Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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156149 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Jane Davenport 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 childminding for many years and was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and her adult daughter. They live in a house, which is situated in Chingford in the London borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, and is currently minding six children on a full and part time basis. The childminder has no pets. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean and tidy environment and from an early age, they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. Hand washing and nappy changing routines are effective in helping to prevent the spread of infection.

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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 The childminder keeps her first aid training up to date and has a good knowledge of first aid procedures; this means that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. She records accidents that occur whilst the children are in her care and also existing injuries that children may have when they arrive. Parents give detailed information regarding their child's health requirements and these are met well by the childminder. Parents provide prior written consent to administer medication, however, prior written consent for emergency medical treatment is not currently requested.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet, which ensures children's individual dietary requirements are met. Menus are varied, balanced and nutritious, providing healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals and pasta, many of which are organic. Meal times are social occasions when the children sit down at the table together and converse with one another and with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children receive lots of warmth and affection. This supports their emotional well-being and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences. They have satisfactory opportunities for outdoor play in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised environment, which allows them to move around and play safely. The premises are secure and there are good procedures in place to monitor sleeping children and to ensure children are unable to leave the premises without a suitable adult. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe; for example, children are reminded not to run about with the toys and to sit properly on their chairs at meal times in case they have an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for their stages of development, including natural materials. Equipment and resources are clean and in good condition and there are effective procedures in place to ensure that they pose no risk to children. The childminder was able to describe how she would evacuate her premises with the children in the event of an emergency; however, the procedure has not been consolidated in writing or practised with the children who attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective child protection procedures promote and safeguard children's welfare within the setting. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take 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 good. Children settle well at the childminder's home; they enjoy a very warm interaction with the childminder and are confident and happy with her routines. They benefit from the vibrant learning environment and well-equipped play room, which has been set out into different areas of activity. They are motivated and concentrate well at chosen activities; the childminder effectively encourages children to solve problems for themselves, for example, as they take great pains to complete a puzzle of a map of the world with minimal help.

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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 enjoy joining in with action songs that help develop their co-ordination; for example, they remember and eagerly sing some of the songs they have learned from The Sound of Music, which they performed for their parents at their Christmas concert.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through a variety of activities. For example, art and craft, painting, play dough, listening to and playing music, stories and role play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equality issues. She looks after children from various backgrounds and has a positive attitude towards diversity. She has toys and resources such as books, posters, puzzles and dolls containing positive images of society and she and her husband provide very good role models in terms of challenging gender stereotypes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has had experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities; she is able to adapt activities so that all children are fully included and able to experience a wide range of stimulating activities appropriate for their level of ability. Close liaison with parents and outside agencies ensures all children's needs are well planned for and met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good. This is as a result of the childminder developing consistent methods for managing behaviour, which takes into account their age, level of understanding and maturity. Good behaviour is positively reinforced by means of praise and rewards, such as a sticker chart and merit certificates.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive and parents are happy with the care provided. They are made to feel welcome in the childminder's home and are given daily feedback about their child's day. This helps to provide children with consistent care between home and the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children feel settled within the well organised environment, where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. They are confident to make demands on the childminder, in the knowledge that their requests will be appropriately met.

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Organisation

The day is well-planned, allowing children time for quiet and active play; record keeping is generally good. Her attendance record is kept up to date and records the arrival and departure times of all children. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare and regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children.

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Organisation

Comprehensive systems are in place to keep children safe and enable them to make progress.

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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

At the last inspection, a recommendation was made for the childminder to complete an appropriate first aid course. She has done this, and is committed to keeping her first aid training up to date. This improvement has had a positive impact on the care provided for young children.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • devise a written emergency evacuation procedure and practise this with the children who attend

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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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