Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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135723 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Carolyn Mary Hasler 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 1999. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 14 and 10 years old in Enfield Lock an area within the London Borough of Enfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and children have limited access to the first floor in order to use the bathroom facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden area for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler groups, library and local park. Currently the childminder has six children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning about how to be healthy. They enjoy access to fresh air and exercise each day. Children walk to and from school, they visit the local park where they have opportunities to play on large apparatus. They enjoy free access to the childminder's garden which has been set out with equipment, this encourages children to build co ordination and large motor muscle skills. Younger children enjoy playing in the ball pool and using their feet to propel themselves

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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 around the garden when playing in the toy car. Older children build balance and climbing skills while using the slide. Children push and pull buggies and wheeled toys around the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about personal hygiene skills. Younger children are comfortable because the childminder ensures that they are changed regularly. Although nappy changing routines do not always ensure appropriate levels of hygiene, for example ensuring the changing mat is wiped over on each occasion it is used. Younger children are beginning to recognise their own body signals which tell them when they are hungry, tired or when they need changing. Older children access the toilet independently, they know that they must wash their hands after going to the toilet, before eating and when they have been playing in the garden. Children are learning that washing hands prevents the spread of germs. Children play in a clean environment. The childminder ensures that floors, work surfaces and bathroom areas are cleaned regularly. Toys and play resources are risk assessed and well maintained. The childminder ensures that children

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Helping children to be healthy

When children are unwell the childminder takes measures to ensure that they are comfortable before contacting parents. Children who sustain injuries or have accidents on the premises can access immediate first aid because the childminder has a first aid kit and has undertaken a first aid course in paediatric care. Information on communicable diseases is accessible. The childminder has systems in place to record accidents and administration of medication. Policies on sickness and what happens in emergencies; are in place to underpin children's health care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about how to eat healthily, they enjoy fresh fruit at snack time and throughout the day. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children are offered a nutritionally balanced diet. Information is shared on children's dietary needs. Older children are independent eaters, while younger children are supported in their eating by the childminder. Children talk about recent outings of fruit picking and enjoy jam sandwiches and strawberry ice cream made from the fruit they helped pick. Children help themselves to drinks throughout the day and this helps to ensure that children do not become dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel welcomed because the childminder greets them upon arrival and they quickly engage in play. The play space is well organised and children know where to find play resources. Children have comfortable places to sit and rest or have access to a table for table top games or can choose to play at floor level. Children can access the garden freely and lots of play happens in this area when the weather is suitable. Children have access to natural light because the rooms are well lit from large picture windows, the temperature is regulated because in hot weather the childminder can open the French doors allowing good ventilation. Central heating ensures that children have access to appropriate temperatures during colder weather. This ensures that children are comfortable while they play. Children have good quality, well maintained and appropriate play resources which they can play with. They have free access and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

make choices in their play, toddlers and older children are encouraged to help themselves to self chosen equipment, this builds on children's confidence and self esteem and children increasingly become independent learners.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about how to keep themselves safe while they play. Younger children feel secure when boundaries are few but consistent and children listen and respond to the childminder when she reminds them to play carefully. Children can build on existing knowledge and skills, taking risks while remaining safe because the childminder has ensured that the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 premises has been risk assessed before they arrive. Regular testing of domestic appliances such as central heating systems and smoke alarms, which are installed on each level of the premises, in conjunction with the availability of the fire blanket, ensure that appropriate fire safety precautions have been taken. The childminder has a fire evacuation procedure in place and has thought carefully about how children will be evacuated, although they have not yet practised this. When out, children are learning basic road craft skills, at these times they are supervised well and they are learning to hold hands and stop to look and listen before crossing the roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Vulnerable children are protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is familiar with the different categories of abuse, signs and symptoms which may lead to concerns. A system is in place to record all concerns and the childminder understands her responsibility towards children's welfare and the notification of relevant professional bodies. She ensures appropriate guidelines are available to follow should she have concerns about individual children. This means that children's welfare is safe guarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop into confident individuals because they are encouraged to be independent in all that they attempt to do. Whilst the childminder is always close to lend a hand, she encourages children to try things for themselves and acknowledges when they do things well through praise. The environment is full of language and children hear speech all around them, they chatter amongst themselves during imaginative play. The childminder helps vocabulary develop by asking and answering questions, they talk about recent events, play guessing games and are very good at expressing their feelings verbally. Children have lots of play opportunities, they enjoy playing outside with home corner equipment, pushing buggies around the garden. They play active games enjoying the ball pool and slide. Equally children are enjoying opportunities to become messy, they enjoy painting, gluing and drawing activities. At other

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

times children choose to play quietly and have a separate room they can use to rest or enjoy board games or puzzles. Children build social skills through visits to the library or toddlers, where they have opportunities to play in large groups and take part in large group activities. On occasion when numbers allow children enjoy going swimming. Most activities are spontaneous and selected by the children, they enjoy free choice which enables them to develop their own interests. The childminder provides parents with verbal feedback when requested on how children have been doing and how well they are developing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a strong sense of self, because the childminder talks to them as individuals, calling them by name. They understand and recognise their place within the group. Older children are considerate of the younger children, ensuring popular pieces of equipment are shared, they learn to be kind to each other. They are building an awareness of how to respect others' feelings, ideas and choices. Children are learning about others in the wider community. They enjoy trips to the park and to toddler groups. Older children attend school where they meet other children with different cultures and needs. Children see positive images within the media of others, they have access to a growing selection of resources such as story books, figures and baby dolls which help them to explore and investigate others' cultures, disabilities and stereo typical ideas in a positive way. Although the selection of resources has improved

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 since the last inspection, children have limited opportunities to explore how other people celebrate important events around the world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is not currently working with any children with specific special needs or disabilities, she demonstrates a good understanding of the importance in collecting detailed information from parents before entering into a care arrangement. The childminder is committed to making all reasonable adjustments in care arrangements and works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure that the needs of individual children are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are benefiting from positive experiences where the childminder manages behaviour in a consistent manner. Children are learning to be part of a group, they are learning to play harmoniously with each other, sharing and taking turns in their games. Whilst younger children play along side others they are learning that their play mates have feelings that are different to their own. Older children are learning to be kind and play with consideration to others. All children are getting on well in the play environment. They are building close relationships with each other because they have good role models to follow in the childminder who is caring and invests lots of time and energy in helping children settle. She plays with children keeping them engaged and occupied. This helps children to manage their own behaviour and influence the behaviour of others. As a result children are well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident and self assured, building positive relationships with carers because they observe trusting partnerships between their parents and the childminder. They settle into new arrangements quickly because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children are happy. On initial contact parents receive information about the setting and the childminder ensures that appropriate information is collected to ensure that care arrangements are effective and support individual children. Parents receive on going information about their children. They are able to share concerns with the childminder because the childminder has a complaints procedure which is in line with recent changes in regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that all adults who have contact with minded children are suitable to do so. She has kept herself up to date with changes, accessing a variety of short courses provided by the local authority and demonstrates enthusiasm in her work. Her service is well organised. She promotes the healthy lifestyles of children because she helps children to become aware of their own bodies' needs, teaching them about personal hygiene and setting good examples on how to stay healthy. They are learning to keep themselves safe because the childminder has clear and consistent boundaries which help children to build confidence, taking risks in a safe environment. Children are enjoying their time at the setting and small achievements are acknowledged and celebrated. They are learning to be positive contributors to their own group and are building knowledge of the wider community.

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Organisation

The organisation of paperwork is good, all documentation was available and easily accessible. The childminder collects and records relevant information for childminding and shares records with parents. She ensures that parents can see her certificate of registration which is displayed on the wall. She has a good understanding of confidentiality and stores confidential records securely.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop knowledge and understanding of indicating factors of child abuse and procedures to follow. There has been a significant improvement on the childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, she also ensures policies and procedures issued nationally are available to follow should she have concerns. Appropriate steps have been taken to safeguard vulnerable children from harm.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder also agreed to provide resources that depict positive images of disability. She has obtained a variety of figures depicting disabilities and makes these available for children to play with. This gives children opportunities to learn through exploration and discussion prompted by resources, to talk about others who are different to themselves, but also to acknowledge those things that are the same.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • continue to develop and extend play resources to reflect others cultures, gender and disability issues • take precautions to ensure that nappy changing routines do not encourage cross contamination of germs

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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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