Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276717 Unique Reference Number 21 February 2008 Inspection date Alison Reeves 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three-year-old child in Enfield. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, one of whom attends on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted because they are cared for in a very clean, hygienic environment. They learn through regular, rigorous daily routines how good hygiene and

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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 independent self-care keeps them healthy and prevents the spread of infection. Children are physically active each day engaging in outdoor play when the weather is fine or, in winter using areas of the home to walk with the dolls in small buggies and to leap around throwing and catching balloons. A spontaneous activity with two small balloons, has the childminder and minded child counting one, two, three, up. They throw the balloons into the air and the child leaps up catching a balloon, they repeat this time and again laughing and whooping together.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of foods each day. They are offered a balanced diet and helped to make healthy choices, for example, fresh fruit is readily available and sweet foods are limited. Drinks are on hand at all times and children help themselves whenever they are thirsty. This means they remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Documentation is available to note any specific dietary or medical needs and to record any accidents or medication given.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe home, where they move from one area to another freely and with confidence. Safety measures are in place throughout much of the home to reduce the risk of accidents. There is no emergency evacuation plan at present which means in an emergency situation adults and children are not clear about what they would do.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a good range of accessible resources. They independently select activities from the good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. They are encouraged to behave sensibly, for example, they walk indoors and do not jump on furniture. This ensures they do not injure themselves as they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and can act in children's best interests if she has concerns about their safety and well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage in play and show good levels of concentration. They are keen to participate in self-selected activities, planned and adult led pursuits. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. The childminder plans and collects some resources for creative and craft activities, adapting them to enable children to participate fully. Children are able to participate at their own level, with older children showing good manipulative skills, including pencil control and effective use of scissors. Younger children enjoy the process of mark-making, applying glue and sticking on pieces of paper or card. Children are delighted with their achievements and pleased to have them on display. Singing, story-telling and mark-making are regularly undertaken with lively enthusiasm, helping to promote children’s creativity and their spoken language.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children spend their time purposefully, they make links between what they hear and see and the play materials available. As they are watching a favourite film, Simba's Pride, they collect the animals they have been playing with and use them to recreate what they see on screen.

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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 The children can be heard making the lion roar and seen lining the animals up like they are on screen.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individuality is valued, they are confident and able to express themselves freely in their play, discussions and artwork. Children behave well, they are polite and good manners are given high priority in the home. Children have developed close relationships with adults and children alike. Children relate well to each other, describing themselves as friends. They have regular opportunities to socialise with children cared for by other local childminders. This broadens their experience of others and they have the chance to be with children in similar situations to themselves. Their independence is promoted in daily activities and care routines so that they are becoming increasingly able to accomplish tasks and meet their own personal care needs with ease.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Diversity is prized, with children sharing family celebrations during the year. They have books with Bengali and English print. Play materials reflect the wider world and children have free access to these resources. Children have the opportunity to celebrate traditional festivals and have enjoyed joining the family in their Eid celebrations. Children are exposed to artwork and print from around the world. They have simple, dual language books with Bengali and English print.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to share information about their children, they are consulted on all aspects of care and are kept informed about the childminder's own practice. This effective partnership with parents ensures continuity of care, making children feel confident and secure. The complaints log is available to record any concerns and the outcomes of investigations carried out as a result of issues raised by parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an organised setting where the required paperwork is in place to support the day to day care of the children. They benefit from the childminder's knowledge of current practice. They are safeguarded because of the recent training in both first aid and child protection. All members of the household have undergone the relevant checks.

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Organisation

The childminder implements her own informal policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity and the provision of good quality care for all. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to seek permission from parents for emergency medical consent and this is in place for each child. This ensures the childminder can take appropriate action in the event of an emergency accident situation. The childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the complaints log. This is now available, so the childminder can record complaints and take appropriate action to resolve any issues. Thus promoting a more effective partnership with parents.

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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 1 April 2004 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): • devise and practise an emergency escape plan.

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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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