Childminder in Barnet

Inspection report for early years provision

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147146 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2007 Inspection date Deborah Wilkinson 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 who has been registered since 1996 lives with her husband and 12 year old son.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a three bedroom house in North Finchley in the borough of Barnet close to local amenities including shops, a library and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children use the whole of the ground floor for their activities. There are facilities for rest upstairs in the bedrooms and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently looking after four children aged under five.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, well organised environment. The childminder has good systems in place to prevent the spread of infection and children's welfare is safeguarded by the recording

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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 of information about their medical needs. If medication is needed parents give their written consent, however not all have given their consent for medical treatment to be obtained in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children who are very active move around the premises and play comfortably, getting plenty of fresh air and exercise when they pedal their cars round the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Dietary needs and possible allergies are discussed with parents and recorded. Parents are informed of what their child has eaten when they talk to the childminder at the end of each day. The children enjoy a snack of a biscuit and fruit, and they watch as the childminder prepares the apple to see if the peel comes off in one strip. The childminder prepares a cooked meal each day, and if the weather is nice the children may have a picnic lunch in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are confident and happy within the well organised, comfortable home. They use the whole of the ground floor which the childminder checks each day for safety, and move freely between the rooms and if the weather is good the garden. Children are learning about taking care of themselves. For example one starts to play with the door. The childminder asks, "can you tell me the rules about doors?". When the child replies "you can hurt your fingers" the childminder says "yes you can, that's why you don't play with them."

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide selection of resources which are well maintained, appropriate and suitable for their ages. Much of the equipment is presented in a way that makes it easily accessible and the children choose what they want to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected. The childminder understands her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection and keeping children safe and is aware of the possible signs that might alert her to a problem. She has a clear understanding of safeguarding children's welfare, with systems in place to record any accidents that may occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are learning about keeping themselves safe when the childminder talks to them about taking care on the roads.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are secure and settled and their relationships with the childminder are very positive. They are comfortable in their surroundings, confident to explore the environment and choose from a selection of resources which are organised to be easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans her days to ensure the children have a variety of activities and they are busy and involved. The children use a wide range of resources and the childminder who knows the stage they are at suggests activities they might like to do. They paint, use the playhouse and swing in the garden and join the dots to make pictures. The childminder is with them at the table while they do puzzles and when one child asks where a piece goes, moves to sit beside him to help, saying "I don't think you'll be able to do that puzzle until you've sorted out the bits." The child responds turning the pieces over and the childminder praises him when he is successful in his endeavours.

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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 The children go out regularly, to local groups where they have opportunities to socialise and meet other people. They also enjoy outings further afield which have included visiting museums and a tube ride on the Northern Line which runs above ground so the children could watch the world whiz by.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The interaction between the childminder and the children is warm and affectionate. They enjoy each other's company and the children are relaxed and happy. When one child is feeling a little fragile they go to the childminder for comfort, have a cuddle and re-assured tells her "I'm better now."

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settle well because the childminder provides effective care helped by the written records kept about their individual needs. They benefit from the information shared between their parents and the childminder, and regular feedback about all aspects of the provision keeps parents informed about their child's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as the childminder knows them well and follows the normal daily routines which are discussed with parents. Children have regular opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds when they go out, and the childminder recognises the value of living in a diverse multicultural community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well. The childminder is a good role model, she speaks quietly to the children and helps them learn to share and take turns. Positive behaviour is encouraged and when one child asks if he can please get by, she praises him and thanks him for his lovely manners.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and comfortable in the well-organised environment and are developing their independence when they move and play comfortably. They are confident to initiate some of their own play and select activities. They make choices from the resources and there are facilities if they want to rest. The way in which the childminder plans her day ensures the children enjoy a variety of activities. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

The children's welfare and care are promoted by the childminder who shares information daily with parents and has most of the required records available. However, not all the required consents from parents are in place. The childminder also failed to notify Ofsted of building work that was taking place while children were being looked after. This is a breach of regulations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the following recommendations were made to help the childminder develop her practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and to extend the existing range of resources that promote cultural and social diversity.

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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 children are learning about cultural and social diversity when they visit the playgroups in the multi cultural area where the childminder lives. They meet children from all kinds of backgrounds and do activities such as making Divali candle holders. They have also tried different foods including latkes and sushi and bought all the fruit from the story Handa's surprise. The childminder has obtained play figures reflecting disability and different cultural family groups.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendation regarding consents from parents is partially met and is re-made.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • notify Ofsted of any significant changes or events that affect the care of the 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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