Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337159 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Mary Holt 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 in a residential area of South Chingford in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, with her husband and two children aged five and eight years old. Her home is close to all facilities including schools, transport links, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor, the bathroom and small bedroom on the first floor are mainly used for childminding. There is also a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years, she currently cares for a two children, one aged three on a full time basis and one aged five on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a warm, clean environment. Good health and hygiene procedures protect children from the risk of cross-infection. For instance, the children all know to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and when they come in from playing outside in the garden. Each child uses individual hand towels. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she is able to give children appropriate care if there was to be an

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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 accident. Young children’s individual routines for eating and sleeping are followed. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical well-being. Children sleep contentedly on the sofa, they have individual blankets and comforters from home which helps soothe them to sleep.

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Helping children to be healthy

Menus are healthy and well balanced; they are rotated on a regular basis to ensure variety. Children use the menus to discuss different food options available to them. They enjoyed a ham sandwich and fresh fruit for lunch, alternative food is offered to children with specific dietary requirements. The childminder has a good understanding of the nutritional needs of children and works closely with parents to ensure their individual diets are catered for. Mealtimes are relaxed, sociable occasions where they all sit together at the dining room table whilst enjoying their food. Children receive regular drinks using their own individual cups and beakers. This helps to ensure they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is well nurtured; the childminder ensures that they have daily opportunity for vigorous exercise making good use of the well resourced garden and local parks as well as indoor alternatives such as soft play activities. The childminder supports children well, becoming involved as they try out their developing skills for example, as they try and piece a floor puzzle together. This has a positive effect on encouraging children to set their own challenges and acquire new skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in an inviting, safe and child-centred environment. The playroom is brightly decorated, well-maintained and made welcoming through the use of colourful posters and displays of the children's work. Resources are invitingly laid out and easily accessible to children, this allows children to access resources independently. Children have use of a good range of equipment, toys and resources that are suitable, safe and appropriate for their purpose. The organisation of resources allows the children to make choices and promote their independence well. The childminder updates her play equipment on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and suitable. The lounge is used for quiet activities and enables children to have sufficient opportunity to rest and relax during periods of the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children sleep on the sofa in the lounge where it is quiet and comfortable, appropriate monitoring and supervision ensures they are safe. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example safety gates at the bottom and top of the stairs, smoke alarms at every level of the premises, a fire blanket in the kitchen and a high bolt on the front door. Young children learn simple rules that keep them safe when playing, such as sitting down carefully on their chairs when they are playing or eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic knowledge of child protection issues. She is aware that she needs to take immediate action if she has any concerns about a child in her care. However, she is not clear about who, and which department to contact at the local authority. Children are never left with any adult who has not been assessed as suitable to work with children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that children and parents meet her several times before the placement begins. This helps to build up close relationships and ensures children become familiar with the

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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 environment before being left. The childminder offers children a high level of individual attention and reassurance which supports them to separate from their parents. There is warm interaction between the childminder and the children. Children are confident, independent and are developing a high sense of self-esteem. They develop positive relationships with adults and their peers, and they are given good opportunities to socialise with other children at local pre schools, drop in groups and local parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children relate well to the childminder and are becoming good communicators. They chat confidently to her during creative play and when she reads them a story. The childminder makes good use of conversation and asks questions such as, ‘what colour is the car?', which helps to extend children's thinking through play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are engaged purposefully throughout their time with the childminder and have good opportunities to have fun, learn and develop new skills. They take part in a wide range of activities including role play, physical play and creative play. Children's creativity is well supported by the childminder who plans effectively to encourage them to create their own designs. Children enjoy themselves, concentrate well and have fun as they paint pictures using a selection of paints.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children explore their community as they visit the local park and other places of interest such as, the library and the childminder drop in group. They learn about the importance of respecting others through discussion and occasional activities linked to festivals such as Christmas and Chinese New Year. There is a selection of resources available to reflect positive images of the wider world. The childminder ensures children’s inclusion by being aware of their individuality, age and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to follow a list of clear, age appropriate ground rules; which are clearly written within a behaviour management policy that is made available to parents. Children are clear about boundaries and know what is expected of them. Children behave well and patiently wait for the childminder to help and support them while the inspection is being undertaken. Children are treated with respect and are given praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Children's individual needs are met through discussion prior to the placement beginning and the clear keeping of records. Although systems to record babies and young children’s general welfare, food intake, sleeping and eating patterns have not yet been developed. Children's daily routine is currently discussed informally with parents at the end of the day. The childminder provides parents with written information regarding most of her policies including how complaints will be dealt with.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards for childminding and her responsibility to comply with these to provide good quality childcare. Children are made to feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play. The childminder provides interesting and enjoyable activities for children each

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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 day, she provides a great deal of individual attention and support to children, consequently, they are happy and make good progress in their development.

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Organisation

Children's safety is given appropriate priority, all areas of the home are safe and the childminder is vigilant with regards to the supervision of children. A good standard of hygiene is maintained within the home. The childminder is committed to working in partnership with parents, providing a flexible and reliable child-care arrangement for children and their families to ensure continuity of care. The childminder's vetting procedures ensure that all adults living in her home are suitable to have access to children. The required records, policies and procedures which contribute to children's health, safety and welfare are maintained. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of local child protection procedures (contact details)

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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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