Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY257631 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2008 Inspection date Cheryl Langley 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 October 2003. She lives with her two children aged 14 and 10 years in a flat in the Swiss Cottage area of North West London. There is no direct access to outdoor play, but the childminder makes good use of the nearby play areas, local parks and childminder and mother toddler groups and activity centres. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently caring for two children at various times. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and provides supported childminder service to Camden Social Services.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy activities which contribute to their health. They visit local parks regularly to benefit from the fresh air. Their physical skills are enhanced and developed using a range of apparatus in the local play areas available at various groups and outside spaces. Children practise hand and eye coordination. They operate programmable toys, make marks with stamp printers and paint brushes and close fasteners.

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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 Children learn the importance of hygiene and personal care. They are cared for in a welcoming, clean home where suitable procedures are followed to prevent the spread of infection. Children are beginning to understand the importance of routines to keep them healthy such as washing their hands or cleaning their teeth at appropriate times. All of the required policies and procedures are in place to enable the childminder to act in the children's best interests if they need medical attention.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children follow a healthy and nutritious diet. They are learning which type of food is good to eat. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day and eat plenty of fresh fruit. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and works with them closely to provide nutritious snacks and meals that appeal to the children as well as meeting their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in the childminder's care. Risks are identified and action taken to prevent accidents. As a result, children move around freely and safely to engage in their play. They are enthusiastic and keen to choose from the range of safe and appropriate resources which are easily accessible. This keeps them stimulated and makes them feel welcome in the childminder's home. The childminder has procedures and documents which support the children's safety. For example, parental consent is given for outings, current public liability cover is maintained and an emergency escape plan has been devised and practised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to protect themselves. They adhere to rules to keep them safe such as holding adults hands near the road and taking care on climbing apparatus. Children are aware of the dangers of hot drinks or hot food and sharp utensils and tools. They know what to do if the smoke alarms sound.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and the steps to take should she have any concerns about a child in her care to protect them from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic and show an interest in what they do. They choose their play from a broad range of stimulating and appropriate toys and resources. Children are well supported by the childminder who is attentive and joins in with their play. She gives them guidance when they need extra support and asks questions to make them think. However, opportunities to develop and extend their mathematical thinking are sometimes missed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire knowledge and skills. They develop language and communication as they talk about the pictures in books and their experiences during role play. Children use their imaginations creatively to make marks with paint brushes and stamp printers on fabric. They care for dolls and make tea with the home play toys. Their vocabulary is extended through conversation and questions from the childminder or singing simple songs. For example, they name animals, clothing, different foods and musical instruments such as the xylophone. Children becomes aware of the natural environment. They observe the changes to the flowers and trees in the park during the seasons and tend pot plants, watching them grow.

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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 Children are beginning to recognise number symbols on the educational posters or inset puzzles and attempt to count toys or pieces of fruit. They operate programmable toys such as the train, and information technology with confidence. Children's self-esteem is developed by the childminder. She praises them for their efforts and achievements. They make positive relationships, finding new friends at the different activity centres used. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and offers a range of inviting and interesting activities which engage the children and help them develop.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities and meaningful resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. Books, dolls and activities to celebrate various festivals and cultures increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children enjoy making flags to represent different countries and Chinese lanterns to mark Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected. They are very happy and settled. Children enjoy making choices about their activities and care. They are developing caring and co-operative relationships. Children are beginning to find solutions to conflict and show respect for the needs of others. They are polite, considerate and aware of the need to share and take turns. They feel relaxed and secure which enables them to make independent choices and rise to challenges. The childminder has suitable knowledge and experience to care and support children with learning and or physical disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents. They exchange verbal and written information to support the children and provide consistency in their care. As a result, children's general well-being is catered for as they follow their daily routine. Parents are informed of how their child's needs are being met and of their achievements. The childminder has received positive and complimentary comments about her provision.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met through effective organisation and good communication with parents. Children access resources easily and have sufficient space to play freely and safely. This enables them to make choices about their play independently. A balance of child-led activities and organised play ensure children have a range of different enjoyable experiences. They follow routines which make them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat, sleep and rest as they need to.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely and information shared appropriately with parents. Policies and procedures have been devised to keep children healthy, safe and safeguard their welfare. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and experience which she continues to update with relevant training. She is currently working towards the Camden and Westminster Quality Assurance Scheme, has a Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice and a current first aid qualification. Overall children's needs are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that a sufficient range of multicultural reading material is available. An array of interesting books are provided which promote positive images of difference to the children. These are often added to from a selection from the local library to broaden the children's knowledge and understanding of wider society.

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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. 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): • extend the activities and play opportunities to develop mathematical thinking.

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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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