Childminder, Out-of school day care in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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153662 Unique Reference Number 04 March 2008 Inspection date Fiona Sapler 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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 12 and 15 years, in Chingford in the London borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, part time, during the day, and two children under five before and after school and nursery. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn to follow hygiene routines to support their good health when, for instance, they know that they need to remove their shoes on arrival. Appropriate systems to record accidents and medication are in place and parents provide written consent for the

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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 childminder to administer medication. However, the childminder has not sought written consent from all parents to seek treatment for their child in an emergency. This impacts on the prompt care of all children in the event of a serious accident or injury. Parents are verbally informed of the sickness policy to prevent children attending with contagious illnesses, to reduce the risks of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with healthy, nutritious meals and snacks as the childminder serves varied meals consisting of fresh and organic ingredients. Allergies are recorded on file to ensure suitable food is prepared to meet the children's dietary requirements. Children are able to independently access their individual cups of fresh drinking water to ensure they remain hydrated. Children regularly walk to and from school to benefit from exercise and fresh air and will often visit the park to play on the swings, slides and other large equipment, to promote their physical development

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play with a range of suitable and stimulating toys that they can independently access and that are rotated for variety and interest. Regular checks are made to ensure the resources remain safe and appropriate. Equipment, such as a travel cot and small tables and chairs, is developmentally appropriate for the children and ensure they are able to eat and rest in safety and comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move around safely in the spacious environment because the childminder has taken adequate precautions to minimise risks in the home. These include a stair gate at the bottom of the stairs, locks on cupboard doors and a stay cool oven door. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place and the childminder has considered how to leave the home promptly in an emergency. The children's welfare is protected satisfactorily as the childminder allows only known adults to collect the children from the setting and the attendance register accurately records the children's times of arrival and departure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are mostly safeguarded because the childminder has some knowledge of the possible indicators of abuse or neglect. However, although she understands the requirement to record any issues and would seek confidential advice, she is less confident of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s care. Young children confidently approach her for cuddles, indicating trusting relationships. Children sing along to music, accompanied by the childminder, expressing their creativity. Occasional activities, such as making cornflake cakes and painting, provide opportunities for the children to explore and experiment. They are encouraged to be independent when they select what they wish to play with or when asked to fetch their own boots and to try to put each one on the correct foot. Positive questioning and praise allows them to problem solve and benefit from a sense of achievement when they successfully achieve this. Trips outside are enhanced when the childminder talks to the children about what they can see around them and what they can find in the shops, or when they learn about the environment at the recycling bank.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world because some resources reflect diversity. These include books about Judaism, and children with disabilities, and also some small figures representing people from different cultures. Although the childminder has systems in place to gather adequate information for her to be aware of the children's individual care needs, not all parents have provided this information, impacting on the children's welfare. The childminder has some experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has a positive approach to working with parents to ensure all children benefit from their time at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop a sense of right and wrong because the childminder sets appropriate boundaries. She works closely with parents to address any behavioural issues ensuring consistency. Praise is used appropriately to encourage children to recognise wanted behaviour and their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder verbally shares information with parents, on a daily basis, about the children's day. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the complaints regulation but does not share sufficient information with parents to ensure they are fully informed of how they can make a complaint, if necessary. In addition, she has not gathered required details about all the children she looks after. This is a breach of regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder generally organises her provision adequately to meet the care and learning needs of the children. Children are mostly protected, although all required documentation is not completed for all the children who attend. The day is managed to provide a balance of active and quiet play. The childminder demonstrates some understanding of the National Standards and the accompanying guidance, although weaknesses were identified at the time of inspection. She mainly works effectively with parents to promote the children’s welfare. The childminder has chosen to update her police check and now has a current CRB check to underpin her suitability to care for children. Overall, 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, recommendations were set relating to consent from parents for the childminder to seek permission for emergency treatment and the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has improved the provision of resources that promote equality and understands this still requires development. Most parents have now provided written consent relating to the care of their child in the event of an emergency and a further recommendation has been set.

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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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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 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): • ensure all required records are accurately maintained for each child • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • ensure parents are fully informed of the complaint regulation and how they can make a complaint, if necessary.

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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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