Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356618 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2008 Inspection date Anahita Aderianwalla 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 husband and two children aged six and three years. The premises are situated in Totteridge within the London borough of Barnet. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Currently the childminder minds four children, aged 11 months, four years old and six year olds on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children eat healthily and they learn about the need to eat a well balanced diet and have fruit for snacks. Milk, or water are available all the time. Allergies and special religious requirements are respected. The childminder and the children have a very good understanding of children's dietary needs to help them stay fit and well. For example, children have completed a topic on healthy foods, and have displayed their drawings of their favourite foods on the wall.

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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 Good hygiene practice is effectively implemented to prevent the spread of infection. The bathroom and kitchen are cleaned and antibacterial cleaner is used on surfaces. The children wash their hands before food and after personal care. Clear nappy changing procedures are also in place.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have fresh air each day, weather permitting. They take walks to local parks and libraries, and use a wide range of resources inside the home to support their small muscles. Children have access to a large garden, where they run and jump, and often play imaginary games, such as fairy hunts. However, the garden is not well resourced with large play equipment, as the childminder has just begun developing the garden to create a play space for children to access large play equipment. Children are able to relax and sleep according to their needs and sleep routines are discussed and agreed with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Safety is of the highest priority. The childminder has completed risk assessments for the home, garden and when going to or from school. Children are well supervised to ensure they are safe, and the premises are secure. The childminder checks resources regularly and has completed a safety plan with details of safety equipment. Children learn to use resources carefully and safely, taking care to ensure younger children do not come to harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire equipment is in place and the children practise fire drills regularly to ensure they are familiar with the procedure, with different fire exit routes for different locations of the fire. Children learn about road safety when walking to and from school. The childminder talks to them about stranger danger, and how to keep themselves safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection and has included a policy in the parent pack in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. She has contact details readily available and knows Ofsted must be notified of any referrals or allegations made against her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children make themselves at home and have a good relationship with the childminder. They interact confidently with her and younger children are secure in her care. The childminder is knowledgeable about the children she cares for and is aware of their developmental progress. She ensures activities are interesting and age appropriate and she is aware when they are no longer sustaining children's interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The organisation of resources encourages children autonomy and they offer sufficient challenge. As a result children are settled, busy and occupied; the childminder balances their needs very well. A daily outing is included in the routine which increase opportunities for the children to socialise with other children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become totally engaged in playing with jigsaws, and younger children are seen playing with programmable toys that light up and make sounds that delight the children. The childminder encourages their play and supports this well by playing along with the children and providing suitable resources. Children’s language is developed through the childminder’s frequent interaction with the children. Children giggle and laugh as they play together well and

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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 harmoniously. The childminder creates a relaxed and comfortable, homely environment for children, that meets their emotional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are cared for in an inclusive environment where they are treated as individuals and their needs and wishes respected. She is very aware of the need to raise children's awareness of diversity through the activities and resources she provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

No children with learning difficulties or disabilities are being cared for at present. She would feel confident to take in any child and ensure that the needs of all children are met, with consultation from parents and outside agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Strategies for managing behaviour are appropriate to children's age and stage of development and focus on positive reinforcement. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self esteem, as a result they are happy and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has created a parent brochure with information about the setting and some simple well written policies and procedures. This includes the complaints procedure and Ofsted contact information. Parents complete contracts and information sheets to ensure there is agreement about the service to be provided and the childminder can effectively meet the children's needs. A number of written permissions are also obtained to enable children to go on local outings, have their photographs taken and to be cared for appropriately in a medical emergency.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have safe and independent access to all areas within the home. Space is used appropriately and the routine is well organised to ensure that all children’s needs are met. Children's work and photographs are displayed, this makes the environment more familiar for babies and helps children to feel valued. Children are familiar with the daily routine and are comfortable and at ease in the childminder's care.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good level of commitment to attending further training and updating her skills and knowledge. As a result, children thrive from her continued development. Children benefit because the childminder has a much organised approach to her documentation, which is clear, concise and well written. Polices are shared appropriately and confidentiality is maintained. This contributes to children's care and well-being.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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 action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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 children have regular access to outdoor large play equipment

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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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