Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278384 Unique Reference Number 13 December 2007 Inspection date Catherine Greene 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 February 2004. She is registered to care for four children. She currently has five children on roll for different sessions, over part time hours. She lives with her son aged 10 years. They live in a first floor flat in a shared house in Kentish Town, in the London Borough of Camden. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the childminder's flat is used for childminding. There is fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder carries out school runs to and from Kentish Town Church of England primary school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She regularly visits play groups, drop in's, soft play centres and the library.

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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. The childminder contributes to the good health of the children in her care in a variety of ways. She has extensive knowledge about health and nutrition and uses her skill to provide children with wholesome and nutritious home cooked meals. Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Children's individual sleeping routines are respected and the childminder knows how to make them feel secure and comfortable. Feeding and nappy changing take place in accordance with each child's needs. The childminder is very organised and prepared for any eventuality regardless of outside influences such as the weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, she holds a valid first aid certificate. She shares her written health policy with parents so that they can work in close partnership.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an excellent range of energetic physical exercise that helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They benefit from being out in the fresh air and enjoy playing in the garden frequently. They visit parks which have a variety of play equipment for children of different ages and offer opportunities to use the swings and slides and run around. They are developing their physical skills by taking part in music and movement activities and attending toddler groups which provide climbing and soft play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm and child friendly home. Space is very well organised to meet children's individual needs, for example, they can eat, rest and play comfortably. Children can explore and move around safely as they choose from the low level toys available. Toys and equipment are very well maintained and appropriate for the children's age and different stages of development. The childminder takes care to ensure that babies and toddlers are not able to get access to items which may cause them harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands very well how to ensure the health, safety and protection of the children. Children are safe on the premises because the childminder has taken suitable steps to make her home safe and secure. For example, a fire drill is practised regularly with children, smoke alarms are tested and hazardous substances are stored safely. This enables children to explore freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder is secure in her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse, and is clear of the appropriate procedure for reporting any concerns. She has recently attended refresher child protection training and is keen to continually update her knowledge and understanding of new guidance and legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder promotes children's emotional wellbeing by providing continuity of care in her reliability and commitment to the children and families she works with. Children are content

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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 and happily settled, they enjoy their time with the childminder. She is very attentive and gives regular praise and cuddles, consequently children develop a strong sense of self that builds their confidence and self-esteem. She actively encourages children's independence as they are encouraged to explore and help with daily tasks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of the needs and development of babies and toddlers. She is very knowledgeable about how to support and encourage children's overall development. Children are provided with a range of sensory and play experiences that support their development and emotional needs very well. She has attended training in heuristic play and treasure baskets for babies, this has inspired her to create her own treasure basket to the delight of the baby in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond very well because the childminder prioritises her time so that she can dedicate her attention to the children. The childminder spends time interacting closely and responding to the children's enquiries as they play, as a result they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Opportunities for exploratory play are embraced, the childminder takes children on regular trips to local farms and play facilities to provide them with new and exciting experiences. She is able to extend activities so that they are enjoyed by the different ages of children she cares for. Children are offered learning opportunities in accordance with their ages and stage of development. They receive sensitive support from the childminder to help them to achieve tasks and older children are provided with challenges to sustain their high level of interest. They are stimulated by the range of activities accessible to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder works closely with parents to plan a routine that ensures children have access to a good range of experiences both in the home and using the local resources. Children's portfolios are used as a working tool to share ideas with parents about the child's progress or needs, they contain photos of the many activities that the children have enjoyed. The childminder uses observations of the children based on Birth to three guidance to inform the next stage of their development. She knows the children very well including what they like and dislike and how well they can cope with different experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are benefiting immensely from the childminder's commitment to actively promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice. She teaches children to treat each other with respect, fairness and equality. Her books and resources promote positive self images that encourage children to feel happy and confident about themselves. Children are also warmly welcomed by the childminder's own family, this gives them a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a positive role model she is supportive and kind to the children. She rewards children's good behaviour with positive body language, smiling and spending time with children giving them her full attention. As a result children are very well behaved, the childminder is very clear about what behaviour she expects from each child. She sets clear and realistic boundaries so that each child knows what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder bases her service on close collaboration with parents, in acknowledgement of the benefits this provides to continuity of care for children. She is flexible and understanding of parents busy schedules and meets this in various ways. The many tributes that she has received from parents are testimony to the warm and loving care that she provides for children and their families.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is very well organised, she has a routine that works with children's interests as priority. She is committed to taking a 'professional approach to registered childminding'. She provides childcare of a high standard for the children and families that she works with. She is very enthusiastic and works very closely with other professionals, regularly updating her childcare knowledge. This close contact gives her access to essential information, services and she benefits from training and regular professional support.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps comprehensive records including those required by legislation and those that ensure the efficient day to day running of her service. She has developed a portfolio of training and achievements and is interested in her own professional development. She understands the importance of confidentiality and is very able to work professionally. She ensures that parents have access to helpful information and updates her knowledge of new guidance through her own research and with further training.

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Organisation

The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised space that is laid out to maximise play opportunities. This warm and caring family environment encourages children to feel at home and at ease. Parents' views are valued and there are systems in place to share information, contributing to children's sense of confidence and wellbeing. 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 keep an accurate record of the children's hours of attendance. She now has the completed documentation in place.

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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 the 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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