Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY299639 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Carol Brown 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 in a three bedroom house with her husband and two children aged 22 months and four years in the Chingford area of the London borough of Waltham Forest. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years, of these not more than two may be under five years and of these no more than one may be under one year. The childminder is currently caring for one child on a full time basis. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. This is supported through the childminder's effective daily routines and her understanding of the importance of promoting children's health and well-being. For example, children are developing their understanding of healthy living as they are encouraged to take part in regular physical play both indoors and outside. Nappy changing routines ensure that children's health is protected as the childminder

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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 takes steps to prevent the spread of germs. Babies receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional well-being and gives them confidence to explore new experiences.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are further protected as the childminder keeps her knowledge of first aid techniques current and therefore is able to provide the necessary care and attention in the event of an accident. The childminder effectively records accidents and ensures that she gains parents signatures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered healthy snacks, this is because the childminder has a good understanding of the range of foods which provide a balanced and nutritious diet. Parents are consulted as to their child's dietary requirements, which ensures that they remain healthy. Younger children are encouraged to feed themselves, this is supported by the childminder as she offers praise and encouragement. Parents are given information on a daily basis as to their child's food intake. Drinks are available at all times.

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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 warm and welcoming home where risks are identified and minimised. The premises are organised to ensure that safety measures are in place. For example, safety gates are in place to prevent children from accessing areas of the home unsupervised. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, learning to climb stairs with supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good systems in place for the safe arrival and departure of children as they are only released into the care of known adults. There are effective emergency evacuation procedures in place, which would keep children safe in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Younger children are able to have an undisturbed rest in a first floor bedroom and are monitored through regular visual checks and a baby monitor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has a good understanding of the physical and emotional signs of abuse and the appropriate action to take to safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the childminders home and they relate well to the childminder. Children have opportunities to socialise with other children, both within the home and through regular attendance at local parent and toddler groups. Children enjoy being in the company of the childminder, as she provides them with a varied and stimulating range of activities, which promote their learning in an enjoyable way. For example, children respond to action songs initiated by the childminder. Children's individual needs are well met, for example, the childminder provides alternative activities when children become disinterested with play materials provided. Children's access to resources is well met as they are able to choose toys for themselves because they are stored at low level and are easily accessible.

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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 Younger children's learning is supported through music, sensory experiences and the childminder's ability to support their pre-verbal skills by responding to their babbling and gestures. The childminder is planning to use the Birth to three matters framework to support younger children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a sufficient range of resources and activities, which help them to develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider community. Children are respected as individuals and have access to some resources which reflect diversity in society. This is helping children to develop a sense of self and the world around them. Children's behaviour is good; this is as a result of the childminder developing consistent methods for managing behaviour, which take into account the age, level of understanding and maturity of individual children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's needs are well met and their daily routines are shared with parents. Parents are regularly consulted as to their children's individual care needs and the services provided by the childminder, thereby ensuring adequate continuity of care. Parents provide the childminder with relevant information regarding their children to enable appropriate care, for example, information relating to individual dietary requirements and relevant health information.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides. Children feel secure within the well organised environment. Parents are given daily verbal reports on their children's progress. Policies and procedures are used effectively to support children's well-being and development. Children's care and development is supported through the childminder's commitment to developing her knowledge through further training. There are comprehensive systems are in place to keep children safe and enable them to make progress. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps to promote their welfare.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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. 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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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

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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): • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework to support children's learning • continue to develop resources which promote children's understanding of the wider community

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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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