Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342649 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2008 Inspection date Malini Parmar 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her 10 year old daughter in the South Tottenham area within the London borough of Haringey. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and currently cares for one child under eight years after school. The childminder makes regular use of the local amenities, including local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted by the adequate steps followed by the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children wash their hands at appropriate times, such as before they eat and after using the toilet, to maintain their health. They learn that this helps them to remain healthy. They have access to liquid soap and disposable towels, which helps to prevent the spread of infections. Children receive appropriate support in the event of accidents as the childminder has current

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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 training in first aid. However, the childminder does not regularly check items in the first aid box to ensure they remain in date.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children clearly enjoy the snacks and meals the childminder provides. A weekly menu is followed to ensure a balance of foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Children can help themselves to fresh drinking water on the table and their requests for extra drinks are met by the childminder. Children have access to vigorous play daily as they use the very nearby amenities to play group games, such as football. Indoors, they enjoy dancing to the rhythm of the music and develop coordination as they match the beats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled and help themselves to a sound range of toys and resources. The childminder makes these easily accessible by using low level boxes on a cosy mat. Children comfortably relax and withdraw from activities on the large cushions and the sofa whenever they need.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises children at all times to promote their safety. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe, they know it is unsafe to run indoors, and understand what they must do in the event they have to vacate the premises in an emergency. This is because the childminder regularly practises emergency evacuations with the children and a procedure is displayed on the notice board. The childminder checks the premises daily to make sure possible risks are reduced. A stair gate prevents unsupervised access on the stairs, children are not at risk from trailing wires, and low level sockets are covered. However, the childminder has not yet conducted a risk assessment which includes activities and some aspects of her home, such as radiators and how access to the kitchen is managed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is adequately promoted by the understanding the childminder has of her duty to safeguard children from harm. She has attended training and has relevant contact details. However, her knowledge is not yet fully secure and the childminder is not fully confident about this aspect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have positive relationships with the childminder. They arrive happily and build firm friendships with the one another and the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a variety of activities which the childminder organises before they arrive. She uses a weekly activity planner to arrange interesting play opportunities for them. Children freely contribute their thoughts and ideas and these are considered by the childminder as part of the planning. As a result, children enjoy, for example, weekly baking opportunities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children are supported throughout the week with their homework as this is considered within the routine. The childminder ensures she is flexible to accommodate children's choices, for example, when they request to play outside they all go out and enjoy group games. Younger children particularly enjoy blowing bubbles and chasing these as they 'float' and 'fly'. Indoors, children clearly enjoy challenging one another to computer games and they use the 'I Toy' to coordinate their movements and dance.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive sound levels of individual care and attention as the childminder uses her time flexibly to ensure this. They have sound chances to learn about the local world as they visit places of interest, such as the galleries. This prompts children's interest to draw their own portraits. They have some chances to learn about the wider world as they use some resources and through the celebration of some festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally behave well. The childminder invites them to think about what is acceptable behaviour as they write general rules. They respond positively to the sound levels of praise and encouragement they receive. Sometimes, children respond less positively as they do not always receive sufficient explanations from the childminder about why certain behaviour is less favourable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the sound relationships the childminder builds with parents. A notice board displays all relevant information including the regulator's contact details should they wish to raise a concern. The childminder is developing her knowledge of her regulatory duty regarding this aspect. Parents report they are pleased with the service the childminder provides. They are encouraged to share all necessary information and requirements upon entry. They are provided with daily verbal information about how their child spent their time with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

Children are confident and settled in a adequately organised environment. The majority of the required records are in place. However, lapses in the organisation mean that the childminder has not yet obtained all necessary consent, for example, to ensure children's health and safety. The childminder has all necessary checks in place and displays her certificate of registration. Children's overall care, learning and welfare is enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder. The childminder is currently reviewing all her records and documentation to ensure all the correct information is in place for each child. Records are stored confidentially.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • check the first aid box regularly to make sure the contents remain in date • conduct a risk assessment to the premises, activities and resources and reduce all identified risks • continue to update knowledge of safeguarding children to ensure it is secure • ensure all the required documentation, polices and procedures and necessary consents for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place.

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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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