Childminder in Barnet

Inspection report for early years provision

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160029 Unique Reference Number 20 January 2008 Inspection date Pauline Nazarkardeh 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and one daughter aged eight years in Hendon, in the London borough of Barnet. The lounge and dining room of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside 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. She is currently minding seven children, all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and regularly attends local parent/toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have goldfish. The childminder is a member of the National Association of Childminders.

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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 good. Children's health is promoted as they are looked after in a home that is maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. This means that they can play on the floor with no risk to their health. Children are being helped to understand the importance of adopting good personal hygiene skills as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder informs parents that she will not look after children who are ill or infectious to prevent the risk of cross infection to others. She holds a current first aid certificate, has suitable procedures in place to manage any accidents that may arise, and to administer medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides food for the children in her care and a sample of her menu is shared with parents. She understands the importance of ensuring children have a healthy and nutritious diet that takes account of their individual dietary needs. She ensures they have suitable amounts of juice or water to drink throughout the day as their drinking cups are easily accessible for them to reach. Healthy exercise is also encouraged as the childminder regularly walks to and from school and she takes the children to the local park. While in the garden children particularly like to play basketball.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where they feel secure and settled. They are relaxed and have fun playing on the floor and at the dining table. Toys, equipment and resources offer a balanced range of play opportunities that are effective in supporting children's development and learning. A good range of furniture is available to meet their individual needs, such as a buggies and child size storage units.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in safe and secure premises. The childminder takes necessary steps to minimise accidents to children both on and off the premises, for example, socket covers, a stair gate and smoke alarms are in place. She has devised an emergency evacuation procedure, however this is not currently practised with the children so that they become familiar with what to do in an emergency. Children are learning to keep themselves safe, for example, they are encouraged to hold the childminder's hand when out walking and the childminder involves the children in discussion about how to cross the road safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is fully aware of her responsibility to safeguard them in line with requirements. She also knows to inform Ofsted of any child protection issue, including any allegation that is made against herself.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with a range of resources that are suitable for their ages and promote their learning. The childminder encourages children to make choices when deciding what to play with. Children's vocabulary is developing as the childminder listens to what they say and asks questions to make them think. The children particularly enjoy the wide range of craft

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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 activities available for them and they regularly attend a craft workshop. Children have designed shopping bags and have made fridge magnets.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A variety of organised activities are also provided for the children. These include the opportunity for them to use their senses as they explore play dough and experience cooking, children particularly like flipping pancakes. Children also enjoy trips to the local park and shops to broaden their interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder as they laugh and have fun with her. The care provided is warm and kind. Consequently, children grow in self-esteem, and confidently approach the childminder to express their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are valued and respected; they enjoy individual attention from the childminder. Children have access to a range of resources which helps them to develop a positive awareness of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to kindnesses shown to them and their behaviour is good. The childminder is calm and reassuring in her approach and she ensures children are well aware of any boundaries set. Positive praise and encouragement offered by the childminder is very effective in developing children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Strong emphasis is placed on partnership with parents. Good policies and procedures underpin the service provided and are updated in line with current legislation. The childminder discusses children's individual care and developmental needs with the parents. She ensures that they are kept fully informed about their children's daily activities, sleeping and eating patterns.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised, she ensures the space, facilities and resources are well maintained and offer children a range of opportunities in their play. Children benefit from the childminder continuing to update her knowledge and skills through attending training courses. This includes holding a current first aid certificate, which is a mandatory requirement. Children's welfare, care and development needs are met very effectively, as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for young children.

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Organisation

Documentation is organised, clear and well maintained. Children's attendances are accurately recorded and all other records meet requirements. Information relating to children is securely stored to maintain confidentiality. The children are well cared for and they are enjoying their time with the childminder who is warm and affectionate towards them.

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Organisation

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, the childminder was required to extend the information for parents and the records held. She was also asked to improve the organisation of the premises and to take steps to prevent the spread of infection. All the recommendations have now been addressed

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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 to promote children's wellbeing. Children are now provided with individual bedding and towels, information for parents has been extended and the arrangements for play and sleep times are well established.

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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): • improve on the emergency escape plan by practising it with children

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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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