City and Islington College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 130409 Inspection date 17 January 2006 Inspector Lindsey Wright

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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 2000. She is registered to provide care for 4 children under the age of 8 years. The childminder lives with her partner and three children in Watford. The premises are situated within walking distance to the local schools, shops and parks. The downstairs area of the house is mainly used including a separate play room. The bathroom is situated on the first floor. The family do not keep pets. The childminder is currently minding two children who attend on a part time basis.

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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 She supports children with special needs and those who speak English as an additional language.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities which contribute to their good health. They participate in frequent outdoor activities such as walking to school, visiting the park and playing in the garden. Children use various equipment which helps them learn new skills. Children are provided with restful periods and sleep as required by the child. They are protected from the risks of cross infection because procedures are in place to minimize these. All medical records are maintained appropriately to ensure children's health needs are met accordingly. Children are offered healthy and nutritional snacks and lunches, the child present ate rice cakes for his snack. They learn to identify fruit and vegetables and that healthy foods are good for you through frequent discussion and visits to the supermarket. Children access drinks at all times including squash and water when they are thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes account of children's dietary information and parents wishes to meet the needs of each child. Children are cared for in a welcoming, and well maintained home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating their snack. This is reinforced through frequent discussions between the younger and older children. The childminder offers appropriate care and is sensitive towards a child should they become ill or have an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in a safe and secure environment where any risks are identified and addressed, through regular risk assessments being carried out. This enables children to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder checks and rotates toys and equipment frequently to ensure they are safe to use. Children are kept safe outdoors and on outings. They learn to cross the road safely and walk on the inside of the pavement as they walk to school. Children are reminded of safety rules within the home, for example, they must walk indoors and not run. The childminder uses appropriate restraints when children are in the car or buggy. A written emergency evacuation procedure is in place. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted with relevant procedures and documents in place. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures which further protect the children in her care.

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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 good. Children are relaxed and settled in their familiar surroundings. A broad range of interesting and stimulating toys and resources are provided for children. They are accessible and promote children's independence and help them to make choices. Children have use of a separate play room. The childminder provides a structured and flexible routine that children feel secure with. She has regard to the 'Birth to three matters' framework, however this is not included in the daily practice at present. Children use their time purposefully and are busy and engaged in their chosen activity. They enjoy piecing the train track together and watching the train move along and looking at books. The childminder is on hand to offer her support which children respond positively to, for example, assisting the child to make the train track. Children learn to play alongside their peers regardless of differing ages. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder is pro-active in developing children's skills and abilities through age-appropriate activities and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are catered for well and appropriate care is provided. She respects and values the children in her care, therefore children have a sense of belonging. Children are made aware of cultures and diversity through celebrating festivals and the resources provided. The childminder provided a 'pirate day' for children where they explored a pirate ship, maps, followed by a party. All children have equal access to age-appropriate toys and resources which they learn sharing and turn taking skills. Children behave very well. The childminder offers praise and encouragement to children which raises their self-esteem. Children learn the boundaries through their daily routine and appropriate methods are used, for example, distraction and 'time out' are given for any negative behaviour. The childminder has developed good partnerships with parents. She ensures their wishes are adhered to with regard to the care of the children. They share information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

each day by use of a daily diary. A portfolio is available for parents which include examples of children's activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a high regard for the well being of the children in her care. Children are confident to initiate their own play and make choices, yet still approach the childminder for support or reassurance. The childminder organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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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 The childminder ensures training needs are met and updated, therefore this enhances her knowledge and understanding of child care matters. All required documentation is in place to meet the needs of children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminding records are secure and respect confidentiality. Overall, the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made significant improvement to promote the children's safety and welfare. She has addressed the safety issues in the home by fitting safety film to the glass doors. The garden has been made safe by a fence panel having been fitted to ensure the garden is secure and the rubble and wooden planks have been removed. Therefore the improvements to the home and garden ensure children's safety and welfare is met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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

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 a suitable range of activities for the younger children by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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