Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346958 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and 18 month old child in a house in Potters Bar. She uses the whole of the house for childminding except for two bedrooms upstairs. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding one child under five. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well as the childminder has good procedures in place. Her medical records are well maintained. Children are protected from infection because she provides very clear information for parents about excluding children if they have an infectious illness. Children are well taken care of in the event of an accident as the childminder holds a first aid qualification and has good access to first aid equipment. However, she has not asked parents to give written

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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 consent for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. Consequently, children may suffer a delay in receiving appropriate treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is attentive to hygiene and ensures that children play and eat in a clean environment. They learn about good personal hygiene because they are encouraged to wash their hands and wipe the table before eating. They are provided with individual towels in the bathroom to encourage handwashing after going to the toilet. These procedures contribute to keeping children healthy. They enjoy regular opportunities for physical exercise in the garden where there is a selection of outdoor toys. They also enjoy visits to local parks and soft-play centres where they build up confidence on the play equipment. These activities help them to keep fit and develop control and co-ordination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through being offered a variety of healthy meals. The childminder is keen for children to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. They enjoy fresh fruit, smoothies and home-made vegetable soups. Children have a balanced diet because the childminder provides meals which are nutritious and healthy, for example, toasted sandwiches, jacket potatoes and roast dinners. She ensures that children have access to drinking water so that they do not become dehydrated. Children with special diets have their needs met appropriately because she liaises closely with parents regarding their diets. Therefore children are well nourished.

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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 environment. The living room is bright and comfortable with toys and games easily accessible in attractive storage containers. The open plan arrangement is useful in that children can be kept in view while the childminder is busy in the kitchen. Children's safety is promoted well as she has minimised potential risks in the setting. For example, low-level cupboards are fitted with locks and a fireguard is in place on the fireplace. Children are able to use the bathroom safely and are checked regularly if sleeping in the lounge or upstairs bedroom. There are adequate fire precautions in place and children participate in regular fire drills so that they know what to do in the event of an emergency. However, the fire blanket is not easily accessible in the kitchen. This may result in a delay in dealing with an incident and evacuating the premises.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use safe and suitable resources and equipment. There is a good selection of attractive and interesting toys from which children can choose independently. The childminder keeps a check on her resources and ensures that children only have access to those that are suitable for their age. Children learn to keep themselves safe because she talks with them about playing safely. Children are secure on the premises as the front door and side gate are kept locked. Safety gates are in use on the staircase for extra safety. Young children keep safe when out and about as they are taught to hold on and take care when crossing roads. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She is aware of the signs of abuse and has the necessary information to enable her to seek advice if she has any concerns. Therefore, children are well protected in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a variety of activities and have fun exploring toys. They especially enjoy technological and musical resources. The

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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 childminder enhances their play by joining in and showing them how toys work. Children enjoy being creative, for example, painting pictures on canvases. They benefit from the childminder's support and this helps to boost their self-confidence and develop independence. For example, she helps them to model play dough and bake cakes. They enjoy listening to stories and develop communication skills through chatting with her about the pictures. They talk with her confidently on different subjects such as animals. They develop self-esteem through being praised often.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a range of organised activities which support their development and learning. The childminder makes use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to help plan activities which are suitable for young children. She is developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage so that children can be supported further. Children respond positively to suggestions for activities, for instance, baking cakes. She helps children to learn through these activities, for example, reading out instructions for mixing the cakes. They enjoy the freedom to explore materials and thereby learn to make connections. Children have their individual needs met appropriately. For example, younger children have opportunities for imaginary play. Older ones enjoy craft activities and time to relax. Children learn about their environment on walks to the shops and library. Overall they are developing skills in a variety

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and included in the childminder's care. They quickly develop a sense of belonging as the childminder has a relaxed and friendly attitude which helps children to feel at home. She ensures that children have equal opportunities and they develop close relationships with each other. For example, children enjoy sharing books, sitting on either side of the childminder. They are given choices during activities and at mealtimes to encourage them to make decisions. She is aware of their practical needs and meets these appropriately. She encourages them to make a positive contribution themselves by helping to tidy away after an activity. Children learn about diversity in society through sharing books and using resources such as an electronic globe. Children's parents are encouraged to share something about their cultural backgrounds. In this way, children learn about a wider society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are aware of their boundaries in the setting and behave very well. They are encouraged to share toys and play harmoniously. The childminder has appropriate strategies in place for managing behaviour and children are given time to calm down if involved in a dispute. She works closely with parents regarding children's care so that they can devise a consistent approach if necessary. Parents are provided with good information about her practice in an attractive portfolio. They complete written agreements and provide information about their children's needs. She uses a 'link book' to exchange information daily and this ensures that parents are well informed about each day's events. Her close working partnership with parents is of benefit to all children, including any with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's policies and procedures work well in practice to promote the outcomes for children. Her documentation is very well-organised and information about children is kept in a secure place. Her attendance register is well maintained and she ensures that children's emergency contact details are always accessible. She has collated a set of written policies which

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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 are specific to her practice and collected various ideas for children's activities. She plans each day so that children have directed activities and also time for free play. In this way their interest is maintained throughout the day. Her good organisation contributes to keeping children safe, healthy and happy.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course and is keen to attend further training in order to continually improve her practice. She has a high regard for the well-being of children in her care. She provides plenty of space for them to play and relax. Young children particularly enjoy the provision of a small table and chairs where they can take part in table top activities and eat meals. There is good access to the back garden through patio doors. Children are always well supervised and content.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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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): • request written permission from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice • improve fire precautions by ensuring that the fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen.

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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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