Childminder in Hackney

Inspection report for early years provision

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964280 Unique Reference Number 28 January 2008 Inspection date Rosemary Coburn 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 2001. She lives with her adult son in a five bedroom house in Stoke Newington area of the London Borough of Hackney. There are two dedicated ground floor rooms which are the main areas used for childminding as well as the kitchen, downstairs bathroom and rear outdoor garden. The childminder is registered to care for no more than 10 children under eight years old when there is an assistant present. There are no household pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of bacteria. For example, the childminder uses disposable gloves when changing children's nappies and washes her hands immediately after disposing of soiled nappies. This supports children in learning the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. Children's health is further supported as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children who are sick do not attend the setting. This prevents the spread of contagious ailments.

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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 Nutritious meals which are freshly cooked every day and healthy snacks help children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. For example, weekly menus are in place which are rotated at intervals. Fresh drinking water is readily available for children to help themselves to. This means that the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating for under fives and caters for all tastes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment which is suitable for all children and allows them to move around and play safely. Children have safe and easy access to a wide range of good quality toys and resources which are stimulating, challenging and appropriate for the age and stage of development. Security of the premises is good and a safety gate restricts access to the front door which prevents children from leaving the premises without a suitable adult.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular risk assessments are carried out and children benefit from a good range of safety measures such as socket covers, smoke alarms and stair gates. This means that children can enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment. Children's welfare and safety is supported as the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of her responsibilities to safeguard children in her care. The childminder has an understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against her or any other member of her household.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are supported in making progress through a suitable balance of adult and child initiated activities and play experiences. For example, children independently choose from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. Children develop a healthy interest in books and enjoy stories and sing nursery rhymes such as 'twinkle, twinkle little star' together with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to good behaviour management practices and the childminder offers lots of hugs as well as talking to and listening to children well. A separate room is available for children to rest or sit and read together. This means that children are provided with good opportunities to become skilful communicators while being physically close to together children and familiar adults.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder relates well to children and has a suitable understanding of how children learn from a broad and varied range of activities. The childminder plans to attend training courses to further develop her knowledge and understanding of current childcare practices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to accept differences through toys, resources enjoyable activities. For example, books, puzzles, art and craft based activities and positive images of all members of society help children to gain an awareness of diversity. Each child is valued and their individual needs are supported as the childminder acknowledges their differences and their preferences are respected. The childminder has some knowledge of Disability Discrimination issues and is willing to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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's behaviour is supported by the childminder who acts as a good role model. Constant praise and encouragement helps children develop a positive self-image. This means that children develop self-assurance through the close relationships they are developing with each other and the childminder. Children benefit from friendly and supportive relationships with parents and the childminder. A suitable complaints policy is in place and the childminder shares all relevant information with parents. This supports children's learning and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a spacious, child-centred, warm, welcoming and friendly family setting. This enables children to feel settled and secure while they eat, sleep, rest and play in comfort. Children make suitable progress in all areas of their development and they are well supported by the childminder. All relevant policies and procedures are in place and the childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate.

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Organisation

Good daily routines are in place and children benefit from good relationships with parents and the childminder. This means that the shared management of children's individual needs are being met. Written policies and procedures helps to promote children's learning, development and welfare. The childminder has a suitable knowledge and understanding of children's development and intends to develop her practice further by undertaking suitable training. Overall 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 it was recommended that the childminder ensure that household members and regular visitors complete vetting procedures. The childminder has followed the necessary process to ensure assistants working in the household are suitably checked and is currently following this process for an adult living on the premises. This promotes children's safety as they are cared for by adults who have been suitably checked and the childminder ensures children are not left unsupervised with any un-vetted adults.

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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. 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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Complaints 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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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of current childcare practices.

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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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