Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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403949 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. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and his 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. He walks with the children to take and collect them from the local school. The childminder has no pets. He is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The environment is clean and tidy and children receive appropriate support to develop good personal hygiene. Effective daily routines and explanations help children understand that

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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 washing their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of passing on germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a good knowledge of first aid procedures; this means that he can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Accidents that occur at the setting are recorded as well as existing injuries children 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

Children have a good choice of nutritious and attractively presented meals, which helps them to develop good eating habits. They enjoy fresh fruit daily and receive plenty of drinks, especially in hot weather; many of the ingredients used in their meals are organic. The childminder has completed a food hygiene course and follows good hygiene procedures when preparing and serving food, for example, using different chopping boards for vegetables and meat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities to take part in physical play, both indoors and out.

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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 warm, welcoming environment, which is set out to look attractive and inviting for them and their parents. There are good systems in place to ensure that children are released only into the care of known adults. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe; for example, they know that they must help tidy up before new activities are taken out because having too many toys on the floor can be dangerous as they may trip over them.

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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. Regular risk assessments are carried out in order to minimise hazards and ensure the safety of children. The childminder has considered how he would evacuate the premises in 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

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if he has concerns about a child in his care; this supports children's well-being.

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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 their routine. They benefit from the vibrant learning environment and well-equipped play room, which has been set out into different areas of activity. Young children explore and experiment through a range of well-planned activities that are appropriate for their stage of development; they gain much from being together, as they learn to communicate and develop good relationships.

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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. He looks after children from various backgrounds and has a positive attitude towards diversity. He has toys and resources such as books, posters, puzzles and dolls containing positive images of society and he and his wife provide very good role models in terms of challenging gender stereotypes; for example, he is happy to take his turn with the children's personal care, such as changing nappies, and he also does all the cooking.

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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; he 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 he provides. Children feel settled within the well organised environment, where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play; information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare.

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Organisation

Record keeping is generally good; the attendance record is kept up to date and records the arrival and departure times of all children. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children and there are good systems in place to keep them safe and enable them to make progress.

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Improvements since the last inspection

There were no recommendations made at the last inspection.

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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 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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