Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337551 Unique Reference Number 15 July 2008 Inspection date Jill Nugent 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, aged six and seven, in a house in the London borough of Enfield. She uses the whole of the house for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding two children, aged over five, on a part-time basis. She supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder has good medical records and procedures in place. Children are protected from infection as parents are given clear information

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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 about excluding children with infectious illnesses. In the event of an accident children are well taken care of as the childminder has trained in first aid. However, she has not requested permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and this may result in a delay in receiving the appropriate treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is attentive to hygiene and ensures that children are cared for in a clean environment. She understands the importance of food hygiene and hand washing. Children have access to tissues and wash their hands before eating. These procedures contribute to keeping them healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through the provision of a nutritious and healthy diet. Older children enjoy a cooked dinner when they arrive after school. Vegetables and fruit are included on the menu. Children also participate in cooking activities which encourage their awareness of the health qualities of different foods. Children with special diets eat appropriately as the childminder liaises closely with parents. Drinks are available at all times so that children avoid the risk of dehydration. Therefore, children are well nourished.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good opportunities for regular physical activity. They like to play in the back garden with a variety of resources, for example, a see-saw and trampoline. They have much fun in the fresh air, finding alternative resources as they devise games together. There are opportunities for children to go for walks in the local area and visit parks. They enjoy using the play equipment and this helps them to increase their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment. The house is bright with a spacious living area and an extra play room. Children can access resources independently in both areas and there is a good range of toys, books and games on offer. The resources and equipment are checked regularly for safety and children learn how to keep themselves safe during play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety and security is promoted well as the childminder checks around her house and garden in order to minimise any risks to children. She has various safety measures in place, including safety gates, cupboard locks and a fireguard. There are good fire precautions in place and children practise an evacuation plan so that they know what to do in an emergency. The childminder is attentive to children's ongoing safety and supervises them closely. They are secure on the premises as the front door and garden gate are kept locked. Consequently, children keep 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 safeguarding issues. She has attended relevant training and has information to enable her to seek advice if necessary. When walking home from school children know to stay together and cross roads using the pedestrian crossings. She ensures that children only leave her house with a known adult. Therefore, children are well protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy. They have close relationships with the childminder and gain confidence as they engage in conversation with her. They especially enjoy the freedom to choose play activities for themselves, thereby developing independence. They benefit from the

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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 provision of a stimulating environment in which to explore and play. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and encourages their use of communication and imagination. Children enjoy her involvement as she sits by, or interacts, according to their needs. Her involvement with the children helps to boost their self-esteem as she values their ideas and enhances play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder promotes children's learning well through their chosen play activities, for example, sharing books with children, doing puzzles and helping them find out how things work. Older children especially enjoy technological games and a variety of role play resources. She organises outings and trips for children and these offer alternative learning experiences in different environments. For example, children enjoy trips to the shops, farms and museums. Younger children may attend toddler groups which also encourages them to develop good social skills. Overall children have a wide range of opportunities to play and learn.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued, and included, in the childminder's care and develop a sense of belonging. They feel very much part of the childminder's family and enjoy playing with her own children. The childminder is attentive to their practical needs and ensures that these are met effectively. Children learn to make their own decisions through having plenty of choice in what they do, for example, children minded after school can join in active play or just relax. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is therefore aware of how to meet their needs appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages children to learn respect for others. They gain a knowledge of diversity as they use resources which reflect differences, for example, books that show different aspects of the natural world, and as they join in activities planned around festivals. They learn to behave responsibly in the setting because the childminder has effective behaviour management procedures in place. Children are expected to abide by the rules and therefore know their boundaries. The childminder liaises closely with parents so that their wishes are taken into account regarding children's behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good working partnership in place between the childminder and children's parents and carers. Her portfolio contains much information about her practice, policies and procedures. New children are helped to settle into her care and there is always close contact with parents during the day. Information about each day's events is exchanged with parents when they collect their children. Parents are highly satisfied with the care on offer for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's policies and procedures work very well in practice to promote the outcomes for children. Her documentation is well organised and she has a clear set of policies which form a good framework for her practice. The attendance register is maintained appropriately and all information about children is kept in a secure place. The childminder is well qualified in childcare, having worked with children in school. She has attended many training courses, including hygiene, language development, child safety, Makaton and observing children. She has also attended training on the new Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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 The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all children. She works to a set routine so that they feel secure in her care. She spends her time with them and in this way ensures they are happy in her home. She is flexible in her liaison with parents and meets up regularly with other childminders, helping her to keep up to date with new requirements. Children benefit from her commitment to the ongoing improvement of her practice.

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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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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