Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345390 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2008 Inspection date Chris Banks 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 2007. She lives with her mother-in-law, husband, brother-in-law and pre-school aged son in a three bedroom house in the N22 area of Haringey. A lounge and dining room are the main areas used for childminding purposes. There is also a garden for children's outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of four children at any one time. When working alongside her mother-in-law, who is also a registered childminder, no more than 10 children may be cared for. Neither are registered to care for children overnight. The childminder currently cares for a pre-school aged child during term time and also provides out of school care for two older children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in bright, well maintained and very homely surroundings. Standards of cleanliness are good throughout and children benefit from the effective hygiene practice of

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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 the childminder, who ensures they are well protected from the risk of infection. Nappy changing arrangements and toilet training are well managed. Older children learn about important aspects of good personal care and understand why this is important.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's general health is well protected because the childminder takes effective practical steps if a child becomes ill in her care. She also shares a written sickness policy with parents which makes clear the circumstances under which children cannot be cared for. The childminder is qualified in first aid and is well prepared in the event of an accident or emergency. Should she need to accompany a child to hospital, there is a clear written contingency plan to follow. If required, this ensures safe arrangements are made for the care of any other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a well balanced range of snacks and meals. Their individual preferences and any special dietary requirements are taken into account and well documented. As children grow, they are positively encouraged to develop their independence skills at mealtimes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children have fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy playing in the garden on a daily basis and also regularly visit local parks and playgrounds where they enjoy more vigorous exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in safety and comfort because the childminder takes good practical safety precautions and ensures they are well supervised at all times. Effective action is taken to minimise any risks inside the home and all required safety equipment is in place. Outdoors, the garden is well secured and a canopy helps protect children from the effects of the sun.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to play safely and show careful consideration towards younger children. Older children enjoy taking responsibility and willingly help tidy toys away. They are also well prepared for an emergency and are familiar with the evacuation procedure. This is because it is practised with them on a regular basis. Outings are planned with care. Children wear wrist labels with the childminder's mobile telephone number, which will assist in locating them in the unlikely event they become separated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the good practice of the childminder who plans carefully for their safe arrival and collection. She discusses arrangements in detail with parents and keeps clear written records. These include well documented details of children's daily attendance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding the overall welfare of children. They are well protected because the childminder has a thorough understanding of child protection issues. Parents are informed about her responsibilities and there are up-to-date procedures to follow if there are any concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled because the childminder creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere in the family home. They benefit from her caring approach and respond well because she uses good communication and listening skills with children. She takes a positive interest in what they are doing and, as a consequence, children feel valued. Children's progress is starting to be formally monitored with clear observation records shared with parents. The childminder

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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 demonstrates an interest in developing her childcare skills. She is well prepared for changes to the framework which govern the care and education of young children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning and development is well supported. This is because the childminder effectively translates her growing understanding of child development into good practice. Children enjoy a wide range of interesting and stimulating activities both in and outside the home. They are quietly attentive as the childminder helps develop their reading skills and concentrate well during creative activities which are well resourced. Their efforts are warmly praised and are proudly displayed by the childminder until they are taken home. Children freely initiate their own activities and can choose from a very good range of equipment and materials. Most are easily accessible and all are of high quality.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also routinely enjoy being taken out to a variety of venues. These include parks, a drop in centre and local 'hop, skip and jump' class.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a gradual settling-in process and the quiet reassuring support of the childminder helps them feel secure and wanted. Children are treated with respect and their individual needs are well met by the childminder, who gathers and records all required details about each child. There are clear written contractual agreements and a complaints procedure, which fully meets Ofsted requirements. This is shared with parents in writing at the beginning of the placement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to acknowledge difference in a range of ways. They socialise with children from different backgrounds when they attend drop in centres and celebrate the festivals of a variety of religions, including Christianity and Hinduism. Within the childminder's home, there is a good range of anti-discriminatory resources and images which help children to develop an awareness of others. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the systems in place to support children with disabilities and her basic knowledge of Makaton is used as an additional communication tool with young children and babies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's progress is monitored well and the childminder shares information with parents on a regular basis. The availability of a day diary and photographic records also helps ensure parents are kept well informed about how children routinely spend their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is sensitively supported and there is some close interaction between the childminder and those she cares for. This is because she understands children's behaviour well and uses good techniques to help build their confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by an attentive and motivated childminder who demonstrates a commitment to further developing her professional childcare skills. She is undergoing a qualification course in childminding and has also updated her training in other areas, such as inclusive practice.

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Organisation

There is sufficient comfortable space for the combined number of children the childminder and co-minder are registered to care for. It is organised in a safe, child-friendly way which children

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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 find reassuring. Children are relaxed and completely at ease with both childminders who work cooperatively to ensure daily routines run smoothly in the welcoming family home.

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Organisation

Clear, well developed policies and procedures relating to children's overall health, safety and welfare are effectively put into practice and shared in writing with parents. The role of Ofsted as regulator is clearly understood. The childminder keeps all required records and documentation. These are very well organised and stored securely.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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): • continue to gain knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop

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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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