Eggett, Ms Zoe

Inspection report for early years provision

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156490 Unique Reference Number 23 November 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 14 and 10 years. They live in a two bedroom, first floor flat, within walking distance of Camden and Islington. The living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom are available for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children but has not cared for any since January 2007. When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. As there are no children on roll, the quality of the provision cannot be judged better than satisfactory because there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder maintains a very clean and well cared for family home. She demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's good health is promoted. She describes how children will learn about their personal hygiene through practices in their normal daily routine, such as washing their hands before meals, and after using the toilet. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding children's medical and dietary needs. The childminder has completed a course on first aid emergency treatment for children and has procedures in place to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and promotes this well together with parents. The food given to children is nutritious and varied, and regular drinks are given throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides access to resources such as bikes, cars and balls at parks and playgroups. Planned routine visits to Hampstead Heath, library and local drop-in groups ensure that children have opportunities to socialise and extend their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that she takes good practical precautions and sets realistic safety boundaries with children. She carries out regular safety checks, including fire drills, in order to minimise hazards and teach children about safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safe and secure because the childminder ensures that all required safety equipment is in place and in working order. She provides a selection of equipment and resources that are suitable for children's ages and stages of development, which are maintained to a good standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates how children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted as she has all the required guidance and documents in place. She has good knowledge of child protection procedures and has updated her knowledge of Local Safeguarding Children guidance through further training. She states that she is confident about following the appropriate process should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about how she will support children's learning during a variety of play experiences. She describes how she introduces children to numbers and letters, for example, through every day experiences and educational resources. The childminder encourages children's interest in the world by looking at books and encouraging children to express their imaginations through dressing up and creative activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She demonstrates an understanding of the importance of providing outdoor activities for children. She describes how they regularly attend local drop-in groups where they enjoy socialising with other children and accessing a wider variety of play equipment and activities.

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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 She talks about how children enjoy nature walks on trips to Hampstead Heath. She promotes their learning by talking about the different seasons and pointing out the wildlife such as the birds and ducks that are on the ponds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder displays a good awareness of the importance of an appropriate settling-in period, to promote children's well-being and emotional security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder discusses how she spends time getting to know the children well. She talks about how children learn about the world around them through the diverse local community. They are taken on outings to local drop-ins, parks and the library. She has resources to promote disability awareness and equal opportunities positively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. Children are reported to be consistently praised and given certificates which celebrate their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has systems in place to gather and record information from parents about children's needs. She talks about how she shares information with parents, through the children's record books and in verbal discussion, on a daily basis. She is sensitive to the individual needs of families using her service and makes every effort to accommodate them.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There were no minded children present during the inspection; through discussion, the childminder has shown that she remains suitably qualified to work as a childminder. She is committed to ensuring that children's well being and development is enhanced through planned activities and the information given to parents.

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Organisation

The home is well maintained, organised, and laid out to provide play opportunities for children. This warm and caring family environment will encourage children to feel at home and at ease. The parents' views are valued and systems are in place to share information.

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Organisation

All required documentation is in place and currently being reviewed to ensure advice is in line with any changes to guidance and legislation. The childminder is keen to continue to update her training, to enhance her professional development and provide a positive impact on the overall learning, safety and wellbeing of the children. Overall, evidence suggests that the childminder would meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder update her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. She has completed a refresher training course and has the required documentation and advisory guidance in place.

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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 then 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 that documents, policies and procedures reflect current practice and any changes to requirements or legislation.

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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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