Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

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153519 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 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 satisfactory. 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 shares the family home with her adult daughter. They live in a three bedroom house, off Durham Road in Finsbury Park, Islington. The property is situated in a quiet cul de sac and is within close walking distance of local amenities, including shops, parks, schools and Finsbury park underground station. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is access to a fully enclosed outside play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for two children aged four and two years who attend on a part time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about good hygiene procedures through practices that are part of their daily routine, such as, hand washing before meals and after using the toilet. Children's understanding

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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 of good hygiene is reinforced, as they see the childminder follow good practices, such as washing her own hands and using napkins to clean their hands and faces.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a balanced diet which encourages their awareness of healthy eating. They help themselves to regular drinks from their individual drinking cups, when they are thirsty. Lunch time is a sociable and relaxing time when children are encouraged to gain independence through feeding themselves. The childminder sits with the children at a table and talks with them, encouraging them while they eat. Children enjoy a range of vegetables, pasta and fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a first aid qualification which is due to be renewed. Information relating to accidents and administration of medication is recorded, however, parents written consent for children to receive medical treatment, in an emergency, is not obtained. The risk of infection to children is minimised, by the childminder's policy relating to not caring for children when they have infectious illnesses or are unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities for exercise and fresh air daily, which encourages their good health and physical development. They have access to outdoor play in the childminder's garden and go on walks to the local park and to and from a local playgroup. The childminder also plans outings to places of interest, such as the Sobell Pirates Playhouse, that the children enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, welcoming and secure environment. They are well supervised by the childminder, who reminds them to be careful as they move around and in their play. Children are gaining an awareness of their own safety, for example, an older child knows the need to be careful when they are throwing puzzle pieces, and talks about placing them carefully and not hurting their fingers. Safety precautions, such as stair gates and child proof locks, minimise potential risks to children. The equipment used for the children is safe and in good condition, enabling children to sleep comfortably and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is organised well, enabling children to play safely. They have access to a range of play equipment and materials that are safe and in good condition, some of which is set out each day. Children are able to help themselves to some toys safely from storage and play with equipment on the floor and at a table. Creative activities and puzzles are set up on the kitchen table, where children can sit safely on adult chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's evacuation procedure ensures plans are in in place to evacuate children safely from the premises in an emergency. Fire precautions such as smoke alarms are in place, however, the fire blanket has recently expired and has not been replaced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected by the childminder's awareness of child protection issues and the procedure to follow if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They take part in a range of play experiences in the childminder's home and on visits to local parks and places of interest, which encourage their development. Children have opportunities to socialise in a larger group of children, when visiting local childminder drop-ins and the Sobell centre.

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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 Children have access to a selection of play materials, equipment and activities that encourage their development. These are presented to encourage children's interest and exploration. Toys and equipment are rotated regularly to provide variety and generate children's fresh interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from affectionate and supportive interaction with the childminder, who sits with them and joins in their play, making suggestions and praising their achievements. When younger children successfully fit pieces into the puzzle tray the childminder praises them with 'that's right well done clever boy'. Children receive close physical comfort and reassurance from the childminder, for example, she gives lots of cuddles and makes sure all the children are involved in their play. Children's language is encouraged very well by the childminder, repeating familiar words and repeating what younger children are saying.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show care and affection for the childminder and each other. They show interest in what others are doing, younger children laugh when playing together. The childminder encourages the children by rewarding their good behaviour and children are excited as they get ready to make jelly together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs, routines, likes and dislikes are well known by the childminder, which enables her to plan the daily routine, taking these into account. Children use a range of play materials that reflect diversity, such as puzzles and books, which helps their understanding of the world they live in and provides opportunities for discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, they interact well with each other and show care and concern for each other, for example, offering comfort to each other. They are learning to share and take turns with toys, and enjoy all sitting round the table together to complete puzzles. Children's achievements are valued, they are praised and respond to the childminder's use of 'please and thank you' and positive language. All of which helps children take pride in their achievements and increases their self confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Systems are in place to share information with parents. Verbal discussion between the childminder and parents of all children, take place daily. This helps children feel secure and receive continuity of the care they receive at home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder plans and provides a range of experiences that the children enjoy. The required documentation and records are in place and maintained. Written records are generally clear and adequately organised, however, parents' written consents for emergency medical treatment, and other written consents and guidance is not currently up to date with changes in legislation.

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Organisation

Children's health and safety is protected by safety precautions and good hygiene procedures, However, the fire blanket has not been renewed.

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Organisation

Some polices and procedures are in writing, and provide information for parents about the childminding service. Satisfactory systems are in place to share information between the childminder and parents, which help the childminder to follow the routines children have at home. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection an action was set regarding the childminder completing a first aid course. The childminder has now attended a first aid course, updating her first aid knowledge, however, this is due for renewal in December 2007.

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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. 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 satisfactory. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • obtain all parents written consent for emergency medical treatment • ensure fire blanket is fitted according to manufacturers instructions • improve outcomes for children by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters

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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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