Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362175 Unique Reference Number 07 May 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Liverpool 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 in a first floor flat in Clapton within the London Borough of Hackney. The whole of the flat is used for childminding purposes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five years. The childminder attends the local toddler groups, library and visits the park with children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean environment where the childminder's effective cleaning and hygienic practices ensure that children stay healthy. For example, table top surfaces are wiped down before and after use, disposable napkins and tissues are readily accessible for wiping noses and drying hands. In addition to this, shoes are removed when entering the premises, each child is provided with their own coloured eating utensils and cups to restrict shared use

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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 and soiled materials are disposed of safely. Children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care because the childminder explains why they need to wash their hands before meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual medical requirements and consents are obtained from parents. This further helps to promote children's good health. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid box is available. This means that children can receive appropriate care in the event of sustaining minor injuries. Water is readily accessible to children throughout the day. This ensures that they do not get thirsty. The childminder offer children a nutritious and balanced diet that meets with their individual dietary requirements. Children's preferences of food are well catered for. For example, they are offered pasta dishes, olives, fish and vegetables. Children are beginning to understand the importance of healthy foods as they are offered a range of fresh and dried fruits daily.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of opportunities to participate in physical activities. For example, they have access to a dedicated soft play room, which is equipped with ball pool, large size soft car that can also be used as a bed, fold up tents and soft toys. They enjoy jumping and rolling on the play equipment and crawling through the tents. Frequent visits to the local parks, toddler groups and daily walks helps to support and develop children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's security is well promoted as high door locks are in place and window openings are restricted by child proof locks. A display of colourful children's art work creates a warm and welcoming environment. Children play in a well organised environment where they have ample space to play and move freely from room to room. They have access to a dedicated soft play room that is inviting and has a dual purpose. Children frequently use the room for physical play activities and after lunch it is used for sleep or rest. Children independently select from a wide range of toys that are stored at levels that they can reach. This encourages children's independence. All furniture and equipment conform to safety standards, are durable and comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them of safe practices. For example the childminder explains to children why they should not run in the house and to pick up toys from the door way. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure children are safe by ensuring that toxic substance, electrical sockets and medication are inaccessible to children. Fire safety equipment is maintained, though the fire blanket is not located in the kitchen area. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder knows the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures for recording and reporting concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder's warm and caring approach help children to develop close and trusting relationships. Children are confident within their surroundings and move freely in the childminder's home. Children demonstrate their independence as they help themselves to drinks from the fridge, visit the toilet on their own. They show a lot of interests in the toys and equipment that are available. This is because children make decisions about their play as they are able to choose the toys and games they wish to play with.

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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 The childminder provides children with a wide variety of activities that supports their development and promotes their learning. Children are taken to singing sessions and they are beginning to learn to sing a range of songs and actions rhymes, explore musical instruments and sounds. Children's creative development is encouraged through activities such as painting, collage and drawing. All of which, are on wall display. Children are taken out on regular trips to toddler groups, libraries, local parks and nature walks where they collect conkers for play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a variety of books, many of which appeals to their curiosity and encourages exploration. This includes fold out books, board, picture sound and reference books. The childminder read stories to children and ask them questions to develop their language skills; children look at the pictures and talk about their favourite characters with each other. Children enjoy books and handle them carefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are known and acknowledged. The childminder works well with parents to ensure that she has a good understanding of the children's developmental needs, different health and dietary requirements. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity and she ensures that the children have regular opportunities to visit the community and in addition to this, children become aware of differences and similarities through the contacts they make with other children when attending toddler groups. Children's behaviour is generally good. The childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management and is using appropriate strategies such as explanation and distraction. Children are helped to develop positive relationships with each other as they are encouraged to share and take turns when participating in activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder supports the children in her care who are learning to speak English through talk, labelling, singing simple rhymes and repeating words in English. Overall children have access to an adequate range of toys that reflect positive images of race and gender. Although the childminder is not presently caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she understands the importance of knowing what children can do and ensuring that various activities are adapted according to children's abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built trusting relationships with parents by respecting their wishes so that children are provided with consistency of care. Parents are encouraged to read and sign to confirm that they have read the procedures for child protection, behaviour management and equal opportunities. The childminder ensures that parents are kept informed of their children's daily activities and developmental achievements verbally and in writing. Parents are informed of the procedures to follow if they have a complaint; however, the childminder is not yet familiar with the full procedures for dealing with formal complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and development are promoted very well because the childminder has good understanding of child care. Children benefit immensely from a well organised environment where they receive good support to help them become independent, confident and feel secure. Children's health is well maintained through good standards of hygiene, a diet of healthy foods and daily physical activities indoors and outdoors. Appropriate measures are in place to promote children's safety. The provision for toys and equipment is of a wide range, good quality and is

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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 used effectively to enhance children's language and communication, social and creative developmental skills. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge of childcare and recent attendance on various courses are very beneficial to the care children receive. With the exception of some parts of the regulations for dealing with complaints, the childminder has good knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. This is demonstrated in the quality of care provided for children. All relevant records for the safety and well-being of children are in place and maintained with relevant details. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities for safeguarding children.

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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): • place the fire blanket in a proper location for easy accessibility • further develop knowledge and understanding of the full requirements for dealing with complaints.

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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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