Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY219097 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Catherine Greene 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 has been registered since 2003. She is registered to care for five children and currently has three children on roll. She lives in a first floor flat in Hornsey with local shops and amenities within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding. The childminder has a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends a local drop in group on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are taught good understanding of hygiene practices and personal care through well organised daily routines. Focused activities and close interaction between the childminder and children promotes their understanding of staying healthy. The childminder has devised a good range of policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, to support her childminding practice. Children who are infectious stay at home in order to prevent the spread of contagious

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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 ailments to other children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which means she can give appropriate care to children if there is an accident. She records any accidents in a log book, which is then brought to parents' notice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in close partnership with parents to ensure that children enjoy healthy and nutritional snacks and meals. Children enjoy mealtimes because time is given for them to savour and enjoy their food. They are confident and able to express their needs with the childminder. They tell the childminder when they are hungry and she responds warmly setting up their snack at a slightly earlier than usual time. Meals are social occasions where the children and childminder sit together to encourage positive social interaction. Children are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the day and enjoy a range of fresh fruit, vegetables and finger foods at snack time. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink of water to hand.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children join in all areas of physical play enthusiastically because the childminder plans and organises a stimulating and diverse range of activities. Children benefit from larger soft play and climbing equipment at drop in groups and parks. Children’s fine motor skills are progressed by activities that encourage them to use tools such as cutters and rolling pins to manipulate play dough. Children experience fresh air daily as they explore activities during outings and enjoy time spent at the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a secure environment where they can move around safely and where high priority is given to their personal safety. The childminder takes precautions to prevent accidents, for example by using socket covers and safety gates in areas where children could be at risk. She has a very good understanding of creating a balance between encouraging children's freedom and setting limits to maintain their safety. She has been proactive in ensuring her home is as safe as it can be, she is vigilant about her evacuation plan and the fire equipment needed to ensure her home is a suitable environment for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age, all of which are maintained in very good condition. High priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. Safety issues are regularly discussed and explained to the children in line with their level of understanding. The childminder talks to the children about picking up toys on the floor to prevent people from slipping on them and not to climb on the chairs in case they fall and hurt themselves. The childminder is also vigilant about children's safety when on outings, and ensures younger children travel in a buggy that has a harness for each child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a clear and robust understanding in all aspects of child protection. Comprehensive and effective policies and procedures are in place to promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle into the environment exceptionally well and are happy, confident and eager to learn. They are involved in a stimulating range of activities which are interesting, fun and develop their curiosity, creativity and imagination. Activities are carefully organised to match

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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 the needs and ages of the children attending. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework to meet children's individual needs. She has developing knowledge of the learning intentions each of the activities offer and plans to further enhance this with the introduction of developmental and progress records.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are totally absorbed and interested in everything they do and are confident to try new experiences. They show care and concern for each other, sharing and playing cooperatively alongside one another. Children are keen to develop their independence and take great pride in demonstrating what they can do. They actively enjoy art and craft projects, which the childminder skilfully organises. Outings to art galleries have further inspired the childminder and children, this helps to encourage their creativity and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children engage in both indoor and outside activities as they play in the nearby park. They develop an interest in nature as they feed and observe the deer at Clissold Park. The childminder sets out a range of themed resources to support children’s interests in the world around them. They are listened to and their communication skills are well promoted as the childminder positively responds to their gestures, sounds and questions. The childminder is very skilled in encouraging young children to express themselves. The children clearly understand what is being said and respond in their own way, trying to communicate with her and each other. She encourages them to thoroughly enjoy books and children are inspired to use their own imaginations for story telling, they thoroughly enjoy listening to stories through the childminder's expressive reading. They sing familiar rhymes and songs that develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

language and encourage colour and shape recognition and counting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made extremely welcome and the childminder ensures that each child is greeted with loving and warmth. Resources are presented attractively and cultural and religious diversity is positively reflected throughout the home. Artefacts from around the world are readily available for children to use as part of their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging whilst in her care, by responding affectionately when children want a cuddle or by sitting close together during story time. She has developed a close and loving relationship with the children and they look to her for support. She listens empathetically to children and validates their feelings, she helps them find words to describe their emotions. Consequently, children look forward to their time spent in the childminder's home and are confident and self-assured. There is a very good balance between planned and child initiated activities and includes quieter as well as active times. Children have choices in their play which ensures that they are interested in what they do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good due to the clear boundaries and positive role model set by the childminder. She continually reinforces positive behaviour by thanking children for listening and responding to requests. Children understand the difference between right and wrong and are encouraged to develop good manners and respect for others. Children gain a high level of self-control and learn to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed very close and professional relationships with parents who are well informed about their children's overall well-being and progression. Parents are given ideas to help with their child's learning at home and the childminder values their contributions. Consequently, children make significant progress in all areas of their development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised routine and stimulating range of activities. They are happy, comfortable and settled in a warm and caring environment. Comprehensive written policies and procedures are in place, that address the National Standards and have a positive impact on children's safety and well-being. The childminder is very aware of her role in delivering a service that enables children to make good progress. She plans to further develop her records, covering areas of children's development, to share with parents and other practitioners.

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Organisation

The layout of the childminder's home is very well organised for children to play safely. They benefit from being in an environment where they receive very good support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is very well planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Children benefit from the care of a childminder who is highly motivated, and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommend that the childminder ensure the first aid box contents are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. In addition that the childminder request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. The first aid box is now regularly checked and restocked and documents are in place to request emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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 the 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): • continue to develop knowledge of guidance such as the Birth to three matters framework.

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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 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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