Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY271632 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Julia Louise Crowley Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 2003. She lives with her partner and two children aged eleven and eight years old, in Enfield within the London Borough of Enfield. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding purposes apart for the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one children under five all day and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children wash their hands before eating, after outdoor play and after touching the dog. They confidently use tissues independently and place them in the bin. The childminder increases their understanding by gentle reminders and discussion. Children effectively complete these simple health tasks and understand that it reduces a risk of the spread of germs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet, through discussion, while shopping for ingredients, growing vegetables and cooking activities. They help themselves to drinking water throughout the day. They become increasingly aware of how their bodies work and know when they need a drink or a rest. For example, children access drinks from a water filter and beakers accessible on the kitchen counter. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected in the event of an accident or illness, because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure knowledge of appropriate treatment. Additionally, documentation supports the child’s care, for example medication and accident records, and consent for emergency medical treatment, are in place.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they use the climbing frame, play ball and create obstacle courses. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an attractive and child focussed environment, displays of children’s work and appropriate posters add to the welcoming atmosphere.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder effectively identifies and minimises risks for children in her well organised home. Consequently, children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, indoors simple ground rules are established and reinforced with gentle reminders during the day. Children prepare before an outing with reminders about simple safety rules and the green cross code. Children effectively begin to understand how to avoid hazards and keep themselves safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder thoroughly risk assesses her home and play equipment prior to the children arriving, consequently children access toys safely. She carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development.

p.3

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 The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has all the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as dancing, listening and moving to music, playing instruments, painting, baking and model making. For example, the childminder prepares thoroughly and provides individual aprons, bowls, wooden spoons and ingredients for children to enjoy making chocolate crispy cakes.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans her day well, providing a wide range of stimulating activities with a clear understanding of each child’s age and stage of development. This helps each child to be kept interested, take part and have fun. For example, younger children learn numbers and sequence as they choose a game of snakes and ladders. The childminder allows the child to lead the play as she accepts the counter and dice that have been selected for her.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular outings including visits to local mother and toddler group during the week. This provides them with opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities including role play, arts and crafts and story telling. The childminder supports their play by interacting with them on a one-to-one basis. They also benefit from being able to socialise with a regular group of children. In addition the childminder organises well planned outings for children during the holidays and inset days, including trips to local farms, adventure playgrounds and interesting parks. Children increase their understanding and learning through stimulating new experiences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder's positive attitude towards diversity helps to foster the children's understanding of a range of cultures, religions and abilities. The children are able to play with dolls that represent people with disabilities as well as books, dolls and dressing up clothes that reflect different backgrounds. They also make cards and craft activities relating to different festivals. These and the childminder's meaningful interaction help the children to learn more about the world around them.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Young children are learning to share, take turns and co-operate with others. The childminder is a good role model, treats children with respect and manages children’s behaviour in a calm, positive way.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents. They have provided written references to show how happy they are with the service provided and the care of their child. Parents receive copies of the policies and procedures to ensure all relevant information is shared with them. A range of consent forms covering a variety of events, such as using sun cream, taking photographs

p.4

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 and going on public transport ensure that parents' wishes are met. These systems contribute to building strong partnerships with parents and successfully promote consistency of care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has organised the play space, toys, and equipment, within her home very effectively. This enables children to play and explore freely without any restrictions. She has organised an inviting play area, where children feel at home and at ease.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder ensures that her first aid training is kept current however she has not attended current child care courses and workshops to build on her knowledge and improve her practice.

p.5

Organisation

Children are safeguarded as all other adults in the home have undergone checks to assess their suitability and there is an accurate record of children's attendances.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has all required documentation in place and has compiled an informative portfolio of written policies and procedures that guide her daily practices. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to continue to address and develop play resources to include positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender, disability. Notify Ofsted of any significant health issues and seek agreements with parent with regard to emergency treatment for children. The childminder has successfully develop play resources to include positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender, disability consequently children increase their knowledge and understanding of the world and community around them. In addition she is aware of her responsibility to contact Ofsted with significant health issues. The childminder has written consent for emergency procedures from parents consequently children needs are met and parents are kept fully informed.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 relevant and current child care courses and workshops are attended to enhance knowledge and practice

p.6

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

p.6

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.6