Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221534 Unique Reference Number 11 March 2008 Inspection date Julia Louise Crowley 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 2002. She lives with her husband and daughter aged twelve years old, in Bush Hill Park, within the London Borough of Enfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 play in well organised, clean and healthy environment. They stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines policies and procedures. For example, all surfaces and toys are cleaned regularly with anti bacterial sprays, floors are vacuumed daily, a hygienic nappy changing procedure is implemented and all bedding, cups, crockery and cutlery belong to individual children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a competent understanding of simple health and hygiene practices this means that they understand how to prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after toileting, they remove their coats and shoes on entering the childminders home, use tissues appropriately and cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has all necessary policies and procedures in place. For example, parents provide written consent for the administration of medicines which is recorded accurately. Consent forms are completed by parents and accident records are up to date consequently parents are kept well informed and children’s health and medical needs monitored. The childminder is aware that Ofsted must be notified of two or more cases of food poisoning consequently children’s health is safe guarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder effectively supports children's understanding of how to maintain good health. For example, children receive gentle reminders and information on the benefits of sun cream, a healthy diet and exercise. In addition the childminder displays educational posters showing healthy vegetables and fruits that we eat. Children are effectively nourished because the childminder provides a healthy varied menu of meals and snacks. For example, grilled chicken with fresh vegetables, stir fries and rice and Spaghetti Bolognese. However, older children can not independently access water throughout the day consequently opportunities to develop skills and independence are not always utilised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily physical activity. For example, they walk to and from school on a daily basis, play in the garden and visit local parks. They have plenty of opportunities to exercise and learn how their bodies work as they play on slides, use tents and tunnels, play badminton and tennis and use small mobile toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a first aid certificate and has a sound knowledge of what to do should an emergency take place. Consequently, children are safeguarded in the event of an accident or illness.

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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, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder has created a child oriented and safe environment where children can access toys and play resources easily and safely. Children are relaxed and happy they move with ease around the childminders home. She completes a daily risk assessment prior to the arrival of the children ensuring that all possible hazards are removed.

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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 Children use a sufficient range of suitable and safe equipment such as child friendly bedding for naps, highchair, small tables and chairs and stair gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children effectively learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder offers gentle reminders and informative discussion. This increases children knowledge and understanding of how to stay safe. For example, children learn the green cross code during outings and discuss how to stay safe before leaving the childminders home. They know to clear away toys from the floor after use and not to run indoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised systems that further promote the children's safety and emergency evacuation drill. Posters on the wall support the emergency evacuation drill offering the children a visual aid. The drill is adequately practised meaning children are familiar with the procedure to follow if they have to leave the home in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's well being is promoted as the childminder is confident of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. She has a clear policy in place that informs parents of her responsibilities to prioritise the children's welfare, enabling her to act in the child’s best interests if she has concerns about their care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are successfully settled in the childminder's home. Younger children laugh and confidently access their favourite toys. Children develop confidence and self esteem because the childminder is attentive and offers plenty of praise and encouragement. For example, younger children point to the colours in the card book. The childminder enthusiastically sounds out the name of the colour and the child repeats the word. The childminder claps as the child repeats the word and sometimes says the colour without prompting.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in what they do as they are provided with age and stage appropriate toys, because the childminder has a good understanding of child development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular outings including visiting local child focussed groups and meeting with other childminders weekly. This provides them with opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities including role play, arts and crafts, sand play 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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form warm relationships with the childminder and enjoy her friendly, relaxed manner. They are comfortable in her home and confidently select toys for themselves and choose the activities that they wish to take part in. They enjoy the freedom they receive to explore and develop their own games and are well supported by the childminder to extend their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are effectively cared for by the childminder who works with parents successfully to meet the children individual needs. For example, parents receive a comprehensive service provision document, including all policies and procedures. Parents provide positive feedback regarding the childminders service demonstrating that the continuity of care between home and the childminder is maintained.

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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 Children sufficiently enjoy a sense of belonging because the childminder provides favourite toys and play equipment, photographs of the children are displayed and furniture and play equipment is all at child level. 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are able to play with dolls and small world figures that represent people with disabilities as well as books, dolls and dressing up clothes that reflect different backgrounds. They also enjoy creative activities such as making cards and craft activities relating to different festivals.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are benefiting from the childminders strong regard for the well being of the children in her care. Children benefit from the childminder knowledge as she continues to complete current and up to date courses and work shops. For example, Cache level three in Childcare Practise, Epipen training and a certificate in Safeguarding Children.

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Organisation

The childminder uses her time effectively to enable children to feel at home and at ease. Daily routines provide children with opportunities to rest and relax as well as be busy and actively occupied. 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.

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Organisation

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 the childminder was asked to be aware of notifiable diseases, provide an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, provide suitable furniture to meet the needs of children, provide parents with a written procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, obtain prior written permission from parents before administering specific non-prescribed medication. All of these requirements have been achieved consequently children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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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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

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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): • improve opportunities for children to develop skills and independence at mealtimes and drinks.

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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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