Childminder in Haringey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY232356 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Jennifer Liverpool

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and 3 children. They live in the North Tottenham area within the London borough of Haringey. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 years all day and an over 5-year-old before and after school. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children, and attends the local carer and toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children's good health is generally promoted as the childminder demonstrates effective hygiene practices and maintains a good level of cleanliness in all areas of the house used by the children. They are encouraged to learn about the importance of hand washing through daily care routines and the good examples set by the childminder, which includes wiping tables before use and washing her own hands after each nappy change. These practices help to minimise the spread of cross infection. There are suitable procedures in place to protect children from infectious illnesses. Children's health and medical needs are generally known, though not all significant details are obtained from parents in order to ensure that all children's health needs are fully met. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate ensuring that her knowledge is up to date in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet, which is nutritious, well balanced and freshly cooked on a day to day basis. They are offered a variety of dishes that includes meat, vegetables, pulses, pasta and rice. This helps children to develop good eating habits. Children are offered fresh drinking water and a choice of drinks regularly to prevent dehydration. The childminder follows babies and young children individual routines for sleep, rest and feeds. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical well-being. There are good opportunities for children to get plenty of fresh air as they go on trips to the local parent and toddler group and schools.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and feel confident in the environment as they have ample space to move freely and independently. Children are kept reasonably safe because the childminder has satisfactory understanding of safety issues and takes steps to minimise potential hazards. For example, children's access to stairs and the kitchen area are restricted, floors are non-slip and they are taught road safety when out on visits. Despite these regular procedures the childminder has overlooked the low level storage of toxic substances that are accessible at children's height. Babies and younger children use a sufficient range of developmentally appropriate toys and equipment that conforms to safety standards and are in good repair. Younger children have generally easy and safe access to these resources. However, there are insufficient quantity and range of toys and activities suitable for children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

aged 3 years and over. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a sound knowledge of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. This supports children's wellbeing.

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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 are generally happy, content and settled because the childminder values their individuality and build trusting relationships with them and their parents. They benefit from consistent routines that include opportunities for them to be active, rest, play and go out on local trips. Babies receive warmth, affection and appropriate care. Children have access to an adequate range of toys and activities throughout the day, and older children are given support with their homework and have opportunities to play with computer games. However there is lack of variety and range of play equipment for older children. The childminder has a generally good understanding of the children's development and their learning needs and offers appropriate support. There are good levels of interaction between the children and the childminder, and positive relationships are evident. Children's regular attendance at local toddler groups provides with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities to become familiar with common features within the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are appropriately met because the childminder gets to know the children well through obtaining information from parents about their children's dietary requirements, likes, dislikes and most aspects of their health. Children benefit from care consistent to their home routine and as a result their emotional security is fostered. Working relationships between the childminder and parents is good. Daily communication ensures parents are kept up to date about their children's general well-being. Children are steadily developing some awareness of each other similarities and differences as they eat and play alongside each other and mix with other children in social group settings. There is a limited range of activities and resources that reflects positive images of race, gender and disability, and consequently children are hindered from developing a positive attitude to the wider community. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

given clear messages about how to behave and they respond well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are contented and relaxed because the childminder creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. The childminder provides a flexible routine that links in with children's home and care routines. As a result of this children settle well, feel secure and are becoming confident within their surroundings. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of the National Standards; she provides appropriate care and offers a range of activities to children in a reasonably safe environment. However, all appropriate checks have yet to be carried out on all those over 16 years

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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 living on the premises. Most required documents to promote the welfare of children are in place, though a few are incomplete and not well maintained. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations were raised at the last inspection. These were to make sure that low level cupboards are safe or inaccessible to children; plan an appropriate range of activities; provide resources that promote anti-discriminatory practices; and make records relating to childminding activities available for inspection. Overall, satisfactory improvements have been made, particularly with regards to the range of activities on offer to children, which includes opportunities for quiet and active play within the daily routine. Their regular attendance at local community groups adds variety to their day. All records relating to childminding activities are available for inspection. Children's accessibility to low level storage and the lack of appropriate anti-discriminatory resources remain as recommendations to improve.

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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 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): • request prior written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Maintain detailed medication records, signed by parents • ensure toxic substances are inaccessible to children • develop a suitable range of toys and activities in order to meet the developmental needs of children from 3 to under 8 years, which includes resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory

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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 practices • ensure appropriate checks are completed on all those over 16 years who are living on the premises at the earliest opportunity. Maintain up to date written documentation of the daily attendance for all children

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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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