Childminder in Camden

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308022 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Liz Corr

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2005. She lives with her school aged daughter in a 2 bedroom converted flat in the NW6 area of the London Borough of Camden. The premises are close to most public transport links. Local parks and playgrounds are also nearby. Areas used for childminding are the living room, kitchen, daughter's bedroom and toilet and washing facilities. There is a communal garden for outdoor play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children at any one-time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are nurtured and well cared for because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. She has completed a suitable First Aid course and has procedures in place to respond appropriately in emergency situations. Children's health is protected because the childminder takes efficient steps to prevent the spread of infection. For instance, the premises are clean and hygienic and feeding equipment for young babies is effectively sterilised. Children's individual needs are given high priority, particularly in relation to hygiene. Children are provided with their own towels, flannels and bed linen. The kitchen is hygienic for the preparation of food. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure each child's individual dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally kept safe and secure because the childminder has a proactive attitude to risk assessment in order to minimise hazards. The environment is effectively organised which enables children to explore and take risks while being appropriately supervised. For instance, there is a clear space in the living room for children to move around freely. There are safety gates in place to prevent access to the kitchen. However, there is no emergency evacuation procedure in place which compromises children's safety. Children are provided with a selection of safe play equipment which is maintained to a high standard. They benefit from suitable equipment for sleeping and transportation, although furniture for older babies to sit comfortably and learn independence skills at meal times is not available. Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Child Protection issues including, recording and reporting concerns. There are clear procedures in place to ensure that children are collected by authorised people.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. She is very attentive to their needs. Warm, caring relationships between her and the children are evident. Consequently, this helps build their self esteem. Their individual patterns for eating and sleeping are catered to which increases their sense of well being. A satisfactory range of play equipment is available. However, the range of equipment for babies and toddlers is limited. Opportunities for exploring and investigating using sensory materials are not available. This limits their overall learning experiences. There are some opportunities for activities outside the home. They go for walks to the park, the school, local shops and have the use of the communal garden. This helps to ensure that children develop a sense of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive individual care because their personal routines and circumstances are known to the childminder. For instance, the childminder is working in partnership with one parent regarding the introduction of solid foods. Parents are well informed of their child's daily progress which has a positive impact on the children's overall well being and development. Children have clear boundaries which they understand and are given frequent praise and encouragement for their achievements. Their behaviour is managed according to their level of understanding, for example through distraction or discussion. The childminder is very aware of the needs of the children she cares for. However, her resources do not include equipment which could be used to promote disability awareness and equal opportunities. Children's special needs are well addressed and parents kept informed. There are effective procedures for reporting any concerns and

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards for childminding. Clear policies and procedures are available and records detailing children's up-to-date information are kept. However, the childminder is not acquainted with all the documentation available to her. She has not familiarised herself with new information such as, Birth to Three Matters which would enhance the care offered to young children. Most policies and procedures are shared with parents verbally and generally this works well. Children's progress is shared with parents through daily feedback. This

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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 provides additional reassurance to parents that their child's progress is being monitored. Daily routines are based on the childminder's knowledge and understanding of children's individual needs. The settling-in procedure is sensitively managed to meet each child's emotional development. This ensures that each child is settled appropriately. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • improve fire safety be devising and practicing an emergency escape plan. • provide a suitable range of activities and equipment for children under three years including resources that promote anti-discriminatory practice. • improve the outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with the Birth to Three Matters framework. • ensure that suitable furniture and equipment is available to meet the needs of children aged 0-5 years at meal times. • develop knowledge and understanding of record keeping procedures for childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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