Childminder in Barnet

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY289895 Inspection date 13 September 2005 Inspector Sandra Hornsby

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 13, 11, and 7 years. They live in a 4 bedroom house in Barnet where the whole of the ground floor and 1 bedroom upstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups. The family has several pets, two dogs, three cats, three

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 rabbits and a snail. The dogs do not have access to the minded children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about good hygiene practices by seeing the childminder demonstrate effective routines, for example hand washing. The effective routines the childminder carries out, and having a sick children's policy, protects children from the spread of infection. Young children are offered warmth and affection through cuddles, eye contact and appropriate language interaction. This supports and promotes the children's emotional well-being. Babies are encouraged to feed themselves, and choose what toys they hold and suck, promoting their independence. Children's health and fitness benefit as they are offered regular physical play experiences in different environments. Children have access to the garden with sand and water and sit and ride toys, they go swimming and attend toddler groups. Children learn about the world around them and get fresh air and exercise. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet which the parents supply,

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

supplemented by the childminder with finger foods, such as bread and fruit. The food children eat complies with their individual dietary requirements and is healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children have access to a warm and welcoming environment where the babies are allowed to move about and reach out for toys in safety. Soft furnishings and cushions allow the children to explore physically without hurting themselves and losing confidence. The children benefit by having access to a range of safe and appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder checks sleeping children regularly to ensure their safety and well-being. The childminder is aware of risk assessing the play areas to ensure that children of all ages are safe and well cared for. However, the fire blanket is difficult to access. As a result, children would not be suitably protected in the event of an emergency. The childminder has a good understanding about the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures that she is able to quickly recognise when a child is in danger and can act in

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the child's best interest, and support their welfare.

p.3

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 provision is good. Children are interested in the toys presented to them and show excitement with cause and effect toys, concentrating on what they do. They are attentive to the childminder and watch how buttons turn and push, strings pull and how noises are produced. Children carry out these tasks with glee and excitement. They enjoy learning from a range of activities that are easily accessible and that allow them to explore and investigate. Children learn how things work, begin to understand cause and effect, and develop their coordination. The childminder shows a good understanding of children and babies' physical development. She places suitable, age appropriate equipment around the young non-mobile children, to encourage them to reach out and roll about. They are kept

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

safe as they are supported by cushions in case they fall back. The childminder assists babies to sit, by holding out her hands and pulling them up, encouraging them to use their muscles. They explore their environment confidently. Children relate well to the childminder as she supports their listening and responding skills, by talking to them, telling them what going on and asking questions.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have the confidence and freedom to show the childminder how they are feeling. The childminder understands the children well, and responds effectively to their needs. Children have access to a range of experiences, such as attending toddler groups and resources and toys that reflect the diverse community around them. The childminder appreciates and understands peoples differences encouraging children to develop a positive attitude to others. Children's behaviour is supported by the childminder. She has a positive attitude towards them and implements various strategies to deal with individual children's needs. Good partnership with the parents is ongoing and supported by the childminder who understands the parents wishes and children in her care. The childminder does not care for a child with special needs, however she is aware of what this may entail.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are receiving good care, and the childminder shows a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. Children benefit from having access to an environment that is well organised, stimulating and mostly safe for the overall development of confidence and self esteem. Children's needs are met as there is good communication, which is regular. Children's daily activities are shared with parents to keep them well informed about

p.4

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 the service they receive and their children's progress. Most documentation is in place, however the register is not fully up to date. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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 fire precautions by ensuring fire blanket is sited in an appropriate position. • ensure register of attendance is up to date and accurate.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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.5