Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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146876 Unique Reference Number 22 February 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Liverpool 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 1995. She lives with her adult children in a flat on the first floor of a low rise block of housing in Walthamstow. The lounge in the childminder's flat is used for the purpose of childminding.

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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 three children under five years all day. She attends local toddler groups and visits local parks with the children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted because they are cared for in a clean environment with effective measures in place to prevent the spread of infection or germs. Shoes are not worn in areas accessible to children, toys are cleaned on a regular basis, effective procedures are in place for dealing with sick children, and gloves are worn during nappy-changing routines.

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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 Children are learning the importance of being healthy, as they are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and before eating meals, and to help with wiping the table before use. Children are further helped to learn about developing good personal hygiene as they are helped to brush their teeth after meals. Children receive appropriate care in the event of sustaining minor injuries, as the childminder holds a valid certificate and is qualified to administer first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished by the healthy, nutritious and varied meals that are offered to them each day. These include steamed fish, fresh vegetables, pasta and mince meat. There are opportunities for children to experience and develop wider tastes in food as they are also offered mild curried meat, rice and peas, stir fries, Bombay potatoes and naan bread. Older children also learn about healthy eating through discussions, planting and growing vegetables in pots, helping to make sandwiches and cutting up fresh fruit for snacks. Babies are provided with ready-made meals brought in from home, which cater for their specific eating habits and preferences. Fresh drinking water is available to children to prevent them from getting thirsty or dehydrated. Children benefit from regular visits to toddler groups and other community provisions. They have plenty of opportunities to use large outdoor play equipment and, when

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Helping children to be healthy

indoors, they play with a wide range of small play equipment. This helps to develop children's fine and gross motor skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted because the childminder has effective systems in place to minimise the risks of potential hazards. Regular risks assessments are carried out each day and immediate steps are taken to ensure precautions are in place to prevent accidents. Children are kept secure because visitors are asked to record their arrival time and sign their names on entry into the premises. Children depart safely, as authorised collectors are known and passwords are used to ensure they are protected. Children have recently participated in a fire drill practice. This helps them to become aware of how to leave the premises quickly and safely in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a warm, welcoming and child-centred environment. The organisation of the room meets with children's individual needs. Their drawings and colourful posters are attractively displayed. A good range of low level storage units enables children to choose safely and have easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. There is a suitable range of developmentally appropriate furniture and equipment to provide comfort and safety for young children. The childminder displays a good understanding of child protection issues and the signs and symptoms of abuse. There are appropriate written procedures in place to ensure that children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled, happy and gain self assurance through the close relationship they have with the childminder. Children's individual needs, preferences and interests are recognised as the childminder obtains relevant information from parents prior to admission and keeps a regular record of what children can and like to do, which she shares with parents. Daily routines are planned around children's care needs and interests, contributing to their all-round development. Children receive equal time and attention, enabling them to feel valued and

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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 secure in the childminder's care. When changing younger children's nappies, the childminder provides them with toys, sings and has fun with them. Appropriate interventions, such as observation, support and questioning, are made when older children are looking at books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children can choose toys and games that they wish to play with, enabling them to take the lead in their play. Additionally the childminder encourages children to participate in decision making as she provides a picture book of other resources, allowing children to select from a wider range. Accessible resources are provided for younger children at their level, supporting and promoting their independence. Young children are able to explore and make sense of their world, as they are provided with textured materials and magnetic alphabet letters on the fridge, and go on trips to the local farm to see the animals. Older children have good opportunities to learn about living things as they plant, water and observe the growth of vegetable seeds. They happily talk about growing corn, tomatoes and lettuce in pots. Children's imagination and creative skills are well promoted through, for example, wearing dressing-up clothes for

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Halloween, painting, baking fairy cakes, and participating in musical instrument sessions at the toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are effectively met because each child is valued as an individual and treated with equal concern. The childminder's strong working partnership with parents promotes children's well-being and development. The childminder shares information with parents about their child's development by keeping a daily diary and recording activities in photographs. In addition, the daily informal discussions with parents promote continuity of care. A comprehensive welcoming pack is made available to parents, containing information about the service and the provision of care for their children. Written policies are readily available in a well organised portfolio.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and benefit from consistent praise and encouragement. They learn important social skills such as sharing. The childminder has a positive attitude to working with children of various abilities and needs. Children are helped to feel good about themselves. They are encouraged to become independent and make decisions. Their achievement is celebrated, as their drawing and mark-making are displayed in the room. A range of activities develops children's understanding of diversity, for example, children celebrate Chinese New year at the toddler group. Photographic evidence shows children watching a Chinese dance, learning to balance a plate on a stick, and eating prawn crackers for snacks. Children have access to multicultural books, dolls and puzzles, although few of these reflect positive images of disability and gender.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy, reassured and confident in the care of the childminder. The environment is well organised, promoting children's independence and providing stimulating surroundings for them to play and have fun. Daily routines allow children to have a good balance of active play, rest, and outdoor activities and trips. This contributes to children's physical well-being. The childminder is genuinely interested in children's development, and provides a range of indoor and outdoor activities that help to promote their developmental needs. Children are

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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 able to explore their environment safely because the childminder is vigilant and carries out regular risk assessments. Children's health is promoted.

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Organisation

The childminder has good understanding of the National Standards and, as a result, children are provided with good quality care. She is committed to developing her knowledge and is currently studying a course in childcare and education. This helps to support the children in her care. The childminder is clear about her responsibilities for safeguarding children and the procedures for notification of significant events and the retention of records. However, she is not fully aware of the procedures for dealing with complaints made in writing. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practices. All mandatory records are in place, confidential and well maintained. The certificate of registration is prominently displayed for parents to inspect. 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: develop the range of toys and activities for children aged under three years; notify Ofsted of every person over the age of 16 years living in the household; and review the procedures for carrying out risk assessments on the premises.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has increased the quantity of toys and the range of activities. These meet the needs of all children and help them to progress in all areas of development. The childminder knows and understands her responsibility for notifying Ofsted of changes to persons living in the household. This promotes children's welfare. She has effective systems in place for reducing hazards and promoting children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • further develop the range of toys to reflect positive images of diversity • improve knowledge and understanding of the procedures for dealing with complaints.

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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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