Childminder in Waltham ForestOfsted inspection, 24 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY286296 Inspection date 24 May 2005 Inspector Sandra Wickham

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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 has been registered since 2004. He lives with his partner and their respective children, daughters' aged thirteen and four years old, in the Chingford area of Waltham Forest. All of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a through lounge and dining area and extension area with direct access to the kitchen, and hallway. The first floor of premises is only access to the bathroom. There is access to a garden at the rear of the property. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and

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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 is currently minding one child of pre-school age.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The provision is good. Children's health needs are being promoted because the childminder meets the regulations with regard to maintaining accident and medication records. Children are generally well nourished because the childminder meets parental wishes, any dietary needs, stores, cooks, prepares and serves the food provided by parent. Younger children's independence skills are being promoted because the childminder treats mealtimes as an opportunity to help children to enjoy food and become independent at feeding themselves. They are offered regular drinks. Children have regular access to physical play opportunities both indoors and outdoors, because the childminder takes children to local parks, toddlers groups, provides frequent access to a well equipped garden. Young children's physical skills are making good progress as they enjoy attempting to pull themselves to their feet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual rest needs are met and children are able to rest safely and comfortably in the childminder's care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are easily able to select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Overall, the childminder is vigilant in supervising children to ensure their safety both indoors and outside of the home. Although children are generally secure and confident in the environment, the childminder fails to takes steps to reduce hazards on the premises, this compromises children’s safety. Children can expect to be responded to appropriately in the event of an accident or emergency as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, has a good range of first aid supplies easily accessible on the premises, and has appropriate emergency contingency plans in place. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures, having undertaken training and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

assessments on this topic. Children are protected by his knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect, and the childminder is aware of relevant procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The provision is good. Children enjoy generally positive relationships with the childminder who offers physical reassurance and comfort. Children are beginning to develop communication skills because the childminder encourages children's language, through responding to toddler's sounds and attempts at words. Regular

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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 daily outings provides children with frequent opportunities to socialise which supports their development. Children spend their time purposefully. Children are fascinated by the cause and effect of sound making toys, and smiling with contentment with interaction from the childminder. The childminder makes sure the resources provide children with sufficient challenge to stimulate their creative needs and sensors, and encourages children to learn words and meaning by effective interaction in response to rhymes and games. Children's needs are being met because the childminder works well with parents to help children to make progress in all areas. The childminder is working to improve his practice for young children by using the Birth to Three Matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The provision is good. The childminder and parents work sufficiently well together which ensures children are consistently cared for, both at home and when with the childminder, for example, when ensuring children are suitably rested to enjoy and take part in the activities provided. The childminder makes sure parents are kept well informed about their child's progress, through daily informal exchanges. Children are beginning to learn about diversity through the range of resources accessible. Children are pleased when they receive praise and encouragement in their achievements. Children are encouraged to feel valued and gain a sense of belonging from the childminder who knows them well and is aware of their routines, likes and dislikes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well-organised, child-centred environment. Space and resources are presented in a such a way whereby children can confidently initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children can choose to play independently with the easily accessible play and learning resources. The childminder is extending his own learning on caring for children, and is developing his practice to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. He utilises daily exchanges with parents, enabling them to be well informed about the service and their child's activities. This all contributes to continuity in the children's care. Good planning systems are in place which keep children healthy and safe, and enables them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 There are no complaints to report on

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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): • Provide children with a fully risk assessed environment.

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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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