Clayfield House

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 133119 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Sandra Wickham

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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 has been registered since 2000. She lives in Drayton Park, in the London Borough of Islington. Areas used for childminding are the front room, kitchen and dining room, hallway and ground floor and first floor toilet. The childminder currently has 4 children on roll of preschool age.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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's health needs are fully promoted because the childminder meets all regulations with regard to maintaining medication records. Children are well nourished because the childminder meets parental wishes to provide varied and nutritious meals and snacks and offers regular drinks. For instance, children are encouraged to try vegetables and fruit on a regular basis. Younger children's independence skills are fully promoted as the childminder makes mealtimes an opportunity to help them begin to enjoy food and feed themselves. Children have regular access to physical play both indoors and outdoors. The children are taken to local parks, toddler groups and the library regularly. Children are able to rest safely and comfortably in the childminder's care. Children can expect to be responded to appropriately in the event of an accident or emergency, as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has a good range of first aid supplies that

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Helping children to be healthy

are easily accessible on the premises and has appropriate emergency contingency plans in place. Children benefit from the childminder's sound understanding of implementing the Birth to three matters framework in her practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children can easily select activities from a good range of quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder gives gentle reminders. For instance, children are encouraged to move toys out of the way so they do not slip, and when out with children the childminder gets them to hold onto the sides of the buggy, to develop their awareness of road safety. Children are secure and confident in the environment. The childminder takes steps to reduce children's access to hazards on the premises, for example, by installing smoke alarms on the premises, fitting a safety gate across the play room entrance and carrying out daily risk assessments. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures, having undertaken training and assessments on this

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

topic. Children are protected by her knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and the childminder is aware of the relevant procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled at the childminder's house and make themselves at home. They relate well to each other and independently select toys and resources for themselves. Children greatly enjoyed choosing to move the play figures around in the big toy shoe, then choose to push around the toy car making sounds of contentment. The children are able to access the resources easily. Although, the toys and resources do not provide sufficient challenge for children rising 3 years and upwards. Children are encouraged to learn words and their meaning by effective interaction in response to rhymes and games. The children spend their time purposefully. They

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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 enjoy exploring and investigating the many varied toys and resources which contribute to their creativity and stage of development. Children are fascinated by the cause and effect of mark making when the childminder helps them to hold the pencil and draw on paper.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about cultural and racial diversity, gender and disability through the meaningful range of resources and activities. Children become aware of their differing backgrounds and learn to value and respect these differences. Children feel valued and respected. Their individual needs and family backgrounds are known and effectively met. For example, birthdays are celebrated with a party. Children are pleased with the praise they receive from the childminder when they join in clapping their hands together, hold their feeding cup or select resources by themselves. This enhances their self-esteem and encourages them to try new challenges and make progress. Good partnerships with parents ensure children are consistently cared for, both at home and with the childminder. Children behave very well with the childminder. Children feel settled and comfortable. They have time to relax as well as

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and at ease in the well-organised, child-centred environment. Space and resources are presented in such a way whereby children confidently initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children can choose to play independently with the easily accessible play and learning resources. The childminder is extending her own learning on caring for children and is developing her practice to promote the welfare and care of children. The childminder ensures daily dialogue is exchanged with parents regarding children's development. This all contributes to continuity in the children's care. Good planning systems are in place which keep children healthy and safe and enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved the resources promoting positive images of gender, culture and disability. The childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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 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): • develop the toys and resources for children aged 3 to 7 years

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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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