Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283918 Unique Reference Number 29 March 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Ann Farenden 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and five years in the London borough of Camden. The whole of childminder’s flat is used for childminding, except for one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed communal garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The childminder also cares for one child over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to local children’s facilities and parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is able to respond to minor injuries because she holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is sufficiently stocked. To safeguard children in the event of a

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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 serious accident the childminder has obtained parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Documentation is in place to record accidents and the childminder is aware of obtaining written parental consent to administer medication to prevent any overdoses. Parents are informed that the childminder does not care for children if they have contagious illnesses, to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to learn about personal hygiene practices, as they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, but are not always reminded to do so before meals. Children have good opportunities to take part in activities to develop their physical skills. The communal garden area provides plenty of space for children to run around and use climbing apparatus. Children also visit parks where they enjoy using swings and playing on large play equipment. This ensures they receive plenty of fresh air and contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s snacks and meals are provided by the parents which the childminder stores appropriately to protect children’s health. Meal times are a lovely sociable occasion, where children sit together at the table and chat with each other and the childminder. Children have access to drinks at all times, which ensures they do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a welcoming home in which they have sufficient space to move around freely. They access a suitable range of toys and resources which are suited to their ages and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised throughout the time they are present, due to the organisation of the childminder and layout of the areas of the flat used for childminding. The windows are kept shut, but as they cannot be locked and do not have width restrictors on them, they pose a potential risk to children’s safety. Children have practised evacuating the premises with the childminder, which helps them to learn what to do in the event of a fire. However, the childminder does not have a smoke alarm or fire blanket in place. Sharps knives are kept out of children’s reach. The risks to children outside of the home are reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring they are safe on outings. For example, she holds children’s hands when walking and they learn about road safety, as they only cross the road at pedestrian crossings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s well-being is safeguarded because the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child’s safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident and relaxed in the childminder’s home. The childminder is interested in what the children say and do and interacts with them in a friendly manner. Children have lots of opportunities to develop their creatively. They enjoy practising and making up their own dance shows for the childminder to watch. They use their imaginations well, as they make robots from cardboard boxes and develop their hand and eye co-ordination as they use scissors, sellotape and pens to draw with. They get pleasure from matching colours of construction resources and then joining them together.

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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 Children have regular opportunities to socialise with others, as the childminder takes them to play centres where they access a wide range of activities and visit soft play facilities where they can climb, jump and develop their balancing skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has with the parents. The childminder gives them verbal feedback about their child’s day with her, which ensures continuity of care. Parents are informed of how to make a complaint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s self esteem is raised by the good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to manage negative behaviour, such as time out and discussions with the children to sort out any arguments between them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have opportunities to learn about the local community through regular outings to children’s facilities and parks. They have access to a range of books and resources which promote equality and reflect positive images of diversity. However, there are no toys reflecting images of disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she demonstrated an awareness of how to meet their needs, through working closely with the parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are at ease within the childminder's home. She organises her time around the children when they are present, ensuring they socialise with other children and access a range of fun play activities. The childminder acknowledges there are some issues in her home regarding safety and is willing to address them straight away. All the required documentation is in place, although the children’s attendance record is not always recorded as they arrive. Good use is made of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their child's individual needs. The childminder uses this information to promote the welfare and care of the children. The childminder’s certificate of registration is displayed for parents to view. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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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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

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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 a fire blanket and smoke alarm which conform to BS EN standards are in place in the home • make sure all windows are made safe or inaccessible to children • provide children with a range of resources which reflect positive images of disability • ensure children's attendance record is maintained at all 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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