Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231291 Unique Reference Number 04 March 2008 Inspection date Julia Louise Crowley 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 outstanding. 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 2003. She lives with her husband and son aged ten years old in Bush Hill Park, within the London Borough of Enfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with special educational needs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 outstanding. Children play in a clean, extremely well organised and adaptable space. The childminder is extremely diligent in maintaining the cleanliness of the space and thoroughly risk assesses prior to the arrival of the children. All surfaces are cleaned with antibacterial sprays and toys are regularly checked for cleanliness. The childminder is extremely knowledgeable about food and hygiene and ensures the correct storage and preparation of fresh foods. She actively encourages the children to consider recycling which increases their understanding of keeping the planet healthy and therefore each other.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enthusiastically complete simple care practices, such as washing their hands after toileting, using the garden and touching animals. Older children use separate colour coded cups that they fill independently from an accessible jug. Younger children have their own bottle of fresh water that they know belongs to them, consequently drinking cups are not shared. Children confidently place used tissues immediately in the bin provided and understand that these tasks prevent the spread of germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has an extremely comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures, information on health, safety, education and play. The childminder's high level of professionalism ensures that the administration of medicines is thoroughly documented, once written permission has been received from parents. In addition accident records are precise and consent forms in place. For example, outdoor play equipment permission, routine outings, sun protection and observation on the children. Consequently, parents are extremely well informed and children’s individual health and medical needs are extremely well met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder innovatively and effectively supports children's understanding by daily discussions and gentle reminders. In addition she uses clear and vibrant visual aids that assist children’s learning and make daily health tasks fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are exceedingly well nourished. The childminder is extremely motivated to provide the children with highly nutritional and tasty home cooked meals. For example, pasta with home made tomato sauce, fish/veggie fingers with selection of vegetables, chicken/Quorn goujons and vegetable risotto. Parents are consulted regarding their children’s dietary requirements and the childminder works in collaboration with them to provide an attractive and wholesome menu.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of opportunities to exercise and learn how their bodies work. Children benefit from fresh air, daily walks, trips to the park and full use of the childminder's garden. They enjoy music and movement indoors with opportunities to use their homemade and toy musical instruments. Younger children have regular trips to local child focussed groups where they enthusiastically access a trampoline, tunnels, tents and slide.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a first aid certificate and is extremely knowledgeable and confident about what to do should an emergency take place.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for an extremely warm, welcoming and safe environment. The walls are decorated with posters and displays of creative work. Toys and play equipment are attractively presented, easily accessible and safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are confident, happy and settled in the childminder's home. They move purposefully from area to area knowing that they are safe and well supported by the childminder. She is extremely attentive and skilled at giving the right amount of space and interaction to the children. Children enjoy substantial opportunities to make independent choices. For example, children access drinks and activities and establish their own imaginative games independent of the childminder. They thoughtfully consider what clothes they need if they are going outside and whether they need a tissue.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use an wide range of suitable and safe equipment. The childminder monitors and maintains the equipment that the children use. For example, she completes a thorough risk assessment of the small table and chairs that are used daily, all reins on both the buggy and small chair, stair gates and safety catches. Children enjoy regular opportunities to practise the innovative fire drill. They enthusiastically gather together and are attentive to the childminder's directions. The childminder efficiently records and risk assesses the drill, consequently children are confident should they need to evacuate the premises in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder successfully supports the children's understanding of staying safe by general discussion and gentle reminders. In addition the older children have established a regular meeting where ground rules are set and a wish list enthusiastically compiled. The childminder takes the minutes, while the children consider what they need to do to ensure a safe and happy environment. For example, tidy toys away and to be kind to one another. The wish list, should they succeed, consists of fun activities such as making milk shakes and fruit cocktails or creating individual masks and costumes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child protection issues which helps her safeguard children from harm and neglect. She is confidently clear about appropriate procedures to follow if she has concerns regarding a child's welfare. Comprehensive and appropriate policies and procedures are in place and easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well settled in the childminder's house. They move highly confidently and make themselves at home. They relate extremely well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups and school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. There is a permanent home corner that is well resourced with play food and utensils as well as recycled cartons and packaging. Toys and activities are efficiently organised in a large storage unit that contains drawers and boxes that are all labelled with words and pictures. Children have a variety of activities that are sometimes child led or adult focused activities. For example, the childminder creates inspiring creative activities that enable children to explore and experiment with different tastes, texture and cultures. The childminder

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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 is very resourceful and gathers together books, lights, sweets and pictures. This allows the children to understand the meaning and the story of Diwali.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses her comprehensive knowledge of child development to adapt activities such as singing, story telling and mark making to promote younger children’s learning. They listen enthusiastically and respond to tapes of rhymes, stories and songs. They relish the sensory experience of playing with water, dough and paint. All children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy exploring an exceedingly wide range of activities, which contribute to their creativity, such as dancing, listening and moving to music, playing instruments, painting, baking and model making. Children develop confidence and self esteem because the childminder allows the children to achieve and offers them plenty of praise and encouragement as acknowledgement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides an extremely meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, children have a wide range of books, dressing up clothes and play cooking utensils. They delight in creative activities such as Chinese New Year dragons, Diwali lights and Halloween masks. Children positively learn about their local community as they visit places of interest, such as routine outings to the library and local parks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are extremely valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the children’s needs well; she follows their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children with special needs are particularly well supported. The childminder's enthusiasm for her work and passion for the children she cares for is evident. She ensures children's inclusion by being very aware of their individuality, age and stage of development. She adapts activities and uses conversation and explanation to skilfully help children to take part and accept each other. She works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children are included in all activities and receive the support they need to enjoy their time and make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously. They behave very well. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to drinks and independently visiting the toilet. They have time to relax as well as be active.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly informal relationships between the childminder and parents. Parents feel extremely comfortable in the setting and are confident to speak with the childminder about their child's day. They feel welcome and actively involved in settling their child, assured that they are able to stay with their child as long as the child needs. They receive good quality information about the childminder's service in the welcome pack and from regular updates verbally or on the notice board in the entrance to the house.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel extremely at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning, which the childminder enthusiastically supports.

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Organisation

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 effectively uses her thorough policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Children are safeguarded as all other adults in the home have undergone checks to assess their suitability and there is a thorough and accurate record of children's attendance.

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Organisation

This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Comprehensive planning systems are monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to clear and organise the garden so that children can play safely. This has been successfully achieved, providing children with a safe and inviting outdoor space. Consequently, children are offered further opportunities to increase their physical development, enjoy fresh air and exercise.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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