Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290203 Inspection date 13 May 2005 Inspector Julia Louise Crowley

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and four daughters aged 12, 10, 7 and three years old in Edmonton within the London Borough of Enfield. They live in a four bed roomed house, the whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library parks and some child focused groups. The childminder is registered for four children at any one time she is currently has seven children, on a part-time basis on roll.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are given opportunities to develop their heath through regular exercise and play. For example they walk to and from school. Children are given frequent opportunities to enjoy a swing, slide and sand tray in the outdoor area, which promotes their coordination and agility. Children's knowledge of healthy living is increased by discussion and clear explanation from the Childminder. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care therefore increasing their knowledge and understanding. For example, the children know to put shoes on to protect their feet and enjoy the outdoors. They have a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after toileting, in order to reduce the risk of infection. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet, healthy options are offered to the children. Children of different ages are able to eat together and

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Helping children to be healthy

contribute in lively chatter. Children can access small sized cutlery, plates and bowls so that they are able to gain independence. Children's knowledge is actively developed at mealtimes, discussion about where food has come from and its benefits are encouraged.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious home, where risks are identified and minimised. Children learn to keep themselves safe, by listening to simple instruction and copying the childminders actions. Children are able to explain reasons why simple safety tasks, must be completed. For example, tidying toys away, before selecting another, so that the floor is safe to walk on. Children are supportive in helping and reinforce safety practises with each other. For example one child passing a clean tissue to another. Children select toys from well organised, accessible shelves and boxes in the playroom, enabling them to make decisions and use initiative. Children are familiar with where their favourite toys are and can select them without harming themselves. Children gain independence and a sense of achievement through moving around the room freely and safely. Children arrive in the morning to a welcoming and safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

environment, the home is thoroughly checked for safety hazards on a daily basis. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through policies, procedures and records. For example, the childminder has completed her first aid course and has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and relaxed in the childminders home. They move confidently from room to room exploring toys and play activities. Children's likes and dislikes are recorded and acted on, enabling the children's individual needs to be met effectively. Children are involved and participate in games and activities, they use language and expression to develop games into imaginative stories. For example, the fabric tunnel becomes a jack in the box. Children expect the childminder to play a part in they imaginative game, and she is quick to respond to their requests. Children gain self esteem and confidence from the childminders participation and the group, thoroughly enjoy the activity. Children select toys from a wide range of resources. Children are familiar with the play equipment and enjoy playing with them. For example children play with puzzles, games, small world toys and outdoor equipment. Children make independent choices

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and access the toys easily. They are introduced to new toys that extent their learning and offer sufficient challenge. For example, one word books to simple sentences, are read to the children. Children spend time with the childminder looking at the book, enabling them to increase their concentration and develop their language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are given time to complete self chosen tasks, for example putting on their shoes, this gives them a sense of fulfilment and achievement. Children are self assured and confident, they offer their own opinions and make choices. Children's creative work is displayed enabling the child to feel valued and part of the family. Toys and play equipment provided represents themselves and the wider community, encouraging children to have positive attitudes towards others. Children are consistently well behaved and responsive to the childminder. The childminder uses effective strategies for managing behaviour. Children learn to understand right from wrong and play together harmoniously. For example they take turns and show concern for one another. Children benefit from a sharing of information between parents and childminder. This enables the child to receive consistent care and effective support.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure within the well organised environment, they are relaxed and confident. For example moving from creative playroom to quiet living room for stories. They are confident to make demands on the childminder in the knowledge that their

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 requests will be appropriately met. Parents are told of their children's progress on a daily basis, enabling the child to feel supported. Children's care and development is supported through the childminders commitment to on going training. Effective simple guidance is offered to the children, to keep them safe and make progress. For example setting the table together. Policies and procedures are organised effectively to promote welfare, care and learning of children. Children's information is made available to their parents, which encourages progress and support for the child. This also contributes to continuity in the child's care. The needs of all children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminders first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since registration.

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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): • Develop knowledge and understanding of Birth to Three Matters.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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