Holroyd, Olga Maria

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310907 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Arda Halls

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged one and a half years in the London Borough of Hammersmith. The whole of the ground floor flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children are also regularly taken to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and one child under five part time.

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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 The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has two cats as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean home. Children are learning good hygiene practices through daily routines, for example washing hands before eating a meal. Good policies and procedures are put into practise for accidents and administered medicine which ensures the children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children are protected from unnecessary infections as they do not attend if they are ill. Children enjoy the varied nutritious food served to them as well as homemade juices. The childminder cooks fresh food on a daily basis, ensuring children's dietary needs are respected. The childminder has a selection of menus showing parents what their children will eat. Information about what the children have eaten is recorded in separate diaries for parents to take home. Children are able to sit comfortably as they enjoy their food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise as they have daily opportunities to play in the local parks and gardens or in the baby and toddlers groups which helps them to acquire good physical skills such as climbing and balancing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children make good use of the space available. They are able to play, rest, and eat comfortably as the childminder provides appropriate furniture and has made changes to her home to ensure the children's comfort. Children benefit from the wide range of toys and resources which are set out attractively so the children can make choices and easily help themselves. The well organised kitchen/dining area allows children to be active and join in with activities while lunch is prepared. They are able to sit comfortably while reading and to have a rest in an adjacent room to the dining area. Children explore the environment freely as the childminder has placed a high priority on safety, both in and out of the home. For example, an emergency escape plan has been devised and written consent forms in place to allow children to be safely transported when on outings. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

as they stay away from open doors while a piece of furniture is removed and stay away from animal feeding dishes safely positioned away from play areas. Children's welfare is well protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection.

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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 confident and comfortable in the childminder's care. They are at ease clapping and singing and requesting resources to play with. The children enjoy the animation the childminder displays and move to and fro with the music. The interaction between the childminder and children is lovely. The childminder shows interest in the children and responds to their requests promptly which helps develop their confidence. The children are frequently praised by the childminder and are having a lovely time. Through regular trips out of the home children have good opportunities to explore and enjoy different environments. For example, the local parks and toddler groups. The childminder plans activities and ensures they experience a wide range of activities to increase their skills in all areas of development. Books, puzzles, construction, cars and ball games are stored so they are within easy reach of the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children. Children gain independence as they are able to make choices and self-select.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have plenty of opportunities to learn to value themselves and others through sharing books and games that include positive images and examples of how people live. Through using the small world toys children learn about the world we live in. The childminder follows their normal routines as discussed with their parents, for example sleeping and eating routines. The children enjoy daily excursions to events in the community toddler groups. Children are learning independence. They are encouraged to share and help tidy the toys away which helps them to learn how to care for their toys and equipment. Children are absorbing the good manners as the childminder encourages the children to say "Please and Thank you." The childminder knows the children well so she is able to provide for them and ensures their needs are met. She has firm consistent boundaries when managing behaviour which means children know what is expected

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of them. Children benefit from good procedures put into practice such as the document entitled "49 Ways to say Well Done!" Partnership with parents is good. Children are well cared for in accordance to parents' wishes. Discussions take place when parents collect their children so they are kept fully informed about their child's activities. Parents are consulted about the service provided and report that "they do not mind going to work as their children are so happy"!

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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 Children benefit from the time and attention the childminder is able to give to them, due to her good organisational skills. They are very happy and settled in her home. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the needs of young children. She has established routines which ensures children are confident and secure. The childminder is diligent in ensuring that her polices and procedures are in place and up-to-date. She shares with parents on a regular basis to make sure they are kept well informed about the service she offers and that their children are well cared for. Parents are provided with written diaries confirming the good quality care she provides. The childminder has sound strategies in place to maintain her very good record keeping systems. As a result the children's overall welfare is promoted as discussed

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Organisation

and agreed with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has gained greater knowledge and understanding in child protection and procedures to follow in line with current guidelines. Record keeping has improved including those records required under regulation. The childminder has extended the selection of toys and resources, including resources reflecting diversity, to ensure a suitable selection is available for all age groups. The childminder has checked that there are no poisonous plants in the garden.

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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 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure garden is made safe before use

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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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