Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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156204 Unique Reference Number 01 November 2007 Inspection date Vivienne Rose 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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and one adult son. They live in Leytonstone in the London borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Two of the children are over eight years and attend out-of school only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a local parent and toddler group and takes the children to the local toy library and to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a clean environment where the childminder follows appropriate heath and hygiene practice which helps children to sustain good hygiene levels. For instance when changing nappies and at meal times the childminder wears an apron and gloves. Appropriate

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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 daily routines, such as children being reminded to wash their hands before eating, and after toileting help them understand the need for good personal hygiene. The childminder holds a current first aid certifcate. The appropriate permission for emergency treatment and prescribed medication means that children's well-being is protected. The childminder has a method for recording accidents however this is not used to effectively safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children benefit from the satisfactory nutritional content of the food offered and their dietary and medical needs are considered to ensure their needs are met. Meals and snacks are varied and contain fresh fruit, yoghurt bread sticks and baked potatoes which are their 'favourites'. The child remarks that he 'likes that' when he is given baked beans with his baked potato. Information given by parents enables the childminder to ensure that children are given food that they like and that they are encouraged to try new tastes. Children are offered drinks throughout the day which they can access themselves to promote their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Opportunities for children to be active both indoors and outdoors are sound. Children attends local parks and groups most days and regular walks to the shops help children to develop their social skills and physical well-being. Children confidently use a wide range of tools and resources including wooden threading toys, puzzles and hammer balls. This supports their finer skills and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm welcoming family home where they feel relaxed and secure. Children are developing a satisfactory understanding of how to keep themselves safe and recognise dangers. Regular emergency evacuation procedures help children to understand the process to follow if an emergency occurs. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of how to keep the children safe inside and outside. She provides gates, electrical socket covers and safety straps for walking. The younger child attending uses a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

highchair to eat at the breakfast bar. However, the childminder has overlooked the fact that this equipment is not fully secure for the children's use which impacts on the safety of the children. A fire blanket is available however, this is kept in a locked cupboard and is not accessible should a fire occur. This does not fully protect children's well-being and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is sufficient space for the children to play and move around safely. However although the children have access to many toys and resources some are not as easily accessible as others for example, mark making materials. Most toys are stored in large boxes which enables children to help themselves to promote choice. The childminder responds to the child's needs by asking what they want to play with next and encouraging them to tidy away when they are finished playing to ensure their safety. Resources with a theme for example, animals are provided to meet the needs and interests of the child. The childminder maintains all the appropriate information and details of the children and who to contact in an emergency. Children's welfare is a priority as the childminder obtains written permission for outings from parents. The childminder maintains an attendance register and records arrival and departure times of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

However, the childminder is not always vigilant about this record and as a result the register does always demonstrate how many children are on the premises. This impacts on the children's safety. However, this has now been identified and the childminder will address this immediately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Childrens welfare is safeguarded sufficiently as the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues and what to do if she has concerns about a child. The childminder has recently

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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 attended child protection training to develop her knowledge and understanding. There is a written policy in place which is shared with parents. However, this policy does not at present reflect the role of the Local Safeguarding Childrens Board (LSCB) local guidance and procedures to fully safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and have warm relationships with the childminder. She sits and plays with them and is able to read their signals when they need a drink. This understanding supports children's emotional well-being. They have access to a satisfactory range of good quality resources that promote their learning and development. Children can access dressing up and role play which holds their interest and develops their sense of self. The childminder is aware of the children's individual interests and provides resources to extend these interests. For example, a child who particularly likes playing with anything regarding animals. They enjoy each others company and effective verbal interaction supports the children's language development well. Children benefit from the outings provided by the childminder to the drop-in and various play facilities in the area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a daily diary which provides information for parents about the children's well-being. This includes information about rest times and what the child has eaten during the day which promotes continuity of care. The recent method adopted to record developmental progress of the children supports their developmental needs well. However, the organisation of resources and activities sometimes lack structure and children have limited access to mark making materials to enable them to begin to express their ideas and imagination.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider community by having access to a good selection of toys, resources and books to promote their awareness. Older children discuss cultural issues with the childminder who challenges their thinking and helps them to develop their understanding. For example, when the older children ask questions about different customs and dress this issue is discussed in an open relaxed way. Children are given inclusive care. The childminder ensures that all children have equal access. Resources such as dressing clothes and resources which include people with disabilities help children come to terms with the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well in response to the childminders clear expectations and house rules. Children are encouraged to respect others. The childminder has a quiet consistent approach which helps children to feel secure. Regular positive praise for doing well such as' good boy' and 'well done' this supports children self-esteem well. Older children are encouraged to explore their feelings and to consider the feelings of others through books and discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive good information about the children's routines. For example, a daily diary is exchanged with parents which records eating and sleeping and an 'all about me' sheet records developmental progress. Children may borrow toys and take them home. This supports consistency of care well. The childminder shares her polices and procedures with parents which includes a written complaints procedure. This ensures that parents are kept well informed about her service.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally well organised environment where children feel comfortable and secure. The space and resources are suitably organised . However, the children do not have easy access to mark making materials to enable them to explore and develop their creativity. Children play in the through lounge and can move freely accessing toys from boxes. The childminder has a regular routine of visiting groups and play centres with the children where they have the opportunity to mix and socialise. The childminder regular updates her training to develop her knowledge and experience to support the needs of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder has neglected to ensure that all persons over 16 living on the premises have been vetted in accordance with Ofsted procedures. In addition, the childminder sometimes overlooks the need to record children's arrival and departure times to account for those on the premises. Both of these organisational issues are a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

Most documentation is well maintained confidential and available however although there is an accident book in place the childminder has failed to maintain a record of minor accidents when they occur further, larger equipment used by the children is not checked daily to ensure children are safeguarded. This puts children's welfare at risk. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the provider has attended a child protection course which has enabled her to ensure the welfare and safety of the children in her care. Children play with a variety of resources to encourage their awareness and understanding of others, these include, books dressing up clothes and small world play people.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 1 2004 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 then 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 satisfactory. 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):

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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 • improve the vetting procedures to ensure that all those over 16 living or working on the premises are suitable to meet the requirements of the National Standards • ensure that all accidents that occur on the premises are recorded appropriately and an acknowledgement is signed by parents • improve the organisation of resources and activities to ensure that children can independently make choices, pay particular attention to the provision of resources for mark making • ensure that the register is maintained daily which includes children's arrival and departure times.

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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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