Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342261 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2007 Inspection date Chris Banks 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in a two bedroom flat in the N1 area of Islington. A lounge and bedroom are the main areas used for childminding purposes. There is no garden but a children's park and playground is within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She is not registered to provide overnight care. The childminder is currently caring for one child.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in bright, welcoming and well maintained surroundings. Standards of cleanliness are very good throughout and children benefit from the effectively organised hygiene routines of the childminder. Nappy changing arrangements are well managed and older children are gently encouraged with toilet training. Children are positively encouraged to learn about

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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 the importance of hand washing and other personal hygiene habits. This includes brushing their teeth after meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's general health is well protected because the childminder has a clear sickness policy and also takes effective practical steps if a child becomes ill in her care. The childminder is qualified in first aid and is well prepared in the event of an accident or emergency. There is also a good system in place to ensure any other children are well cared for if ever she needs to accompany a child to hospital.

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Helping children to be healthy

The overall individual care needs of children are extremely well met. Children benefit from a detailed information gathering process at the start of their placement which forms the basis of their ongoing care arrangements. Parents are asked to complete a detailed questionnaire which includes details of their child's daily routines and any special dietary or care requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to provide them with a healthy, well balanced diet. Menus are planned in advance and agreed with parents. They take good account of children's individual preferences and provide children with a good range of healthy options. Children eat fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis and are provided with drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands well the importance of ensuring children have daily fresh air and exercise. She uses her good local knowledge to ensure children enjoy a range of physically challenging activities in nearby parks and playgrounds.

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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 safe and secure environment. They are well protected because the childminder demonstrates very good safety awareness and takes effective practical precautions to minimise any risks. This includes having a clear written emergency evacuation procedure and carefully considered plan in the event of fire or security alert in the area. Children enjoy exploring their surroundings because they are well supervised and space is organised with their needs in mind. Equipment is safe and accessible and children are able to comfortably help themselves from a range of very well cared for toys and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the good practice of the childminder on outings because she plans them with care and only safe, child friendly parks and open spaces are visited. Children are positively encouraged to learn about road safety from an early age and are vigilantly supervised whilst out and about.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected because the childminder is well informed about her role and responsibility in safeguarding their welfare. She is clear about the process for monitoring, recording and reporting any concerns and has undergone recent training in child protection. The childminder is guided by up to date written procedures which include the role of Ofsted. Parents are advised in writing about her role in protecting the interests of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, secure and well settled with the childminder. They benefit from consistency of care because the childminder has developed routines that meet children's individual needs

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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 and is getting to know their personalities well. Children's rest and meal times are carefully considered when planning what to do each day and this helps children feel confident and secure. They are also reassured by the warm and affectionate approach of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good independence skills because they are able to choose what they play with and comfortably help themselves from a good range of age appropriate toys and equipment. They are positively encouraged to take care of equipment and are beginning to co operate with tidying away. During weekly visits to the local library children are also encouraged to select their own books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A stimulating range of play and learning experiences is enjoyed by children both in and outside the home. This is because the childminder is developing a good understanding of how they learn and develop and plans activities which are interesting and fun for children. Children's creative efforts and achievements are valued by the childminder. Photographs and diaries are effectively used to record what they do and also helps children recall their happy times with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm, family atmosphere where they feel valued and secure. New children are settled in sensitively and the childminder's professional, reassuring approach helps make the separation process for parents less painful. The comprehensive information which is gathered about each child at the beginning of the placement is well documented and effectively used to plan their future care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are clear contractual agreements in place and parents also receive a bound copy of all the childminder's health and safety procedures. Information now includes a well developed complaints procedure which meets Ofsted requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive a warm welcome from the childminder and are kept very well informed about their child's progress. The daily diary kept by the childminder gives details about what children eat, how long they sleep, nappy changes and other significant information about their day. Parents are also encouraged to take children's favourite library books home to read with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the wider world and its diverse communities through a suitable range of play activities. They visit the local drop in centre on a regular basis where they socialise with children from many other backgrounds and also enjoy playing with a range of non discriminatory toys in the home of the childminder where many positive images of children are displayed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are positively encouraged to be kind and considerate towards each other. They benefit from the calm measured approach of the childminder who guides their behaviour in a sensitive way. They are often praised and receive warm congratulations for their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a motivated and attentive childminder who demonstrates a commitment to further develop her professional childcare skills.

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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 There is sufficient well organised space for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for and it is organised in a safe, child friendly way. Arrangements for children's rest and sleep are cosy and comfortable and the second bedroom is an attractive playroom for children. Here, an extensive range of books and other easy to reach resources are available.

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Organisation

Well researched policies and procedures are effectively put into practice to protect children's health and safety. These are all clearly communicated to parents at the start of a placement. A written confidentiality clause is also included.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and kept confidentially.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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. 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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop and keep abreast of any new developments in childcare practice

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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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