise a range of creative tools such as paint brushes,

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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 rolling pins, cutters and scissors to develop their hand and eye coordination. The childminder shows an interest in what the children are doing and praises them for their efforts such as ‘well done,’. The children are confident. They have a trusting relationship with the childminder and settle well in her home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children feel welcome and accepted because the childminder demonstrates a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all. For example ensuring meals reflect children’s dietary needs and activities promoting a positive image of diversity. A range of play materials such as dolls in different skin tones and books depicting people from around the world help children to value others and foster good relations. The childminder has clear procedures for how children with learning difficulties and or disabilities can be fully integrated in the setting. Children with learning difficulties and or disabilities are welcome. The childminder works closely with parents to devise a care plan for all children, this helps to ensure children’s individual needs are met. The children are confident and behave well. The children learn about good behaviour through positive reinforcement and good role modelling by the childminder who is calm and friendly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is keen to ensure children receive appropriate guidance on right and wrong behaviour, for this reason the children help to create the home rules. The childminder praises children for their efforts this makes the children feel secure in their environment. The partnership with parents contributes positively to the children’s well-being. Information about children’s care is shared through daily discussions. The childminder also provides parents each day with a written record of children’s routines. In addition parents receive a signed contract of agreements detailing the type of care children will receive including ways parents can raise concerns. These arrangements help to ensure children receive consistent care and attention.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children settle well because the childminder provides a comfortable home environment in which children can enjoy a range of enjoyable activities. The children make good use of the space for the purpose of role-play, building with construction, looking through books or playing with hoops. These activities are easily accessible to the children because they are presented in low shelves and tables. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, food and hygiene training and first aid. She uses her knowledge well to plan a programme of activities that help children to make progress in all areas of their learning and development. The childminder maintains all the necessary policies and procedures in a presentable and confidential manner. Some procedures are yet to be implemented. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

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 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): • conduct a fire evacuation to ensure children are aware of what to do in the event of a fire

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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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