Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY104094 Unique Reference Number 26 March 2008 Inspection date Sandra Daniels 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 2002. She lives with her two adult children in the Homerton area of Hackney. The childminder is registered to care for no more than five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding five children, some of whom attend on a part-time basis. There is no outdoor garden or play area, however the setting is near to Victoria park. The family has a cat as a pet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where a good standard of hygiene is maintained. Children are actively encouraged to wash their hands as part of their daily routines, for example, before meals and after messy play activities. They learn why this is important as the childminder explains this to them. Clear procedures are in place in the event of an emergency and when children are unwell. The childminder has updated her first aid training and ensures suitable action is taken in the event of an accident or incident. Toys and equipment are cleaned

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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 regularly, minimising the risk of cross-infection and outdoor shoes are not worn indoors. Children are further protected as the childminder wears protective gloves when changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good range of healthy and nutritious foods, including fresh fruit and vegetables, which are provided by the childminder. Drinks are made available throughout the day and children are encouraged to help themselves from their own cups, increasing independence. The childminder ensures that she is aware of allergies and other special dietary requirements or preferences so that children's individual needs are met. A menu is on display in the kitchen so that parents know what their child will be eating and the childminder also makes a note in each child's diary. This means that parents know how much their child has eaten during the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Daily exercise and fresh air is very much incorporated into the daily routine, helping to foster children's health, growth and development. They take regular outings to local parks and shops throughout the year, wrapping up warm during the winter months and taking precautions against the sun in the summer. Children love to visit local groups with the childminder where they can access larger play equipment to further promote their physical skills of control and co-ordination. Younger children can sleep, rest or be active according to their individual needs.

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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 welcoming and safe home, where effective precautions are taken to protect them from harm. The childminder uses a good balance of supervision and effective safety measures to keep children safe. She checks all areas regularly, to ensure they are suitable for the ages and needs of children attending. For example, the childminder has stair gates in place as she is caring for younger children. Children have independent access to a good selection of well-maintained, age-appropriate toys and suitable equipment, which the childminder helps them to learn to use safely. For example, she gently reminds children how to sit safely on their small chairs so they do not hurt themselves. The childminder is careful to check resources as they are used to ensure they continue to be safe. She makes sure that babies and younger children cannot get hold of small parts of toys used by older children. The premises are secure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and all necessary fire precautions are in place. Children practise an emergency evacuation procedure with the childminder. This helps them to familiarise themselves with what to do in an emergency and helps them to learn about keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's awareness of safety is raised as they hold hands or hold on to the buggy when they are out walking with the childminder. Older children learn how to cross roads safely, always stopping at the kerb and looking both ways. When travelling in pushchairs or the car, the childminder checks they are comfortable and using appropriate restraints and seats for their age.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities within child protection procedures. Her willingness to record any concerns and discuss these with parents ensures that the welfare of children in her care is given high priority. The childminder is confident in her ability to protect children and keep them safe.

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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 good. Children are very happy and well settled in the care of the childminder. They show high levels of confidence and self-esteem and are very much at home in the setting. Children's enjoyment and achievements are well-promoted through the excellent range of activities and experiences that are provided for them. They clearly thrive in this environment where they are highly supported and valued. Children choose and use the wide range of toys, books, games and equipment provided with careful consideration in accordance with their individual interests and needs. For example, children enjoy dressing-up, building with bricks and making things with play-dough. Children enjoy many outings with the childminder. They attend many local groups, visit parks and city farms. Children develop a love of books and thoroughly enjoy reading with the childminder in the cosy area she provides. Children readily engage in role play situations

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

together. They feed their 'babies' and make sure they are not sick by pretending to be the doctor using a stethoscope.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Good levels of effective interaction between children and the childminder promote the development of children's language and vocabulary. Their individual development is promoted through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, which the childminder implements effectively in her practice. Children build fabulous relationships with each other and with the childminder. They are all treated with equal trust, concern and respect by the childminder who has a calm, dedicated approach to her work. Children are well supported by the childminder who becomes involved in their play and also allows them to develop and extend their own games and imaginative play. The childminder actively listens to children and attention is paid to what they say, both serious and playful, which allows them to explore and discuss things which interest them. The childminder is keen to improve outcomes for children and is considering

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

devising systems for observing, assessing and monitoring their learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children have many opportunities to learn about the wider world and to acknowledge and respect differences. They enjoy well-planned activities that extend their knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity, as well as respecting their own cultural and religious festivals. All children are welcomed with much warmth and affection into this child-friendly setting. Good quality resources provide children with positive images of diversity and disability. For example, books, home corner resources and dressing-up clothes. The childminder strives to create a safe and supportive environment where all contributions are valued and where children are encouraged to take a pride in who they are and what they can achieve. Children develop positive attitudes towards differences and become sensitive and respectful to the needs and feelings of others. For example, older children enjoy helping the younger ones in their play. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

benefit because the childminder has an extremely positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has undertaken training in this area and always ensures that all children are supported to fully participate in all activities and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to behave responsibly and considerately. Young children spontaneously say 'thank you' as they are given a drink and some fruit. The childminder praises this response and children feel proud and, consequently develop high self-esteem. Children respond very well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach. They clearly know what is expected of them and are rewarded with praise and cuddles for positive behaviour and courtesy. This actively promotes children to consider the feelings of others and to respect and care for each other.

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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 Children are cared for consistently and according to their parents' wishes in all areas of this provision. Superb partnerships have been developed between parents and the childminder, for example, an informative prospectus is shared with parents, detailing the service provided by the childminder and including policies and procedures unique to this setting. Parents complete record forms, contracts and consent forms which are updated regularly to ensure children continue to be cared for according to their wishes. Highly effective daily communication ensures that parents are kept fully involved and informed about their child's day with the childminder. The childminder also keeps information on file regarding current childcare issues, such as health and safety issues, and shares this with parents in a supportive way.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall children's needs are met. Children are very comfortable and at ease in this well-organised home environment provided by the childminder. Time, space and resources are all very well arranged and contribute towards the health and safety of children and this ensures they are relaxed as they enjoy their play. Children are happy, making good progress, gaining in confidence and independence as they make choices and decisions about their care and play. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of the regulatory requirements for childminding. The childminder is committed to further training in order to remain up to date with current childcare practice and to enable her to broaden the experiences and opportunities she offers to all children.

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Organisation

All necessary documentation is accurately maintained by the childminder and she ensures children's confidentiality is maintained. Paperwork is kept securely and remains easily accessible to the childminder at all times. This supports children's safety as the childminder can immediately access, for example, emergency contact details. The childminder maintains an accurate register of children's attendance, including their arrival and departure times, ensuring that she has a clear record of exactly who is on the premises at any given time. Effective partnership with parents ensures that they are fully informed and involved in their children's care and development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete a daily register detailing the arrival and departure times of all minded children. Children's safety and security is enhanced as the childminder maintains an accurate record of attendance for all children on a daily basis. The childminder also agreed to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure for her son who had reached the age of 16. Both of the childminder's own children are now over the age of 16 and both have clear CRB disclosures on file.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder agreed to develop her knowledge and understanding of certain areas and has undertaken training in equal opportunities and special educational needs in order to do this. Children benefit as the childminder has a thorough insight into these issues and has implemented new skills into her practice. Children's well-being and safety is well promoted as the childminder is fully aware of her role and responsibilities to safeguard children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 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

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): • further improve outcomes for children by devising systems for observing, assessing and monitoring children's learning and development.

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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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