Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335505 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2008 Inspection date Deirdra Keating 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged ten, eight and two in Walthamstow, London. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully 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 at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends part-time. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder follows good procedures. They are cared for in a clean and spacious house where a cleaning routine ensures that the environment

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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 is hygienic. Children understand good hygiene practices because they are consistently reminded by the childminder to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before meals. Coloured poster prompts and reminders, which children point out, give explanations about the need for good personal hygiene. Children are protected from illness because the childminder has a good understanding of infectious diseases. This ensures that children are protected from cross-infection. The childminder has attended first aid training for child carers and a fully stocked first aid box is easily accessible in the event of an accident or minor emergency. Children experience good routines which meet individual needs for rest and sleep in line with parents' wishes. A travel cot is available and older children rest in an upstairs bedroom where they are

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs well met and increase their understanding of healthy living because the childminder offers a healthy menu of nutritious snacks and light meals. Lunches are provided by the childminder who uses meal times as a social occasion and learning experience for the children. Drinking water is available for children to access independently throughout the day which ensures they remain hydrated. Children can get daily fresh air and exercise, they walk to local schools and use the garden where a range of physical play equipment enables them to develop 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 spacious home that is welcoming and organised well to accommodate children comfortably and support their care, learning and play. There is a good range of equipment which is clean and well maintained. The premises are in a good state of repair and decoration. The children have access to a large lounge, kitchen, cloakroom and back garden leading from the kitchen. The childminder has good process in place to keep children safe from most potential risks, however, the steps leading from the kitchen to the garden are extremely steep and have no hand rails which could compromise children's safety. The house is checked daily to ensure that it is safe and suitable for young children. Fire prevention equipment is all in place and fire drills are practised and recorded. The childminder is secure in her understanding of child protection, as a consequence children’s welfare is fully safeguarded. She has attended

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

specific training and has information readily available in the event of a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and a strong sense of self through positive interaction with adults. The childminder has a very good understanding of how children develop and learn and uses observations of children's play to plan new activities closely related to their individual needs. Activities are very well organised for children to self-select and consequently children play confidently in the environment choosing activities and resources that have a particular interest to them. The childminder interacts well with the children, she gives children good opportunities to reflect and learn through their play providing sensitive and skilled support as children request it. Children thoroughly enjoy manipulating play dough using a range of tools, this is developed into a food game and discussion which the childminder supports extremely well, helping children learn new vocabulary and providing fun and challenging experiences for them. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

talks and listens to children very well encouraging their language development and communication skills. Children go out on trips with the childminder and visit places of interest.

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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 For example, they go into the city of London using public transport, go bowling and regularly use a soft play drop-in centre.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a good sense of belonging because they are all valued as individuals and treated equally. They are encouraged to feel part of the childminder's home and family and help with basic jobs around the house. Children are settled according to their individual needs using information provided by parents. The childminder takes children out to groups where they are encouraged to socialise in the community, this encourages children to learn social skills and enjoy being with and talking to adults and other children. The childminder actively promotes equal opportunities, this helps children understand about the wider world. A range of resources, such as, books, posters and toys reflect positive images of people from different backgrounds. The childminder celebrates traditional days and festivals of different cultures to help children understand their differences and respect one another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder would positively support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has some experience of supporting individual children and understands the need to work in close partnership with parents and carers. Children behave well, take turns and respond positively to the childminder’s routines and boundaries. This helps children develop a positive attitude and show concern for others. Simple house rules are shared with the children to ensure they understand the behavioural expectations. Clear information regarding children's behaviour and any intervention methods are shared with parents prior to minding. Parents are actively encouraged to become involved in their children’s learning in meaningful ways. The childminder maintains daily diaries regarding all aspects of children's care and verbal information is shared daily with parents. Individual records illustrated with photographs show children progressing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

through their developmental milestones and enjoying many activities whilst they are in the childminder's care. Parents' views about their children’s care are sought and acted on. The childminder has worked hard to develop extremely positive relationships with parents and share all aspects of children's learning and development with them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled in a well-organised environment which helps promote their independence. Necessary checks have been carried out to ensure that all adults are safe and suitable to be with children. Children make good use of the spacious house, making choices about how to spend their time. The childminder has attended a good range of training in order to support her registration and knowledge of child development. This enables her to broaden children's experiences which contribute to the quality of care. The childminder has a good understanding of procedures to inform Ofsted of any changes in her circumstances. She has a clear understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with these and the conditions of her registration. Good adult to child ratios are maintained at all times in order that children are supported and feel secure and attendance records are carefully maintained.

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Organisation

The documentation effectively promotes the welfare care and learning of the children and all requirements are met. 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 the registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that the required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet 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): • ensure that all risks to children are minimised (this refers to the steps leading from the kitchen to the garden).

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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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