Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288395 Unique Reference Number 27 March 2008 Inspection date Maura Pigram 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 satisfactory. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged 12, 10, seven and eight months. They live in North London. The childminder uses a playroom, a downstairs toilet, kitchen and an upstairs bedroom for rest purposes. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with an assistant to meet the needs of Jewish children from the local area. They offer care from Monday to Friday between 09:00 to 14:30 all year round. The childminder is registered to care for three children age two to five years at any one time. When she is working with an assistant she is registered to care for nine children aged two to five years at any one time.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s health and well-being is promoted because the childminder takes valuable steps to promote their good health. Children are provided with traditional nutritious meals and snacks.

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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 These are discussed with parents through the sharing of varied menus. The childminder is mindful of any dietary needs working closely with parents. Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients and provide a balanced diet. As a result, children are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn simple hygiene routines as they participate in daily routines to support this. Tissues, for example, are easily available and disposed of in a covered bin. In addition, children are reminded to wash their hands prior to eating and following using the toilet. All children are protected from infectious illness as the childminder implements clear procedures for parents to follow when their children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The first aid kit is well stocked and easily accessible. However, the childminder's and the assistant's first aid certificate has expired. Consequently, in the event of a first aid emergency children are potentially not fully protected. Children’s physical skills are very well nurtured. They become adept at using utensils and tools as the childminder and her assistant plan useful activities, such as the regular baking of Hala bread. Children enjoy using large outside equipment, such as climbing equipment and slides. Consequently, their balance and co-ordination skills are supported. Children happily participate in singing and dancing sessions using scarves which involves them in vigorous exercise. The daily routine offers children the opportunity to rest or sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a exceptionally welcoming and well-maintained indoor environment. The childminder and her assistant have a good awareness of security. Clear procedures ensure children are only collected by authorised adults. Appropriate safety equipment is used including safety gates and smoke detectors. In addition, children are provided with explanations on how to use equipment such as scissors safely. As a result, children are kept safe. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place. However, this is not practised. Consequently, children are not familiar with the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around freely to play and are able to access resources safely. They use a broad range of high quality, developmentally-appropriate toys and equipment. These are cleaned and checked frequently to make sure they are safe for children to use. Children are helped to gain an understanding of how to keep safe. For example, road safety rules are discussed with children when on outings. The childminder has clear knowledge of child protection reporting procedures. She is aware of procedures to follow if she had any concerns. However, she has not got a copy of recent documentation outlining the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. As a result, information that supports children’s welfare is underdeveloped.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are enthusiastic and happy as the childminder and her assistant provide a vibrant environment. They are very motivated within the setting and have excellent self-esteem. They enjoy been a 'special helper'. They play a dynamic part in the setting regularly initiating their own play and take an active part in the broad range of rich and stimulating activities on offer. For example, they love joining in with the exceptional story times followed by singing and dancing. High quality props such as puppets and butterflies, skilfully made from paper, enliven story sessions. As a result, children are fully engaged and participate enthusiastically. The childminder incorporates listening to a wide range of music including classical scores into

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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 activities such as story time or dancing. As a result, children develop an appreciation of music. They dance with gusto using musical instruments such as tambourines. In addition, they explore the movement they can create using chiffon scarves. Everyday, children play outdoors in the enclosed garden. In addition, the children regularly visit a local park. During these times they eagerly search for wildlife and explore the wide range of play equipment. Consequently, they are confident to make decisions, explore and investigate. The childminder is familiar with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. As a result, children under three years have their individual needs met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The enthusiastic and professional childminder is effectively supported by her assistant. Consequently, children eagerly respond to dedicated adults who are interested in what they do and say. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. Themes, for example, are carefully considered and planned. These are linked to the children's interests and include a theme based on 'Myself'. During this time the children explore a wide variety of materials such as photographs of themselves. In addition, the children are presented with a portfolio of their completed activities. This means that children's work is valued. Consequently, children flourish in this exciting environment and make outstanding progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and included at all times and are treated with respect by the childminder and her assistant. Meaningful activities are regularly organised and children have easy access to resources to assist these. Hebrew, is particularly well supported. In addition, the children take part in the celebrations of a number of festivals including those from the Jewish faith. As a result, children learn about diversity and the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder currently has no children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, she is happy to provide care for all children. She liaises with parents about any developmental issues so that children's welfare is met. Activities are adapted according to children's needs. Consequently, the childminder demonstrates a commitment to an inclusive practice and ensures all children develop self-esteem. Children behave well. Various strategies appropriate for children’s stage of development and individual level of understanding are used. These include simple boundaries and explanations. This means that children learn to respond to appropriate expectations for their behaviour. In addition, children learn social skills when they distribute the plates and cutlery for lunch.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Arrangements to settle children into the childminder's care are negotiated taking into account the needs of children and the requirements of parents and carers for flexible childcare. Children's progress is effectively discussed with parents and their carers. In addition, children participate in an end of year performance. Many parents and children have written thank-you cards and letters. One comment states that confidence and communication has grown. Consequently, there is a continuation of care between the childminder and the children's parents. The childminder is aware of the need to record any complaints made in writing by parents. A poster showing the complaints procedure is on display. This means that parents are aware of procedures to follow if they have any concerns about the welfare of their children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for within a safe and secure environment where they can rest, play and eat in comfort. They are provided with stimulating activities to promote their development and stimulate their interest. The childminder and her assistant devote their time to the children. The childminder uses her knowledge as a nursery teacher and her experience of her employment abroad to enhance the children's experiences. Planned activities are carefully linked to the wide range of themes offered. This means that children play together meaningfully and make excellent progress.

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Organisation

Most policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Due to an oversight of allowing first aid certificates to expire, the promotion of children's health and welfare is not fully promoted. However, the childminder and her assistant are booked onto a suitable course to commence in the near future. In addition, the childminder is pro-active in investigating the possibility of commencing a course prior to the one which is booked. Record keeping systems are used well to meet children's needs and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Overall children's needs are met.

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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 satisfactory. 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 a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children, and which is consistent with any guidance issued to local authorities by the Secretary of State • practise the emergency escape plan

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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 • obtain a copy of recent documentation outlining the requirements of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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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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