Childminder in Hackney

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY288730 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Maxine Rose

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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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged eleven years in the Stoke Newington area of Hackney. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day and one child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children maintain good health through being cared for in clean surroundings, where good measures are in place to prevent the spread of infection. The children are able to make full use of the resources and space indoors as the childminder keeps a consistently clean home environment. The children learn about good personal hygiene as they wash their hands before eating and preparing ingredients to make cookies. They are well nourished through a selection of healthy snacks that consists of fresh fruit, vegetables and drinking water. Children’s health is fostered well by the childminder who has knowledge of first aid and how to administer medicines safely. The children develop physical skills by making regular visits to the local park where climbing frames and slides are available to promote mobility, balance and coordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children are kept safe in the home by the childminder’s close supervision of them and good safety arrangements for their arrival and collection. The children are able to play in safety and comfort in the childminder’s home because there are some good practical safety precautions. The children are made aware of areas that are safe to play through clear boundaries such as stair - gates and socket covers. The children enjoy using a range of early years learning toys and equipment that are safe and in reasonable condition. There are times when children use furniture that limits their accessibility and therefore makes activities, such as cooking, difficult for them. The childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding children’s welfare; she has a clear understanding of fire and child protection procedures. The children take part in fire evacuation procedures and their development is monitored to ensure they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and show confidence in their surroundings. In most cases they are able to develop their independence when easily accessing and choosing from a fair range of toys, equipment which helps them to make progress in all areas of their learning and development. The children are learning to develop their social skills as they play together in the home and visit local play groups to form friendships with children of similar ages. The childminder plans an enjoyable day for the children and uses good communication skills to promote learning and develop their confidence. The children feel at ease to express their needs as the childminder is calm in her handling of them and warm in her praise for their achievements. During the day the children take part in a balanced routine of fun activities. They develop

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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 their language skills, imagination and creative abilities as they enjoy listening to stories, building with construction sets and baking cookies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children feel secure through the good partnership the childminder has with the parents. New children settle well because the childminder closely involves parents in the settling in process and obtains useful information about the needs of the child. Children receive consistent care from the childminder because parents are warmly welcomed into the home to share information about their children’s progress. The children behave well. They are encouraged to share and take turns with cooking utensils and are praised for being cooperative. Children learn to value the different cultures and abilities of others as they socialise at local groups with children from the wider community and use resources that positively reflect diversity.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children move around the childminder’s home with ease as most areas are well organised with resources that are easily accessible to them. All information about the children’s care and development is kept in a confidential manner and regularly shared with parents; this ensures the children receive consistent care. At times parents do not always countersign records such as the accident book. The childminder is fully aware of all the legal requirements for example the notifying of Ofsted of any changes, completing of documentation and keeping it for a period of time. The childminder is suitably trained and demonstrates a sound understanding of the National Standards and child development. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable. This is the childminder's first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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 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 all furniture and resources are suitable for children to use. • Ensure parents countersign the accident book.

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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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