Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY297750 Inspection date 13 July 2005 Inspector Liz Corr

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two sons aged 2 and 4 years in a 3 bedroom house in the N19 area of the London Borough of Islington. The premises are close to most public transport links. Local parks and playgrounds are also nearby. Areas to be used for childminding are the double reception room, kitchen, toilet and washing facilities on the ground floor, the spare bedroom and children's bedroom on the first floor. There is a garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat and gold

p.2

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 fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. She is not registered to care for children overnight. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright, clean and well maintained home. They enjoy a healthy and well balanced diet that complies with their individual dietary requirements. Children are treated with respect and their needs are well met including routines for sleep and meal times. Children have frequent opportunities for fresh air and outdoor play. Vigorous activities are encouraged and available indoors in bad weather. Children's health and well-being is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of emergency first aid and the procedures she has in place. A written sickness policy is shared with parents which helps to ensure children are protected from infectious illnesses.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a well organised and child-centred play space. The good organisation of well maintained equipment means children can move around freely. They independently choose toys from tables, cupboards and boxes at their height. Children are protected by a generally good range of safety measures, for example they are reminded of road safety awareness from the childminder whenever they are taken out and through practicing emergency evacuations. Although children benefit from the high levels of supervision, they can access an area of the garden used to store equipment which compromises their safety. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and has developed a policy to share with parents. Safety of children could be further improved by ensuring details of procedures she will follow in the event of allegations being made against her, or her family, are included in her policy.

p.3

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 are busy, content and happily settled. Their individual needs are responded to well and this helps to develop their self esteem. Children's enjoyment is enhanced by the childminder's involvement in their play. They are praised and encouraged for their achievements. A good range of play equipment is available and stored at child height giving the children opportunity for choice and independence. Play equipment is regularly rotated to maintain children's interest and enthusiasm. A well established daily routine helps children feel confident and secure in the environment. Children develop social skills and a sense of the world around them through regular attendance at local parent/carer drop-in groups, parks and outdoor play spaces. The childminder displays a good understanding of how children learn and develop.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She effectively builds on their natural curiosity to extend their learning. Children enjoy developing new physical skills, they make music and their interest in books is encouraged through the use of imaginative props.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to value diversity in society through a good range of resources that promote positive images. This has not been fully extended by raising children's awareness of religious or cultural festivals. Children receive individual care because their needs and circumstances are known to the childminder. She has produced a book containing photos of the child's daily experiences which is shared with parents. This strengthens communication and aids children's sense of security and feeling of being at home with the childminder. Children's progress in several areas of learning has been recorded and will be shared with parents. Children receive lots of praise and recognition which reinforces their good behaviour, they are comfortable and confident to explore their surroundings.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a very good understanding of the National Standards for childminding. She is committed to extending her childminding knowledge through further training and keeps up to date with relevant child care publications. Documentation relating to childminding activities are well maintained and shared with parents. Children's progress is reported to parents through daily feedback. This provides additional reassurance that their child's progress is being monitored. Children benefit form the childminder's good organisation skills and daily routine which ensures their individual and developmental needs are met. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children's safety is maximised by restricting children's access to the area of the garden where equipment is stored and recording fire drills. • Improve children's safety by ensuring that correct procedures are followed in the event of an allegation made against you or people who have access to the children in your care.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5