Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY318555 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2008 Inspection date Tina Anne Mason 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged, 18, 16 and 15 in the London borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the downstairs of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for one minded child on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and attends local toddler groups. 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 clean and well-maintained environment where the childminder's daily routines ensure their health is protected. Children learn to clean their hands before and after meals, and the childminder makes this easy for very young children to achieve by providing them with wet-wipes, which they use independently and competently. The childminder ensures that children are protected from the risk of cross-infection. For example, fresh towels are

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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 provided daily and she ensures that changing mats are thoroughly cleaned when used. There is a clear sickness policy in place, that is shared with parents, and any accidents to children are appropriately recorded. However the childminder is yet to obtain written permission from parents and carers allowing her to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Therefore, children's health and well-being is not promoted in all areas.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals and snacks. The childminder gains good information from parents regarding children's individual preferences and any specific dietary requirements. This means that meals are planned according to the tastes of children present, and so they enjoy their food. Children have individual cups and beakers that the childminder ensures are always topped up with fresh water or juice, these are accessible to children who help themselves when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to the health benefits of fresh air and physical exercise. They play in the childminder's garden using a variety of good quality outdoor play equipment. Children have lots of fun visiting local parks, having good opportunities to climb and stretch their muscles in play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a welcoming and child-friendly environment where space is used well and resources are displayed invitingly. For instance, the playroom is bright and cheerful and toys and games are very well organised so that children can help themselves as they play. The childminder conducts good risk assessments of her home and takes effective measures to ensure children are safe and secure. For example, electric sockets are covered and the use of gates prevents children gaining unsupervised to the first floor level of the home. Sleeping arrangements for young children take account of individual routines. There are effective procedures in place for the safe collection of children, to ensure they are only collected by authorised adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are cleaned and maintained well in order to ensure they are safe and suitable for children to use. Children learn well about aspects of personal safety. For example, they learn road safety when they go for walks. Children's safety is supported by the childminder's good knowledge and awareness of child protection issues. Clear written procedures inform parents of her responsibilities to act if she has concerns regarding abuse or neglect, in order to protect children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy the good variety of activities available to them. They confidently choose from the very good range of toys and resources and quickly settle to play. They form close relationships with the childminder who supports them well. She sits with children to interact and motivate their learning. Young children develop appropriate communication skills as the childminder talks and listens to them, using eye contact and voice intonation. Children seek her company and reassurance when they require help and support and they benefit from her direction as she helps them to learn to cooperate and play in harmony by sharing their toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of activities which helps to support their all round development such as building bricks, reading stories, singing songs, drawing and painting. As a consequence,

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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 young children are beginning to recognise colours and shapes and number. The childminder encourages children to talk by asking them questions such as 'what colour' and 'how many'. Children show a keen interest in books as they sit with the childminder and read stories together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home because they have their individual needs well met. The childminder gains very good information from parents regarding the individual requirements of each child and ensures that care is consistent with home routines. For example, children's diets, and helping them to learn personal independence such as when potty training. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and inclusion, and ensures children have access to resources that encourage their awareness of cultural diversity. For example, they play with puzzles that represent different ethnic groups, ages, and disability status and the childminder is developing activities that increase their understanding of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder is very calm and makes clear explanations to children so they know what is expected of them, thus supporting good behaviour. For example, making it clear to children that toys must be put away before they commence another activity, and encouraging them all to take part in clearing up.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that parents are well informed about the care of their children. She provides them with comprehensive information about her practice, sharing her policies and procedures with them. Children's daily routines, activities they take part in and their achievements and successes, are noted in individual 'day books' which provide parents with a good record of what their children do. These have become an effective tool in ensuring consistency of care for children as parents use these to note any changes to children's daily routines and any special home circumstances that may have impact.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space and resources are well organised to provide an interesting and enjoyable play experience for children. Ratios are maintained and the childminder ensures that records show the times children are present. There are well written policies and procedures in place that support the care of children. This information is shared with parents. The childminder gains good quality information from parents regarding the care of individual children and uses this well in ensuring their needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder stores documentation securely to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality. She is well organised in the way she keeps all relevant information accessible. She demonstrates a positive attitude to gaining new skills and has a commitment to training and developing her knowledge of childcare. This ensures that children benefit from her knowledge and understanding of current childminding practice. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements 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

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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): • obtain written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary 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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