Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY236766 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Anne Mitchell Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2003. She lives with her two children aged 13 and 15 years in a fourth floor flat in Hackney. The whole of the flat is used for childminding. She is in walking distance of good amenities, such as bus and train routes, shopping area, parks, play group and library, and children are taken out to local parks for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a total of three children under eight years of age at any one time. There is currently one child on roll. The childminder is a member of the Woodbury Down Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association (NCMA)

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's physical and emotional health is well promoted in this environment. The childminder follows good nappy changing procedures, using disposable gloves and disinfectant wipes to the changing mat. This ensures that the spread of infection is limited and children's health is

p.2

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 supported. Children enjoy lots of interaction during nappy changing to promote their emotional wellbeing. Home routines are followed to promote consistency of care.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Documentation to support children's health, such as an accident book and medication records are effectively maintained and up to date. Toys are cleaned promptly if they are sucked or chewed, to ensure a clean environment. The childminder is a good role model for younger children, washing her hands after cleaning up.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have continued care with a familiar adult if the childminder is unavailable because she has a system for emergency cover with another childminder. Children can be treated promptly in the event of an accident because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a well stocked kit.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with drinking water throughout the day to ensure they are well hydrated. Parents currently provide all food, bottles and refreshment for their children and these are appropriately stored and prepared by the childminder to promote children's health. Details of dietary needs, such as cultural requirements or allergies, are recorded to ensure children's needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Gates prevent unsupervised access to the kitchen and the hearth is protected with cushions and duvets to prevent younger children from harm. Access to the premises is secure because the door is kept locked and access to the flats is via an intercom system.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe on outings as the childminder takes her mobile phone with contact numbers. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they discuss road safety when they are in the local community. Smoke detectors are tested approximately every three months and a fire blanket is wall mounted in the kitchen. An emergency evacuation procedure has been considered to ensure children can leave the premises quickly and safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm and neglect because the childminder has a secure and confident knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children. She has recently completed child protection training and is aware of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. Her written child protection policy is shared with parents to ensure they work in partnership to protect children.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They arrive in the morning smiling broadly. They immediately choose rattles and drums to play with, and the childminder participates in their play, singing 'Row the Boat' and 'Wind the Bobbin up' as they shake the rattle. The childminder provides a broad range of sensory activities and toys to keep children interested and occupied.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's sense of fun is well promoted through the childminder's happy attitude, and this helps children feel 'at home'. The level of interaction is very good and this promotes children's vocabulary and language development effectively. The childminder hides a toy with a blanket,

p.3

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 asking 'Where's it gone?' The child pulls blanket away and claps 'Well done, good girl. You found the toy!' She then helps the child to hide the toy.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with good opportunities for local outings to the toy library, the childminder's drop-in, toddler group and local parks. This provides additional support for children's physical and social development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are provided with a range of creative activities such as paint and play dough. They make models and paint them and paint pasta and thread the pieces to make necklaces. However, there are few opportunities for younger children to experience different textures and colours through supported messy play activities. Children all enjoy visits to parks where they use the large physical play equipment such as swings, climbing frame and playing ball games. They have opportunities to use their imagination through dressing up in animal costumes and using doctor and nurse kits.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's confidence and self esteem is very well supported through the childminder's positive approach. She uses lots of praise and encouragement and participates enthusiastically in their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder's home is set out invitingly before children arrive, with accessible toys in easy reach, providing a child friendly environment. The childminder is friendly and welcoming as children arrive, promoting their sense of belonging. Children have access to a good range of resources that provide positive images of cultural diversity which promotes their understanding of the wider world. However, books and toys that show disability are limited. Children's individual needs are effectively met because the childminder provides parents with a child record form to record relevant information including their children's fears, dislikes and special words.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about right and wrong from an early age. Strategies to manage children's behaviour are positive and consistent. The childminder uses praise to encourage good behaviour and uses distraction effectively with younger children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder liaises well with the parents of minded children. Parents state they are very happy with the level of care provided and are well informed of their child's routines and progress. One parent states that her child claps and smiles as they arrive at the childminder's flat. The childminder is informed of how the child has slept and eaten at the start of the day, to help her meet the child's needs. Letters from parents confirm they are very happy with the care the childminder provides. Parental consents to take photos or go on outings in place. However, there is no written consent to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. She demonstrates a clear commitment to ongoing training and consequently ensures positive outcomes for children in her care. She is currently studying for a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.

p.4

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 Good use is made of the space available and opportunities in the local community for children to visit toddler groups, toy library sessions and parks, to extend their opportunities for social and physical development. Children are provided with a balanced range of play, but younger children have few opportunities for creative activities. There are effective systems in place to enable children to rest and sleep.

p.4

Organisation

There is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures that reflect the childminder's effective practice and support children's health and wellbeing. All required documentation is in place, with the exception of parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Documentation is kept confidentially to support the privacy of children and their families.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to maintain written documentation of the daily attendance register, with all required details of arrival and departure times; and keep appropriate signed consent forms and a record of emergency contact and GP contact details. All documentation is now up to date and maintained effectively to ensure details of children attending are accurate and the childminder has clear information to meet the children's needs.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • further extend opportunities for younger children to experience different textures and colours through supported messy play activities

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5