Waltham Forest College

Inspection report for early years provision

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130456 Unique Reference Number 23 October 2007 Inspection date Karen Molloy 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 1994. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, 13 and 16 years in Watford, Hertfordshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and children can sleep undisturbed in the loft bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children during the day and two children before and after school. The childminder attends a local childminding group where she plays an active part in the group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has recently completed accreditation through Hertfordshire Quality Standards, a quality assurance scheme. The childminder holds an early years qualification.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and comfortable home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They regularly wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating, they are reminded to flush the toilet which they do and they cover their mouth when they cough, which they are praised for. Children's independence is encouraged such as when they use the toilet and younger children are given the support they need. Children stay healthy as there are effective procedures to protect them from infection. If they are ill or contagious, they do not attend the childminder's home, toys are well-maintained and surfaces are cleaned after use. Children's specific health needs are discussed with parents and clearly recorded. All the relevant medication and accident records are in place to ensure children's health is safeguarded. Children benefit from the childminders up-to-date first aid knowledge

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Helping children to be healthy

and receive appropriate care if they are unwell or injured. A sickness policy supports the practice and is shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of physical activities which contributes to their good health and helps develop their physical skills. They make good use of the garden and the variety of outdoor resources. Children attend 'gym tots' where they learn a range of skills such as balance and co-ordination and they have the opportunity to go swimming, on a one to one basis with the childminder. Children receive regular fresh air and exercise as they walk and use local parks. They attend a childminding group where they move around freely, use wheeled toys and play imaginatively. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and sleep undisturbed, in a travel cot in the loft bedroom.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. They enjoy a range of meals and snacks such as houmous and dips, and a light lunch of sandwiches, with the occasional treat. Drinks are easily accessible to the children throughout the day. Children begin to learn the importance of healthy eating as they talk about healthy fruit and when asked by the childminder what it does, they answer enthusiastically that it make us 'big and strong!'. Children are supported through various stages of their development such as weaning. Their independence is encouraged; they make some choices about their sandwich filling and they help the childminder to prepare the fruit snack. Meal times are seen as a sociable time when children learn social skills and good manners. They sit and eat together and leave the table when everyone is finished. Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder works in partnership with parents to discuss

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Helping children to be healthy

any specific requirements and these are taken into consideration when planning the children's meals and snacks.

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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 safe and secure environment where any risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and with some independence. Appropriate safety measures are in place such as a fire guard, socket covers and hazardous substances are made inaccessible. Systems are in place to promote children's safety; risk assessments are carried out regularly to cover all areas of the childminder's home, both indoors and outdoors, and a daily checklist ensures children are kept safe. Attention is paid to fire safety with appropriate fire precautions in place, including smoke alarms and a fire blanket. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and this is discussed and carried out with the 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 on a regular basis to develop their knowledge and understanding. An emergency action plan enables another childminder to hold the children's details, in agreement with parents, who may be called on in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe outdoors. The garden is enclosed and gates and sheds are locked. Whilst out and about children travel safely in the car, with appropriate car seats in place. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe and know what to do if they should ever get lost. They travel in a buggy or walk safely, holding onto the buggy or the childminder's hand, with older children given more freedom. As children participate in water activities including swimming, consideration may be taken to develop the current health and safety policy to show how children are kept safe. All the required literature is in place in relation to outings and car safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put procedures into practice when necessary. She has attended training to increase her knowledge in this area and has put into place the appropriate systems for recording and sharing a concern. All the required literature is in place to ensure children's safety is safeguarded. A child protection policy ensures parents are well-informed and supports the good practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of child development. They achieve well because she is highly skilled and uses her extensive knowledge to provide high quality care. She uses her understanding of the needs of young children and the 'Birth to three matters' framework to devise a stimulating and interesting range of activities, which helps them to make good progress in all areas of learning. She is flexible in her approach and plans according to the different ages and stages of the children, taking into consideration their own interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop close and loving relationships with the childminder, which helps them to feel happy and secure in her care. The childminder is dedicated, friendly and encouraging in her approach. She treats all of the children as individuals, taking into account their characteristics and individual circumstances and gives them plenty of attention. Children's confidence and self-esteem is given high priority as they make choices and decisions of their own, for example, at lunch time and their work is displayed, giving them a sense of pride. They become independent as they are encouraged to help tidy away the toys, prepare the snack and set the table.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's listening and communication skills are fostered because the childminder provides an excellent role model in listening and communicating with them, in a caring and consistent manner. She talks to them, reads stories and sings songs, extending their vocabulary as they do so. Children are actively encouraged to express themselves and their contributions are always valued.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in an extensive range of interesting activities and play opportunities to support their all round development. Many provide a high level of challenge to increase their knowledge and maintain their interest. Children develop a good knowledge and understanding of the world. During a topic on travel, they make a trip to the visitors centre at Heathrow airport, complete a questionnaire and view a plane cockpit. At the childminder's home, they print off different maps, look at where they have been and make a game to extend their knowledge and enjoyment. Small world play equipment relating to the airport helps to sustain and extend

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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's interest further. Children enjoy a wide range of trips to places such as animal parks, the seaside and kite flying, that are enjoyable and provide a valuable learning experience.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in many fun and purposeful activities. Children read the 'Little Red Hen' a story about how wheat is grown and made into bread. The children then make bread themselves to reinforce their understanding and provide a meaningful practical experience. Children's imaginative development is actively promoted. A shop set up in the childminder's home provides a role play situation where children choose their purchases and learn early mathematical concepts, as they pay for them. Children show an interest in what they do and their own interests are taken into consideration when planning, to ensure they become engaged and enjoy what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about their local community on regular outings to the shops, parks, and toddler group. They visit the library for story time and to borrow books, fostering an appreciation of books and an introduction to pre-reading skills. Children enjoy getting to know other children and adults during regular visits to local groups, encouraging their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder observes and monitors the children's learning and development. She maintains records of their progress and discusses these with parents. This helps her to plan for the next stage of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are made very welcome and their needs are extremely well met. The childminder uses her training, policies, resources and activities to ensure they are all treated with respect, learn about other cultures and religions and appreciate differences in people. Children celebrate a variety of festivals and a large map of the world helps them to find and pin point the different countries they are from or have visited. Children are encouraged to talk about their home life and develop a sense of their own identity, as well as learning an appreciation of others. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures relating to equal opportunities and learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and is proactive in identifying and addressing the needs of individual children. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities receive all the support they require and feel valued and included because the childminder works in partnership

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with their parents to ensure that their needs are met, in a thorough and sensitive manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play together well and are clear of the boundaries because the childminder manages their behaviour in a positive manner, focusing on rewarding and encouraging positive behaviour. Any negative behaviour is dealt with constructively and full account is taken of children's different ages and levels of understanding. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach and she is a positive role model in the way she relates to the children, in a thoughtful and courteous manner. An incidents or unacceptable behaviour is discussed with parents, working in partnership to resolve any issues. Children's self-esteem and confidence is promoted as they are given praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements. Children are taught to be kind, share and take turns. The childminder's written behaviour management policy, which is shared with parents and agreed by them, underpins the excellent

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by a childminder who is friendly and approachable and develops excellent partnerships with parents to promote the care, learning and welfare of children. Parents are regularly informed of their children's progress and activities, both verbally and through a daily

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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 diary that parents take home and are able to contribute to. New children are settled in gradually and a welcome letter introduces them to the childminder and what she offers in her childminding setting. Regular newsletters ensures parents are kept well-informed about the children's activities and the childminder's practice. The newsletters enables parents to know the topics being covered, it shares 'news' about the children's holidays, festivals celebrated and any training the childminder is undertaking in order to keep up-to-date with current practice. Permission is obtained for photographs and this enables the childminder to maintain and share with parents, a wealth of photographs depicting the extensive range of activities and trips they have undertaken. The childminder actively shares all her written policies and procedures with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents. These are reviewed annually and parents are encouraged and invited to comment on their content. Excellent communication and comprehensive information about the childminding service through the diary, regular conversations, the email system, policies and newsletters promotes a strong partnership with parents, ensuring children's needs are met exceptionally well.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is significantly enhanced by the childminder's exceptional organisation. The childminder regularly reviews her practice and continually strives to update and increase her skills and knowledge through her professional development. She already holds a recognised early years qualification and has taken steps to attend the six week, Early Years Foundation Stage training. She has also attended a number of other courses covering a variety of subjects including 'Celebrating diversity and cultures' and food hygiene. The childminder has a high regard for children. She has many years experience as a childminder and has previous experience as a practitioner in a early years setting. In addition to the required introduction to childminding, the childminder has completed two additional training units to successfully achieve the Level 3 'Certificate in Childminding Practice'.

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Organisation

The childminder has a commitment to improvement and monitors and evaluates her practice. She has successfully completed the Hertfordshire Quality Standards, a quality assurance scheme which includes evaluating and looking at practice and polices. The childminder is competent at providing a high quality service and ensuring excellent outcomes for children. She has a very good understanding of how children learn and develop, gained from her experience and training. The childminder has previously used her skills and experience to benefit and support new childminders, taking on the role of childminding buddy, being on hand to advise, guide and answer any queries they may have. Her dedication and commitment to her work is evident.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the excellent way in which the childminder uses the available space and resources to their optimum advantage. A dedicated play room enables children to learn and play in a well-organised environment. The childminder keeps up-to-date with current childminding literature and uses child development publications to support her planning for topics and activities. The setting provides a warm, comfortable and extremely child-friendly environment where children are comfortable and at ease. They gain in confidence and independence because they have space to move around freely and can make choices about what they play with.

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Organisation

All policies and procedures are individual to the childminder and fully support her excellent childcare practice. She also ensures that these are constantly reviewed and revised to take account of developments and improvements in childcare practice. She is thorough in her record keeping and maintains confidential personal files on each child, shared with parents. The records,

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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 policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated in line with current guidance and Ofsted are informed of any significant changes to the service.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to address two recommendations, which have both been fully addressed. A sickness policy is in place and this information is clearly shared with parents to ensure children's well-being. Written permission is in place to allow the childminder to take photographs of the children and this ensures parents are informed and protects children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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): • develop the health and safety policy to include how children's safety is safeguarded during water activities.

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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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