Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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156160 Unique Reference Number 03 October 2007 Inspection date Shaheen Belai 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 2000 and she lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 7 years of age. The family live in Leytonstone in the London borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently providing care for six children on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local authority approved childminding network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two rats, two hamsters and two guinea pigs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is protected, as they are cared for in a clean environment and where a daily routine is in place to maintain appropriate hygiene measures. For example, children know

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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 to wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling food. The childminder takes appropriate steps to prevent cross contamination, as she wears disposable gloves when changing nappies and washes her hands before serving food. Children use disposable, tissue towels to dry their hands with, this helps minimise the spread of germs. Children develop a further understanding of how to develop good personal hygiene habits, through adult led activities and discussions which are planned frequently. Children are eager to see the childminders pets and they are allowed to handle some of these with prior parental consent. The childminder has developed written guidelines to share with parents to allow them to be informed of the procedure she follows for handling pets. This includes the positive gains to be made by children as they

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Helping children to be healthy

handle the pets. For example, the calming, caring and nurturing skills developed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Policies are in place to inform parents of how children's health is to be protected in the case of an accident or illness, such as a sick child policy. This contributes to children's wellbeing and the prevention of infections. In addition records are maintained and shared with parents of accident's and any medication administered with prior parental consent. The childminder has sought written consent from parents allowing her to take steps to seek medical assistance in the case of an emergency. This contributes to children receiving prompt treatment in the case of serious accident or health condition. Children's health is further promoted, as the childminder is trained in current first aid practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meal times. They sit at the dining table, becoming independent in feeding themselves. They are encouraged to develop good eating habits through discussions and by participating in learning activities to develop an understanding of the affects of food on their bodies. Their understanding of a healthy diet is promoted with children participating in cooking activities and occasionally assisting in the preparation of their meals or snacks. The childminder takes into consideration likes and dislikes and works closely with parents to encourage children to try foods they are not too keen on, such as vegetables. Their efforts are rewarded with recognition, praise and a sticker provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted with regular opportunities to participate in physical play. The children have ample opportunities to acquire and develop existing physical skills whilst they dig and pour sand, learn to use large equipment in parks. In addition they attend specialised child centred venues, such as 'soft play centres' where they use large equipment to climb, balance and swing. Children walk to the local school and under five's groups on a daily basis where they gain fresh air and learn to develop a positive attitude to regular exercise. They have opportunities to enjoy the physical challenges whilst attending the local community drop-in groups and organised activities, planned by the childminder. For example, they visit the sea side and local farm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is bright and child orientated. Children freely move around the kitchen, hall and sitting room. These areas provide organised space for rest and table top activities. There is a good range of children's art work and photographs displayed to provide a welcoming environment. This contributes to children developing a sense of belonging and self pride. The children are provided with a range of good quality and age appropriate play materials which is organised to allow for them to play at both child height or on the floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 carries out daily risk assessments which contribute to children's safety. Sleeping children are checked on regularly. The childminder has taken steps to minimise identified danger, such as using a stair gate. However, some areas have been overlooked such as the security of the premises, storage of dangerous items in the kitchen, and the efficiency in planning and evaluating the emergency evacuation procedures. These impact on children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded from abuse by the childminders satisfactory knowledge of abuse. She is familiar of recognising some signs and symptoms of abuse and is clear of the relevance of keeping a record of her concerns. She has details of the relevant agencies to whom she would share her concerns. In addition, she has access to current guidelines and literature to support her with recognising abuse. This information contributes to children's safety and is made available to parents, allowing them to be empowered with the correct information, should they require this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the good relationships they have with the childminder. They have developed strong, trusting relationships with their carer and this is evident when they seek re-assurance through hugs and warm words. For example, when they are in the presence of an unfamiliar adult in the home. They develop good social skills as they play with other children in the home or whilst they attend regular community groups. They are familiar of their surroundings in the home and are confident in playing on their own, choosing to participate in interesting and age appropriate play. Their learning is supported as the childminder is familiar of their interests and supports them in addressing new challenges.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have plenty of opportunities to extend their vocabulary and develop their listening skills as the childminder is skilful in using open-ended questions and introducing topics of interest to develop conversations. Children's interest in language is extended with having free access to a range of books and this is further enhanced with regular visits to the local book library to develop the range. The scrap books developed with children's work and photographs allow for children to 're-visit' past experiences and share their experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children's progress is monitored using the Birth to three framework, which the childminder is skilled in implementing. She carries out regular observations and updates progress in their learning and development. Recognition of children's achievements is used to plan activities and share with parents in the weekly records sent home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging and self value as the childminder provides comfort, cuddles and words of praise. Children are confident in sharing information with the childminder of home experiences. The gathering of relevant information by the childminder from the parents allows for children's individual care needs being identified. For example, to take into consideration special dietary needs or any special needs. The childminder has a range of play materials that reflect positive images of diversity. Children give recognition to a number of religious festivals and cultural practices, this allows for them to develop a positive insight of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 well behaved and adhere to the basic rules introduced to allow for them to learn right and wrong. The good levels of supervision from the childminder and gentle reminders provided, ensures children are occupied in play and instil positive behaviour. They present good levels of concentration as they play and spend little or no time unoccupied. They are confident in letting the childminder know if they are unhappy. Praise and recognition is used throughout the day and this allows children to develop positive self identities and self worth. The childminder presents herself as a good role model as she talks calmly and clearly to children. For example, as she re-directs children or provides explanations to the implications to their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's security and self-esteem is encouraged through the good partnership the childminder has developed with the parent's. Effective systems are in place to ensure relevant information is shared on a daily basis and this is further enhanced with weekly written reports sent home. Regular formal sessions are organised for the exchange of progress records allowing for both sets of carers to update and plan areas of learning. The childminder is supportive in her role and respects parents wishes and works closely to accommodate these. For example, introducing toilet training or weaning. All new parents are presented with the information about the childminders practice, and copies of policies and procedures. Parents are provided with the complaints procedure and this includes contact details of the regulator, as an alternative to report complaints. The children regularly take their work home to share their learning with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents, this supports their confidence. A number of parent's gave highly positive feedback on the service their children and they receive. This included the learning their children achieved, the range of activities the children participated in outside the home and the positive approach of the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident, settled and happy as they play in the stimulating and organised environment. Children are familiar of the well-organised routine, which provides them with security and a sense of belonging. Their care is enhanced due to the childminder being aware of her role and responsibility in ensuring children are safe, stimulated and healthy. Although she is vigilant about ensuring children's safety, she has not identified some hazards or effectively reviewed the practice of the evacuation procedures. This impacts on children's safety. The childminder recognises the need to update her training needs and has taken steps to seek information about forthcoming courses for attendance.

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Organisation

Good systems are in place for sharing information with parents about their child's care. All required records are stored in a safe and confidential manner and are accessible in the case of an emergency. The records, polices and procedures guide the childminder in her role, inform parents of the service and protect children in regards to their health, safety and welfare. All documentation is well organised and accessible for inspection. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken effective action to address the one recommendation made. She was asked to gain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This is now in place for each child and contributes to children's health in the case of an emergency.

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Improvements 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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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.

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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): • review what information is to be recorded when emergency evacuation procedures are practiced and the times of when these are carried out • improve safety arrangements for children in the home.

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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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