Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY152094 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2008 Inspection date Catherine Greene 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 2002. She lives with her partner and their daughter aged nine in Archway in the London Borough of Islington. They live in a three bedroom converted flat on the first floor of a house. The flat is on two floors and the main areas for childminding are the whole of the first floor and children will have supervised access to the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children and there are currently two children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright, clean and well maintained home. Hygiene standards are good throughout and the childminder builds this good practice into her daily routines. Children are becoming independent, the childminder is encouraging them and supporting their development with good care procedures. She has a sickness policy that she shares with parents, this helps ensure that children are protected from infectious illnesses. However, the childminder does

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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 not have signed consent for emergency medical treatment. The childminder demonstrates good first aid knowledge and has attended certified first aid training recently.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder consults closely with parents about children's care and dietary needs, and takes good account of their wishes. She demonstrates a very good understanding of healthy eating. She prepares wholesome food for children. Snacks are healthy and nutritious with a good balance of what the children like to eat available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing well in their physical skills, the childminder promotes an active and healthy lifestyle. Children are supported to sit and play comfortably at low level tables and chairs. They enjoy fresh air during walks to the park and drop-in sessions daily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes good practical precautions and sets realistic safety boundaries with children. She carries out regular safety checks in her home in order to minimise hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are safe and secure because the childminder ensures that all required safety equipment is in place and in working order. She provides a selection of safe equipment and resources that are suitable for children's ages and stages of development, which are maintained to a good standard.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has all the required guidance and documents in place. She has good knowledge of child protection procedures, she regularly updates her training and is familiar with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. She states that she is confident about following the appropriate process should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and very comfortable within the setting; the childminder provides a warm and loving, family environment. She demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn and develop, and translates this well into good childcare practice. Children are provided with a wide range of stimulating and varied play experiences that support their development. Quiet times are also provided during their busy days, when children can rest and relax, playing quietly and sleeping securely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder's very good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued. They benefit from her warm approach. Parents are given lots of information about their children and the childminder keeps them well informed about their child's daily routines and significant events.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a selection of well cared for toys and equipment to support children's development very well, through play in the home. She makes very good use of play facilities locally, at groups and parks, including Regents Park where children look at the animals in the Zoo. Children also enjoy trips to the Science Museum and to the Tate Modern when they thoroughly enjoyed crossing over the Millennium Bridge and looking at the tug boats and seagulls along the Thames.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the world around them as they use a range of books and equipment which promote positive images. In addition, they enjoy outings to local drop-ins, parks, art galleries and the library. The childminder makes good use of local facilities to extend children's understanding of other cultures. She is aware of the individual needs of the children in her care and is respectful of different family backgrounds. The childminder is aware of and responds to children's individual needs effectively. Her attentive approach helps ensure that children develop good self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given regular information which helps keep them informed about their children's development and daily routines. The childminder makes parents welcome in her home and gives them verbal feedback about their child's progress each day. A daily communication book is used effectively to exchange important information with parents, including details such as children's sleep times, nappy changes, menus and the activities and outings they have enjoyed. She has plans to develop her system for recording complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is committed to ensuring that children's well-being and development is enhanced through planned activities and the information given to parents. She is a member of a childminder network and is well informed about child development, childminding standards and relevant health and safety publications.

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Organisation

Documentation relating to childminding activities are professional and well maintained. Written policies and procedures work well in practice supporting settling in and the ongoing care and welfare of children. She will review her systems in relation to complaints and obtaining emergency medical consent to ensure they are in line with current guidelines and legislation. The systems in place to share information with parents contribute very well to children's sense of confidence and well-being.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to further developing her child care skills by attending training and being a member of a childminding network. 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 last inspection the childminder was required to keep a record of attendance. She now has an accurate and up-to-date record of attendance.

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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 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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Complaints 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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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

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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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