Childminder in Barnet

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY282563 Inspection date 24 October 2005 Inspector Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2004. She lives with her teenage son and daughter. They live in a three bedroom house on the Inglis Estate in Mill Hill in the London Borough of Barnet. The areas of the home that are used for childminding purposes are the lounge and kitchen. One of the bedrooms is available for rest. The rear garden is currently not

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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 used by the children. Local amenities include a children's playground and library. Local schools and bus routes are within walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children under 8 years. There are currently 2 children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family do not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Although some of the children attending are very young, they are beginning to learn about the importance of hygiene through the care routines in place such as washing their hands at relevant times. As a result they are protected from some harmful bacteria and germs. However, children are not encouraged to tidy away toys after they have finished playing. This contributes to the overall untidiness and impacts on the free floor space available for children to move freely. Children needing medication are assured of receiving and benefiting from the correct medicine as suitable records are kept for medication. Children get swift and appropriate help if they have an accident due to the childminder's knowledge of first aid.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the freshly prepared and nutritious meals and snacks such as fresh fruit. There is always a drink readily accessible to them and they are able to access this independently. Although children do not have access to an outdoor play area they still receive fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They enjoy going for walks to the park, library and local nursery. This provides them with opportunities to use large outdoor play equipment such as slides and the swings. They are able to develop a range of physical skills as well as their fine motor skills when indoors drawing and colouring.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are not fully safeguarded from hazards as the systems in place to identify risks are ineffective. The hazards and potential risks such as low level glass, alcohol, loose cabling and sharp knives have not been minimized or eliminated. As a result, children are exposed to these and this compromises their safety. Supervision of children includes ensuring they are in sight or hearing of the childminder. However, the sleeping arrangements for babies when resting upstairs are not safe and secure.

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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 Although the protection of children is recognised by the childminder as being important, children are not fully safeguarded in the event of a fire. This is because there is no fire blanket. However, there is a procedure in place to evacuate children to safety. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of what to do in the event she suspects a child is being abused. Consequently, children at risk would be identified and the necessary action taken quickly.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from building positive relationships. This is encouraged through the childminder settling them in at their own pace to enable the transition from home to her care easier. Children are forming friendships and in the main, they are able to express their needs to the childminder in the knowledge that they will be acknowledged. Children are engaged in activities most of the time that are age appropriate and provide some enjoyment. The balance of activities allows children to be involved in active play and quieter activities such as reading and colouring. Older children are able to independently select toys to play with and engage in activities they wish to take part in. But the younger ones are not yet able to easily access toys for themselves and so at times they are not well occupied and do not have stimulating experiences. This hinders them from making progress in all areas of their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

development. Learning right from wrong is promoted well with the children. They respond positively to requests for them to take turns and share toys. This leads to children beginning to respect the feelings of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to share their experiences and the childminder listens and values their contributions. This in turn helps children to feel secure and included. Although resources that reflect positive images and diversity are limited, children's own beliefs are reinforced through the care they receive. This helps children feel a sense of belonging. Children with special needs are welcome and consideration is given to ensuring that children feel part of the group. The systems in place to support children with special needs include working closely with parents and seeking other professional help. Most children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder. They receive warm care and attention. The use of positive language and sensitive interaction, helps them learn to manage their own behaviour. Children benefit from the consistent and positive approach to the management of their behaviour. They are helped to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 understand their actions through explanations, which in turn contributes to forming positive attitudes. Children are supported well from the partnership between staff and their parents. There is a regular exchange of information about issues relating to children's behaviour, health and well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has a developing knowledge and understanding of the National Standards for childminding. She shows a commitment to her personal development and to updating her knowledge with new information such as Birth to three matters. Children's needs are identified through the communication the childminder has with parents, and her record keeping, which contributes to continuity in the children's care, although there is a weakness with the systems in place for recording children's attendance. The childminder uses some of the policies and procedures effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However there is no procedure in place in the event a parent wishes to make a complaint and written parental consent has not been obtained in order to seek emergency advice or treatment. Too little has been done to ensure children's safety. The childminder relies solely on

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Organisation

her offering high levels of supervision to keep children safe. Overall, the provision does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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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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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions: • assess the risks to children in relation to alcohol, sharp knives, low level glass and loose long cabling and take action to minimise these. • make sure all the required documentation is in place and maintained to include the relevant information. • ensure the sleeping arrangements for babies are safe and appropriate. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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