Burgess, Michelle

Inspection report for early years provision

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156485 Unique Reference Number 28 March 2008 Inspection date Audrey Opal Ufot 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 was registered in August 2001. She lives with her two children aged 10 years and 13 years in the London borough of Camden. The whole of the flat is used for childminding and there is no 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 any one time and is currently minding one child full-time. The childminder takes children on regular outings to a wide range of outdoor activities groups and visits to the local library, farm, zoo and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise. Children participate in a range of daily outdoor activities as the childminder takes them on daily walks to the local park where they feed the ducks; play

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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 on physical apparatus such as swings, roundabouts and climbing frames. In addition the childminder takes the children to play groups and other venues within the local community where they have the opportunities to socialise with their peers playing in a baby gym. Children are also taken on frequent visits to the library so that they participate in story times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a well maintained environment; where a good level cleanliness is sustained throughout the home. Children’s welfare is promoted and they are learning good personal hygiene. For example, young children’s hands are washed after nappy changing times; and older children are taught to wash their hands before eating and after visits to the bathroom. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend when they are unwell. The childminder is trained in first aid and holds a current first aid certificate. This has equipped the childminder to administer suitable first aid to children when necessary. There are methods in place to record emergency medical advice or treatment from parents. However, parents do not always complete the relevant selections so that emergency medical advice or treatment can be obtained when it is required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy sociable and relaxed meal times with the childminder; as they sit in their highchairs feeding themselves with finger foods. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided by parents. This establishes healthy eating habits for children at an early age. For example, for lunch parents provide their children with sandwiches, sliced cucumbers and tomatoes and yogurt as dessert. The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition and encourages children to eat a varied diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming family home. The environment is well organised so that children have sufficient space to explore independently, sleep, eat and play comfortably. Children can easily choose from a wide range of stimulating, interesting and educational toys and play materials. A selection of these are displayed on the floor which entices children to play. Toys are stored in transparent boxes; this enables children to see where things belong. The childminder provides furniture and equipment which is appropriate for children's individual needs such as travel cots, personal bed linen and high chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are prevented from accidental injuries because the childminder ensures proper precautions are taken. For example, there are safety gates at both the top and bottom of the stairs and at the entrance to the kitchen. This ensures children do not go down the stairs or enter the kitchen unsupervised. There are clear emergency evacuation procedures in place and this is practised regularly with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and their welfare is sufficiently promoted as the childminder has a sound understanding of her role in child protection. She has a secure understanding of how to put appropriate procedures into practice if concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into a bright and child friendly environment. They are happy in the care of the childminder and benefit from the caring relationship they have with her. Children participate in a varied range of stimulating and challenging activities which encourage them to develop. Children happily participate in looking through books about animals with the

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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 childminder, complete puzzles and happily make choices about what they play with. During activities the childminder extends children's learning as she sounds out with them the letters in their name using alphabet magnets on a interactive board. Children are well supported as the childminder offers guidance to ensure that they receive the most from their learning experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very attentive to children, she plays on the floor with them and interaction between them is very good. For example, during a peek a boo game age appropriate questioning from the childminder supports the children's growing vocabularies; so that they can remember in which of the compartments they have seen objects. As children complete this they excitingly clap their hands and smile. The childminder in response to the children's achievements appropriately praises them with words such as ‘excellent' and 'well done’. This helps the children to feel good about their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children have a good sense of rhythm and movement. For example, children bang on African drums and swerve their bodies from side to side with the childminder joining with their fun. Children at other times dance to their favourite song 'Do you know where you are going’. Children benefit from regular outdoor play as the childminder takes them to play groups and drop-ins where they socialise with their peers and other adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy at the childminder’s home; and they are familiar with the daily routine which enables them to feel safe and secure. The childminder follows the children’s normal routines such as eating and sleeping times as discussed with their parents. Children enjoy caring relationships with the childminder. She has an excellent understanding of the needs of the children she cares for, whilst ensuring parents' views are sought and respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are provided with a good range of resources which promote a positive view of the wider world, such as books, dressing up clothes, African drums, and puzzles that reflect different cultures. In addition children celebrate other cultural events such as Black History month. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working with children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is very good; this contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Information is shared verbally with parents on a daily basis and written diaries and portfolio are maintained. The childminder has a selection of written procedures in place which she shares with parents. She regularly updates the information she holds on the children and she seeks parents’ views in order to evaluate the service she provides. Parents openly express their positive views about the quality of care provided by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and feel at home in the childminder’s care. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play. The childminder gives the children lots of warm individual attention which promotes their emotional well-being. She has a good working knowledge and understanding of caring for children and meets their care needs effectively.

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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 Most of the required documents which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are in place, although parents’ written consent is not always obtained for emergency medical advice or treatment; also there is no method devised to take children on outings. The children’s daily routines are well organised to include a variety of learning and play activities and physical exercise.

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Organisation

Children’s progress is shared with parents so that they are aware of their children’s achievements. This is done through verbal feedback, written dairies and portfolio recordings. These ensure that children receive continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two recommendations and one action were made. All theses have been addressed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was required to ensure that all medicines administered to children are recorded and signed by parents. All medication administered to children is now recorded and signed by parents. Also to ensure that children’s daily attendance is recorded and that this is kept on the premises at all times and to gain knowledge of and comply with local child protection procedures. Accurate records of children’s daily attendance are now kept and are maintained on the premises at all times. The childminder has now attended a refresher course in child protection which has updated her knowledge with regards to the new guidance in safeguarding children. These have ensured that children’s health, safety and welfare are now sufficiently safeguarded.

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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): • ensure parents complete the relevant sections to obtain emergency medical advice and treatment • ensure parents' written consent is obtained to take children on outings.

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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 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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