Childminder in Camden

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305472 Inspection date 22 December 2005 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband, mother-in-law and 2-year-old daughter in a 3 bedroom maisonette, situated in the area of Regents Park in the London Borough of Camden. The living room and one bedroom are used for childminding purposes. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 years, who attend 4 days a week.

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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 attends local parks and parent and toddler groups. The childminder speaks Bengali and has English as an additional language. She 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 childminding home. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene practice through regular hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. Children's welfare in the event of an accident or sudden illness is ensured by the childminder who follows appropriate procedures. For instance, children who are infectious do not attend. Children have sufficient opportunities for physical exercise on a daily basis as they walk to local shops and use a variety of outdoor equipment at local parks. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy living through the healthy snacks of fresh fruit and sesame seed crackers that are sometimes provided by the childminder in agreement with their parents. Children's choice and parental wishes are taken into account when planning snacks. Children help themselves to water from their beakers and the childminder regularly offers water to younger children who have not yet

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Helping children to be healthy

developed self help skills. This ensures children do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious effectively organised childminding home. There are areas for children to rest and play. They can move around in comfort and ease. Children independently select toys and equipment, which conform to safety standards. This means that they have access to safe equipment and are provided with opportunities to make choices for themselves. Children enjoy their play in a generally safe and secure environment. The childminder gives some careful attention to ensuring children's safety both inside and outside the premises and the majority of precautions have been taken. However, children are not familiar with the fire evacuation procedures as the childminder has not practised this with children and they are exposed to accessible glass from a side cabinet in the main play area. Children's welfare is adequately protected by the childminder who is clear about what

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

action to take and who to contact if she has concerns about a child in her care. However, she is not so clear of all the signs and symptoms of abuse so she can recognise when children are in danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from daily outings to parent and toddler groups, the library and local parks where they can mix and socialise with other children and enjoy looking at and choosing books when they go to the library. The childminder attends the parent and toddler groups with the children and whilst there ensures that children participate in a good range of activities and experiences that are stimulating and well balanced. Children have less opportunities to enjoy and learn from a variety of play materials in the childminder's home, as some resources, particularly creative resources are limited in quantity. Children do however, engage in making different shaped sandwiches, puzzles and counting using constructional toys and different objects with the childminder who promotes their mathematical concepts using practical and planned everyday activities. Children feel secure, settled and happy with the childminder who communicates and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

engages well with the children. The children enjoy comfortable routines that are structured by the childminder around their individual and developing needs. They are developing good self-help skills, as children independently choose from a satisfactory range of toys and resources that helps to promote their learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their community as they have routine visits to the local park, shops and drop in groups. Children are valued as individuals but they have limited access to resources that help them to appreciate and value each others similarities and differences. Children with special needs do not currently attend, although the aim is for inclusion but this will depend on the specific circumstances and take into account the impact on the other children attending. Children's confidence and self esteem is fully promoted by the childminder who uses positive praise and encouragement to build on children's good behaviour. Children's behaviour is managed well by the childminder through distraction and simple explanations that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children's daily activities and development are discussed with parents on a daily basis by the childminder, who ensures that parents are well informed of their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's care, learning and welfare needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care. The childminder's home is well organised, and is laid out to maximise play

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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 opportunities for children. All the required documentation is in place to promote the health and safety of children, however parental consents for urgent medical treatment and outings are not in place. Children's needs are met well and all the relevant information is discussed with parents to ensure continuity of care. Children receive appropriate support for their care, learning and welfare needs because the childminder has sought to update her knowledge and understanding of childcare and has attended numerous courses in relation to the introduction to childminding practice (ICP), first aid, child protection and the business side of childminding.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The childminder 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 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 precautions by drawing up and practising an emergency escape plan and ensure that low level glass is inaccessible to children. • develop your knowledge and awareness of the signs and indicators of child abuse. • ensure that children have access to a wider range of play materials which enables them to progress their learning and which incorporates resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • obtain written parental consent for their children to go on outings, travel by

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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 public transport and receive emergency medical treatment

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The quality and standards of the care

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