Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357742 Unique Reference Number 21 July 2008 Inspection date Julia Louise Crowley 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 2007. She lives with her mother and father, three adult siblings and one child sibling, in Clapton, in the London Borough of Hackney. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and a first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. The childminder works in her home with her mother who is also a registered childminder. When working with her co childminder the childminder is registered for a maximum of six children. They are currently minding one child under five on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures. Children follow and understand simple good hygiene practices, washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after playing outside. Younger children's hands are washed with support from the childminder before and after eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents. She ensures she follows parents' wishes and children’s preferences, together with any dietary requirements to nourish children in her care. Meals are freshly prepared by the childminder's co childminder, allowing her to play with the children while they wait to eat. Children sometimes help to prepare food or lay the table, increasing their independence and social skills. Toddlers are encouraged to develop their independence during meals and are learning to feed themselves, with help from the childminder when needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy living through regular physical play and activity. They go to the local parks for ball games, feed the ducks, or walk to the local shops. Children rest and sleep according to their needs on comfortable armchairs or sofas, with babies using a travel cot. However, the outdoor area is hazardous compromising the children's health and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home. The childminder provides a secure and safe indoor environment, which is clean and well maintained. Children use a range of suitable and safe equipment, toys and resources, which are easily accessible and carefully checked for wear and tear by the childminder. Toys and equipment are appropriate for children’s age and stage; babies and toddlers do not have access to toys or other articles that may cause them harm. For example, construction toys, such as Lego, are not allowed near to younger child as the pieces are too small and they may choke.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children receive close supervision by the childminder or co childminder at all times. They are safe and secure in the childminder’s care as she reduces risks and hazards and minimises dangers within the home. Children learn about fire safety and evacuating in case of a fire; the childminder has a clear plan in place, which she shares with them and helps them to understand. Children learn to keep themselves safe; they avoid accidental injury by following the childminders guidance on road safety when outdoors, and by not running around inside the home in case they trip, fall, or knock over younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in protecting children and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She has a sound awareness of her responsibilities and the importance of recording information confidentially. Parents are aware of the childminder's role and responsibilities to protect children because this is included in her policy and shared with parents verbally at induction.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder’s home enjoying each other’s company. All aspects of their care, learning and play benefit from a high level of interaction from the childminder and co childminder. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder encouraging children to try new activities and represent their ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive good support from the childminder in their personal, social and emotional development. They show interest in what they do, ask questions and use initiative to acquire new knowledge and skills at every opportunity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities to meet children’s individual developmental needs. She includes a variety of puzzles, drawing, outdoor activities, construction and books, using lots of interaction to develop children's communication and listening skills. Young children make steady progress, learning about colours, numbers, shapes and animals during their play. Older children develop their construction ideas and skills using Lego and enjoy playing ball games in the park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals and their needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder works closely with the children's parents to ensure that she has appropriate information about their likes, dislikes, allergies, routines and individual needs. The childminder helps children to become confident and self-assured through continual praise and encouragement. Resources include some which reflect positive images of disability, race, culture and gender, including small world people, books and dolls. This encourages children to learn about diversity and respect other people's backgrounds and individual circumstances. The childminder's approach to non-stereotypical play ensures that the children's play opportunities are not restricted by gender.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a clear, consistent and age appropriate approach towards behaviour management. The children are encouraged to learn and understand acceptable and responsible behaviour. Children behave well and are developing good social and interactive skills. They are encouraged to share, play together and take turns. The childminder promotes positive behaviour through setting a good example and the frequent use of praise and encouragement. The childminder has realistic expectations of children's behaviour and has some simple house rules in place, which mainly relate to safety and respect for the home setting and each other. The childminder reinforces house rules and appropriate behaviour in a firm yet consistent way.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder protects children by ensuring all adults are suitably vetted and making sure that children are under her direct supervision. The childminder has completed all the required checks to ensure her suitability in working with children.

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Organisation

The home setting is warm, welcoming and well organised and the children appear happy and settled. Toys and resources are easily accessible and the children are able to make independent play choices. The childminder is aware of the children's individual needs and ensures that the

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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 play provision meets the needs of the children who attend. There is sufficient play space and children are able to move freely and confidently around the home setting.

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Organisation

The childminder has updated her knowledge by attending additional courses. Documentation is accessible yet confidentially stored. All required documentation is in place and this is the responsibility of the childminder rather than her co childminder. The childminder has daily feedback with parents to ensure that she continues to meet the children's individual needs and requirements. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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 outdoor play area is clear of hazards for children to play and exercise safely

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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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