Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY102917 Unique Reference Number 11 February 2008 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her three children aged seven, 16 and 19-years-old in Hornsey the London Borough of Islington. The whole of the home is used for childminding with restricted access to the main bedroom and the childminder's eldest son's room. There is a communal garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years and there are currently two children on roll both attending on a part-time basis. The family have two pet dogs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends various toddler groups with minded children and she is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean home, where they learn to follow basic hygiene routines such as washing hands at appropriate times throughout the day. The childminder's own hygiene practices

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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 contribute towards promoting children's good health. She washes her hands before preparing meals, disposable gloves are worn when changing children's nappies and children are provided with their own hand towels. Although the family have pet dogs, they are not permitted in the play areas especially when minded children are present.

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Helping children to be healthy

Aides such as steps and potties support young children's growing independence as they learn to assist their own personal needs. The childminder is also considering introducing brushing teeth after meals to further support them in developing good hygiene practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are further protected from the spread of infection and their good health is promoted through the procedures in place. A sickness policy and procedures for administering medication are shared with parents and the childminder has good knowledge of first aid. In addition an up to date certificate is maintained, a first aid box is kept in the home, appropriate procedures are in place in the event of an accident or a child needing minor medical attention and most of relevant signatures of consents have been obtained with the exception of some medication consents where initial permission is obtained over the phone. This does not fully support children health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals provided. Some children attend for breakfast, where they enjoy a range of cereals. Healthy options such as cheese, fruits and various sandwich fillings are provided for lunch and light snacks. Some parents provide meals for their children and the childminder ensures that these are stored and reheated appropriately. Drinks are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are encouraged through a range of opportunities including visits to the local park, toddler groups and regular trips to the swimming baths. Babies and young children rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in their environment and the childminder has created a welcoming home for them to play. Their independence is encouraged through a range of safe and developmentally appropriate resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken positive steps to identify and reduce possible hazards to promote children's safety. Some of these include; safety gates at the lounge door ensuring children play in a safe room, restrictors on low level cupboards, door stoppers, locks on windows and loose wires and cables have been placed out of reach. Fire safety measures are in place through the use of smoke alarms, a fire blanket and emergency evacuation procedures are in place and practised regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When taking children out of the home sufficient precautions have been taken with regards to safe transport. Appropriate car seats are provided and appropriate vehicle insurance is in place. However, written permission to transport children in a vehicle has not been obtained from parents, potentially compromising children's safety. If walking with minded children the childminder ensures that babies are safely into a buggy and wrist restraints are used for young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms and she knows who to report her concerns to. She is confident of her role in the protection of children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's home. They have established warm and positive relationships with childminder and her family. They play in a happy and stimulating environment, where they take part in a range of activities and experiences available to them which develop their confidence and self-esteem. These are planned to promote learning through fun and independent play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a sufficient range of toys and resources available including role play equipment, books, puzzles, cars, dolls, construction and interactive toys and there are further resources stored in the younger children's bedrooms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore and experiment through a vast range of activities that are organised to match their needs and ages. They use a range of creative materials that enables them to develop their imaginative, exploratory and sensory experiences. They explore different materials as they paint, colour, stick and cut. They respond enthusiastically to the activities provided and enjoy the time they spend playing with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Much of the childminder's time is spent on the children's level, interacting with them and responding to their needs effectively. The childminder has sound knowledge of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Consequently, she plans and provides opportunities and experiences to support their play and learning. They are able to choose what they want to do and the childminder joins in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equal opportunities are well supported in the setting and children have access to a range of toys, books and resources that reflect positive images of cultures and abilities, helping them gain an awareness and respect for others. No children attending have any learning difficulties and/or disabilities, though the childminder demonstrates a sound attitude to meeting children's individual needs and exchanging information regularly with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has positive strategies in place to manage children's behaviour, taking into account their ages and stages of development. Young children are gaining a sound understanding of right from wrong through the clear and consistent boundaries in place. Older children are given clear explanations about what is unacceptable behaviour and methods such as time is used to reinforce this.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their child's needs are met. Effective partnerships have been established between them and information about the child is gathered from parents at the beginning of their placement. Regular updates are exchanged throughout. As a result, children benefit from the continuity of care provided. Policies and procedures are shared and most written agreements have been obtained from parents. The childminder has a clear understanding of current legislation with regards to handling complaints.

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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. Overall children's needs met. However, the childminder has not completed the relevant suitability checks for her two children who are over the age of 16 years, which is a mandatory requirement in regulations.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the required courses for registration and she maintains an up to date first aid certificate demonstrating a positive attitude to promoting children's health and well-being. She continues to update her knowledge, keeping abreast of changes in childcare practices. She has attended training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses this well in her practice with young children.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is all in place and well maintained and the register shows an accurate record of children's arrival departure times. This supports the care and welfare of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to: provide parents with the contact details for Ofsted in the event they wish to complain; obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There is a notice board displayed in the hallway for parents which has all the relevant contact numbers including Ofsted. Written consents have now been obtained from parents, contributing towards children's good health and supporting partnerships with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration that the required the childminder or Ofsted to take any actions to remain fit for registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints log may contain complaints other than those known 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): • ensure signatures of consents for medication are consistently obtained, this refers to when permission has been obtained over the phone

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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 • take positive steps to ensure children's safety on outings, with reference to obtaining written consents to transport children in a vehicle • ensure all adults over the age of 16 years complete the required checks.

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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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