Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY253467 Unique Reference Number 24 January 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 and two sons, aged four and 15 years old in the London Borough of Enfield. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at anyone time and there are currently two children on role, attending on a part-time basis. The family have a dog and rabbit as pets. The childminder attends parent and toddlergroups and playgroups with minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy in the care of the childminder. They are welcome in a very clean and well-maintained home where good standards of hygiene are maintained. Children are developing good hygiene practices which include, washing their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after outdoor and messy play. The childminder is a positive role model to children, helping

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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 them to develop a good understanding good of hygiene practices. She ensures that she washes her hands at appropriate times throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from infection and their good health is promoted through the comprehensive written policy and procedure the childminder has in place for sick children. If a child has an infectious illness they are excluded from the provision until they are no longer infectious. The childminder is well informed about children's health matters. The policies also include procedures for administering medication to children. However, this does not include parents' signatures of acknowledgement after medication has been administered, potentially compromising children's health in the event of a parent not being informed of their child's last dose of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children's emotional stability is nurtured as the childminder works closely in partnership with parents to ensure that babies' emotions are responded to in a manner that meets their individual needs. A structured 'settling-in' period supports children to be able to relax and feel comfortable in the new surroundings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents currently provide meals for their children and the childminder ensures that these are stored in the fridge and heated to an appropriate temperature. In discussion the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet. Meal times are seen as social times and also an opportunity for the childminder to help children enjoy their food and become independent in feeding themselves. Individual dietary requirements are acknowledged and fully respected. Children enjoy playing games such as 'The Greedy Gorilla'.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular access to a well-equipped garden where they delight in using sand and water, balls, sit-and-ride toys and other large equipment. Younger children attend a local 'Tumble Tots' group where their skills can be further developed. Interesting craft activities such as painting and sticking actively encourage children's finer manipulative skills and control.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has created a child-centred environment where children are kept safe and secure through the safety checks the childminder carries out to ensure that all potential hazards to children are identified and minimised. For example, stair gates are fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs, and all outside doors are kept locked, preventing unwanted visitors gaining access. Low-level cupboards have restrictors and there are smoke alarms on both levels of the home and a fire blanket in the kitchen. The childminder has a good awareness of the evacuation procedures to follow if there was an emergency in the home. However, she has yet to practice these.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Furniture and equipment are of good quality, very well maintained and appropriate to the child's stage of development. The childminder takes extra care to ensure that these items are always clean and safe. She is particular about ensuring children's safety at all times, sleeping children are checked regularly.

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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 and risk assessments are carried out before visits, ensuring that facilities are age-appropriate and free from potential hazards.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is well informed on issues relating to child protection, she has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms to be aware of and she is confident of her role in this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Outcomes for children are excellent. Children develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem. They choose from the wealth of activities and experiences that are planned to promote learning through fun and independent play. The childminder is extremely knowledgeable about how young children learn best, so there is always time to respond to spontaneous events, such as snow, and children's interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well supported by the childminder who gives lots of praise and encouragement to them for their efforts and achievements. Babies and young children are encouraged to express themselves imaginatively as the childminder always plays with them at their level. They are made to feel good about themselves and, consequently, develop high self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of how individual children learn and there is an excellent balance between child-initiated and adult-led play. Children are actively encouraged and supported to learn new things and respond to challenges. For example, the childminder plans activities to promote a young child's emergent balancing and crawling skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing a sense of belonging as the childminder establishes close and caring relationships with each child. She uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework well to promote children's development in all areas. Children benefit from activities that are organised and resources that are selected to allow them to build on their natural curiosity as learners. Children thrive in this environment and are making considerable progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have many opportunities to become aware of the local community and learn about the wider world through an excellent range of resources that present positive images of diversity, for example, books, dolls, puzzles and puppets. They also enjoy tasting various foods as they experience different taste and textures. Although currently not caring for any children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties the childminder has completed training in working with children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards working with parents and other professionals to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to play well and co-operate with one another, supported by the childminder. She demonstrates positive strategies to managing children's behaviour, taking into account their ages and stages of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good partnership between the childminder and children's parents, ensuring that they work together to meet each child's needs. From the initial stage of introductions, parents receive very good quality information about the service provided by the childminder. They receive an informative prospectus, detailing aims and objectives of the setting, together with written policies and procedures. Children benefit from continuity of care through the detailed daily written information and photographs shared with parents about their child. For example,

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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 parents learn what activities their child has participated in, what they liked best and any developmental steps achieved.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe in the childminder's home because all adults over 16 years have completed the required checks.

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Organisation

Children are cared for by a well-experienced and knowledgeable childminder who is committed to ensuring that they receive good quality care and education. She demonstrates a positive attitude to continuing improving outcomes for children. She has attained other relevant qualifications in childcare and she continues to undertake further training and is considering becoming an accredited childminder. She has completed courses in 'food for thought', child protection, behaviour and equal opportunities.

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Organisation

The required documentation is in place, well maintained and stored confidentially. The daily register is completed at appropriate times of the day. This positively supports the care and welfare of the children attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has taken positive steps to improve children's safety whilst in her home. All regular visitors to the home, whilst minded children are present, have completed suitability checks.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has also improved her knowledge of children's dietary requirements and she liaises with parents on the provision of food for babies and young children.

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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):

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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 • ensure parents sign their acknowledgement of any medication administered to children • improve fire safety by carrying out regular emergency evacuation practices.

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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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