Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345559 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2007 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her two-year-old son in a house in Cheshunt. She uses the whole of the house for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding two children, of whom, one is under five and one over five. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder has appropriate procedures in place. She is qualified in first aid and has good access to first aid equipment. Therefore, children are well cared for in the event of an accident. They are protected from infection as the childminder excludes children who have an infectious illness. Children sleep according to their needs to prevent them from becoming overtired. The childminder is aware of the need to request

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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 permission for administering medication although she has not obtained permission for non-prescribed medication. This could result in a delay in children receiving treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is attentive to matters of hygiene. Her house is clean and tidy. She changes children's nappies in a hygienic manner and provides individual towels for children. They learn to wash their hands when necessary to avoid cross infection. The childminder is aware of food hygiene. She provides a variety of healthy meals for children. For example, they enjoy a lunch of ham sandwiches, salad and fruit. if cooking dinner, the childminder ensures that children have a good balance of healthy foods. She meets the needs of those with special diets by liaising closely with parents. Children learn about the benefit of healthy eating through discussion at mealtimes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good opportunities for physical activity. They like to play in the back garden on the slide and rocker or visit local parks. They develop confidence and skills as they use the play equipment in the park. They also enjoy visits to indoor soft play facilities. Overall they keep fit and healthy in the childminder's care.

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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 welcoming environment. The living room is bright and attractively set out with easily accessible resources. Children keep secure in the setting because there are safety gates fitted by the kitchen and hallway. Their safety is promoted well by the childminder. She has taken measures to minimise risks, such as, fitting cupboard locks and providing safety mats in the garden. She carries out safety checks to ensure the premises remain safe. There are good fire precautions in place and children practice an evacuation plan so that they know what to do in the case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a range of suitable and safe resources. These are checked regularly for cleanliness and safety. There is a good selection of toys for young children and also various books and puzzles. The childminder takes care to keep small parts away from young children. Therefore, children play safely. They learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them of various safety rules when playing, for example, using the slide correctly and refraining from jumping on furniture. She supervises them closely and ensures that they keep safe on outings. They learn about road safety on their way to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She makes sure that children are only collected by a known adult. She has the necessary information to enable her to seek advice if she has any concerns. Therefore, children are well protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and play happily. They enjoy choosing from the available resources, for instance, bricks and puzzles. They are confident and talk readily with visitors. They respond positively to the childminder when she offers alternative activities and, after choosing, become very involved in their play. They enjoy drawing, and sticking, and show good levels of concentration. She encourages independence through offering support, then letting children have a go themselves when they feel ready. They like to share books with her and often visit the local library. The childminder praises them for their achievements and in this way boosts their self-esteem.

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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 Children have good opportunities for a variety of learning experiences. The childminder plans activities which allow them to explore independently but which also challenge them to develop their skills further. She engages them in conversation as they explore, thereby encouraging communication skills. She supports them in their learning by talking to them, demonstrating and suggesting ideas. For example, they learn to manipulate play dough and compare shapes and lengths. They visit toddler groups where they have an opportunity to mix with others and participate in different activities. Older children like to play or relax after school and have access to resources which are particularly suited to their age group. In the holidays they enjoy outings, for example, to an animal wildlife park. Overall children enjoy a wide variety of stimulating

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included. The childminder ensures that they have equal opportunities and gives individual attention to each child. Consequently, they have a sense of belonging and feel at home in her care. Children feel special when asked to help others and this helps them to become aware of other's needs. They approach the childminder confidently and get on well together, choosing resources and tidying up afterwards. In this way they are learning to be independent and respect others. Children receive good support from the childminder. She has procedures in place to help her support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are becoming aware of diversity in society, although there are limited opportunities for them to increase their awareness through a variety of resources and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good. They are aware of their boundaries because the childminder has a set of rules in place. She is firm and talks to the children in a calm manner, helping them to understand behavioural issues. If necessary she takes children away from a difficult situation to allow them time to reflect. Therefore, children are learning to distinguish between right and wrong. The childminder works closely with parents and carers. She shares information about her practice with parents and keeps them informed about day to day events. Parents are asked to provide information about their children, and various written permissions, so that the childminder can offer the appropriate care. If parents have any concerns they are made aware of the correct procedures to follow. Children benefit from this close working partnership.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's policies and procedures work well in practice to promote the outcomes for children. Her documentation is well organised and she has several written policies to support her practice. She ensures that parents complete written agreements. Any information about children is kept securely. Her attendance register is well maintained. She has completed an introductory childminding practice course and is keen to attend more training so that she can continually improve her practice.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. They have sufficient space to play in the comfortable living room and participate in activities at the large dining table. There is good access to a downstairs bathroom and the small back garden. The childminder uses her time well in playing and chatting with children. She organises her day to allow them

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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 time to choose activities indoors and also enjoy outdoor play. Her organisation contributes to children keeping healthy, safe and happy. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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): • request written permission from parents for administering non-prescribed medication • ensure that children have opportunities to increase their awareness of diversity.

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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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