Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330171 Unique Reference Number 21 May 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Hare 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 9 and 12 in Enfield. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat. The childminder 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 warm, clean home where good daily routines ensure children understand the need for good personal hygiene. For example, they use their own individual towel to dry their hands and the young children are beginning to understand why they wash their hands after using the potty. The childminder has up-to-date knowledge of first aid and

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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 written parental permission to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment if necessary. This means that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious meals and snacks help children develop healthy eating habits from an early age. The childminder encourages this by making it into a game to encourage colour and sound recognition. For example, asking the children which vegetables are green or which vegetables begin with a certain letter. The childminder gathers all the relevant information regarding diet, including any allergies, and caters for children's individual dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities that keep them in good health, such as walking to and from school and visiting the local park. They use a wide range of equipment in the garden to help develop control of their bodies. For example, pedalling bikes, using the trampoline and basketball hoop. Children have the opportunity to use climbing apparatus and the slide when they visit the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well-organised environment that allows them to move around safely. Most safety hazards have been minimised and there is a secure outdoor play area. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, she talks to them about basic road safety and the older ones use activity cards to learn about transport and being safe when out near roads. There is a clear fire procedure in place, although the childminder has not practised an emergency escape plan. This may mean that the childminder is unfamiliar with the procedure in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy and safe access to toys and play resources that are stimulating and appropriate to their age and stage of development. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from possible abuse and neglect as the childminder ensures that they are never left alone with anyone who is not vetted. She has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and a clear understanding of the correct procedure to follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. The childminder develops good relationships with the children and is aware of their individual needs as well as their particular likes and favourite resources. The childminder adapts activities so that all children can participate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to select from a range of resources that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. They concentrate well at self-chosen activities and enjoy responsibility, such as planting and caring for the tomatoes and blueberries in the garden. Children enjoy exploring and investigating as they hunt for bugs and talk about the trees and flowers with the childminder when out walking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a full range of exciting activities as they paint, model dough and play musical instruments as well as attending the craft session at the library. The older children are involved

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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 in making their own sandwiches and pizzas and building forts with the large construction set. The childminder knows the children's favourite songs so that she can sing along with them and reads lots of stories with the children, asking them questions about the pictures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form close relationships with the childminder and her family and are confident to seek support and reassurance. They develop an awareness of their own needs especially with regards to toilet training and the needs of others through interaction with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Many resources reflect positive images of all aspects of society. This means that children learn to acknowledge and accept differences. They learn about the world through activities that introduce them to other cultures and they socialise with other children at the groups they attend.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the flexible and supportive partnership the childminder has with the parents. Parents provide appropriate and relevant information about their children which helps to ensure that the children's routine is followed and that they receive individual care and attention. The childminder gives daily feedback to parents about their child's day through verbal exchanges and a daily diary. This helps to provide children with consistent care between home and the childminding provision.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management and uses appropriate strategies. This helps children learn right from wrong. Children are beginning to learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support from the childminder to help them feel secure and confident. They feel at home and settle well into family life. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children to make their own choices.

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Organisation

Written procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents as they are all given copies of the policies. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The childminder keeps up to date with current child care issues by attending various training courses such as child protection and food hygiene. This supports the care and learning of the children in her care.

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Organisation

All relevant documentation is in place and kept secure. However, the contracts are not reviewed and updated regularly. This means that important information may not be exchanged between parents and the childminder. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 that hazards to children on the premises are minimised; this relates to the sharp knives accessible in the kitchen drawer • practise an emergency escape plan • ensure contracts are reviewed and updated regularly.

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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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