Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250450 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2008 Inspection date Samantha Smith 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 2003. She lives with her husband who is her assistant and three children aged seven, eight and 15 years old in Edmonton in the London borough of Enfield. The childminder's mother-in law also works as an assistant. Children mainly use the ground floor of the property which consist of the sitting room, play room, bathroom and kitchen. There is an upstairs bedroom for a quiet place to rest and sleep and a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at anyone time and there are currently two children on roll attending on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 play in a very clean home, where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene through reinforced daily routines. The childminder displays good hygiene practices and has excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example; work tops are cleaned regularly using antibacterial spray, excellent procedures for changing nappies are in place and the childminder follows advice given by the environmental health department.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection as the childminder has a clear policy regarding the care of sick children and has information available on infectious diseases and exclusions from the setting. Medicine and accident records are clear and give parents all the relevant details that they need for the continuing good health of their children. Up-to-date first aid training and an easily accessible first aid box means that the childminder can act quickly when an accident occurs. Additionally parents' written consent is obtained to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and therefore act in the best interest of children in a medical emergency. However, she does not always obtain parents' signatures of acknowledgement after medication has been administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and balanced diet as they enjoy meals and snacks with the childminder. Meals are provided in accordance with children's individual needs and in consultation with parents. Snacks and meals include a choice of fresh fruit or vegetables and sandwiches with a filling of their choice. Children are learning to understand the importance of a healthy diet through cooking activities and posters of fruit and vegetables displayed in the kitchen and through the childminder encouraging children to eat their recommended portion of 'five a day'. Children recognise when they are thirsty and drinks are accessible throughout the day, ensuring they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise. They enjoy a good range of physical play experiences that contribute to their good health as they easily access the well-equipped rear garden. Activities include sit-and-ride toys, a slide, play house, sand and water play and a paddling pool. Regular visits to the park provide further opportunities for exploring the natural environment and to use larger climbing equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has created a safe, welcoming and child-friendly environment where children are comfortable and play securely. Space and resources are well organised, allowing children to move around freely and independently access a wide range of suitable and developmentally-appropriate resources. The childminder reinforces safe play to the children by helping them to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. The childminder carefully supervises children's play and offers explanations to help children develop an awareness of their own and other children's safety. For example they are encouraged to put toys away after they have finished playing with them. Older children are reminded to be aware of toys with small pieces when babies and younger children are around.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to children's safety in her home. She carries out rigorous risk assessments to ensure that all potential hazards to children are identified and minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 For example, stair gates are fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs and the main door is kept locked, preventing unwanted visitors gaining access. Low-level cupboards have restrictors, there are smoke alarms on both levels of the home, a fire blanket in the kitchen and the childminder follows fire safety guidance for childminder's issued by the fire brigade. The childminder has a good awareness of the procedures to follow if there was an emergency in the home and an emergency evacuation plan is clearly displayed in the home with exits clearly marked with a red arrow. Children demonstrate their knowledge of this as they tell what they do when they practise the evacuation plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When taking children out of the home the childminder is particularly attentive in ensuring that appropriate precautions have been taken with regards to safe transport; written permission to transport children in a vehicle has been obtained from parents, children are strapped into appropriate car seats which are provided by parents and the relevant documentation for her vehicle is in place. When walking with the children, the assistant is always present ensuring good adult: child ratios are maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is constantly safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She is confident of her role in the protection of children and has a good knowledge of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures and guidelines. She has a written policy in place that she shares with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play in a happy and stimulating environment where they take part in a good range of activities and experiences available to them which develop their confidence and self-esteem. Displays of their work on the walls in the playroom show the excellent range of creative activities that children participate in. Children take pride in their work and they show the inspector a scrap book of their work and their accomplishments. They enjoy cutting, sticking and gluing using various materials including glitter, fabrics and natural resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Written activity plans are in place covering the six areas of learning, ensuring play experiences and activities are appropriate and match children's developmental progress. A daily diary is used for young children and babies. This ensures parents are fully informed about their children's care and their overall developmental progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy effective and purposeful interaction with the childminder; she sits with them and is interested and actively involved in their play. They enjoy sharing books as they look at pictures and listen to stories. The interaction between them is warm and positive, consequently children show their comfort with the childminder as they actively approach her for support and have their needs met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good knowledge about how young children learn and she ensures that she provides opportunities to support this. She has completed training in the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses her knowledge to plan and provide activities and experiences for babies and young children. Consequently, children’s confidence and independence is developed as the childminder encourages them to try new things.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equal opportunities is well supported in the setting and children have access to a broad range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of cultures and abilities, helping them gain an awareness and respect for others. Children have their needs well met, which they are able to communicate in a supportive environment. No children attending have any learning difficulties and/or disabilities but the childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to meeting children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play very well and co-operate with one another, supported by the childminder. She demonstrates positive strategies in managing children's behaviour taking into account their ages and stages of development. She uses positive praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour. She promotes a calm, quiet environment valuing respect for one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive working relationships that the childminder has established with parents, ensuring that they work together, as a result children benefit from the continuity of care provided. There is good quality written information for parents and regular verbal and written communication takes place which contributes to children's continuity of care. The childminder is professional and committed to childminding and she works extremely hard at developing effective relationships with the parents. This results in the parents having a clear understanding of her role and how children are cared for whilst in her care. The childminder has a clear understanding of current legislation in regards to handling complaints and a written policy is in place and shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in an environment where all adults have been vetted and systems are in place to ensure their safety. A good range of written policies and procedures, which are comprehensive, clearly formatted and accessible, are in place. The required documentation is in place and well maintained to promote the care and welfare of the children.

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Organisation

The childminder and assistant work well together, ensuring that children are supervised effectively at all times and daily routines are planned to incorporate a good range of spontaneous and planned activities, as well as outings and visits to groups and places of interest.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed and knowledgeable about childcare issues, ensuring good quality care and education is provided. She has completed various courses and she provides support to new childminders.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given an action to ensure that all adults residing on the premises complete the relevant checks. Suitability checks have now been completed for adults living in the home and those regularly visiting the home, ensuring that children are in the presence of suitable adults, contributing towards their safety whilst in the care of the childminder

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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 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): • ensure that parents' signatures of acknowledgement are consistently obtained after administering medication to 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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