Childminder in Hackney

Inspection report for early years provision

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402757 Unique Reference Number 04 September 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 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two children aged twenty, and eleven years. They live in a four bed roomed terraced house in Clapton in the London borough of Hackney. The family home is within walking distance to public transport, shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a small upstairs bedroom is used for rest and sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children most of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group and takes children to the local park on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association Network in her area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning to be healthy because they have regular opportunities to access the garden, local parks and facilities to develop their physical skills. Children are aware of daily routines to wash their hands before meals and after using the garden. They access toys and resources freely and move around the home showing independence and security. Children use the garden well and have inside and outside access most of the day. The childminder has a clear sickness policy which makes sure that children are protected from cross infection and they do not attend when they have contagious diseases. Children's dietary and medical needs are requested this ensures their good health and well-being. There are good systems to record all accidents when they occur and permission is requested for emergency treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's healthy eating policy ensures that the children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks and meals which include fresh fruit, such as grapes, apple and bananas; pasta with tuna is regularly requested as a favourite lunch. They enjoy cutting up the fresh fruit independently and eating socially together. Children's preferences are respected when they are asked what they would like as filling in their roll, wrap or sandwich. They confidently request drinks when they are thirsty and water is available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are very happy and settled in the family environment created. Thorough daily risk assessments are carried out both inside and outdoors to ensure the children's well-being. Children take part in emergency safety procedures to help them understand the process. They confidently move around observing rules of safety, for example not to climb and tidying up toys to ensure that accidents do not occur. Good quality equipment is provided for the children which is well organised and accessible to ensure that children develop their independence and choice. For example, the home corner and book area are well laid out and the childminder responds quickly when children ask to dress up or play with the computer. There are clear procedures in place for the arrival and departure of children to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has clear procedures in place to safeguard children's welfare. She is clear about the signs and symptoms of abuse and the records that she must maintain should concerns arise. However, the methodology used to record minor incidents outside of the home lacks confidentiality, and the written procedure for child protection needs updating in line with the Local Safeguarding Board (LSCB)

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminders house which is warm welcoming and family friendly. The atmosphere created is one of a large family home. Children are busy and show independence and choice as they move around and choose what they want to play with. They have good opportunities to explore and to learn. They have a good relaxed relationship with the childminder which is friendly and caring which supports their self-esteem. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage to develop flexible plans for the children's activities and development. Children participate in activities, such as role play, story time,

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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 playing with shaving foam, and physical activities, such as riding bikes, peddling cars and constructing with magnetic bricks. They paint, use the computer, play with puzzles and explore with paint and corn flour. The childminder takes the opportunity to extend children's learning when they have access to a birds nest, create a spider's web and talk about natural resources to develop their language and interest in the world around them. Effective questioning by the childminder helps children to develop an understanding of, for example, where milk comes from.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected and their needs are well met to support their well-being. Children's dietary and medical needs are respected. Children are encouraged to behave well; the childminder has consistent rules for behaviour and the children respond to her requests to share and to take turns. She praises the children for good behaviour which supports their self-esteem. The childminder has range of resources which support children's awareness of the world around them. For example, the children discuss similarities and differences when they use art and craft activities to celebrate Ramadan and Harvest Festival. The childminder helps children to understand the needs of others when a child finds a white dress in the dressing up box, the childminder explains that it was her daughter's holy communion dress. The child asks "what is a holy communion dress?" and the childminder explains that it's worn by Roman

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Catholic children at a very special ceremony. Children benefit from the good relationships with parents and carers. Daily routines are shared by the use of discussion and a daily diary, this supports consistency of care for the children. The childminder shares her written policies with parents which include equal opportunities, child protection and complaints. The childminder has discussed the complaints procedure with parents to ensure that they are clear about the process. This ensures that parents are clear about the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and happy in the well organised child focused environment. Children benefit from the childminder's continuous interest in developing her training and experience in early years. The daily record of children's attendance is suitably maintained and the registration details of the children and their needs are comprehensive. The childminder ensures that the children's safety is paramount and that they are only collected by people that she knows. The childminder has taken the appropriate steps to inform Ofsted of changes that have occurred in the household. All the required documentation is clear, well maintained and accessible to ensure the welfare of children. However, the methods used to record incidents lacks confidentiality and some policy information requires updating in line with recent legislation. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has 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

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 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): • ensure that the written methods for recording incidents maintain children's confidentiality

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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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