Childminder in Hounslow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304682 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Christine Goode

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and child, aged 2 years old, in a maisonette in Chiswick, in the London Borough of Hounslow. The whole of the 2 floors are used for childminding although there is no garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children on a part time basis. The childminder takes children out to the local parks, library and gym.

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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 family have no pets. The childminder holds a professional child care qualification and has experience of working with children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children follow consistent hygiene practices and know they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet, before eating food and after play. Nappy changing routines are good as the childminder uses gloves and wipes clean the surface of the changing mat when finished. Children use the play equipment in the park and enjoy varied and popular outings. They go to Chiswick House and to the gym. This helps them understand the need for regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. They gain physical skills, appropriate to their stage of development, as the childminder ensures children have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor play. Children develop healthy eating habits as the childminder provides choices which she monitors to ensure they are healthy. For instance, children are encouraged to eat a variety of healthy foods. The children can have fresh cooked food for their meals,

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Helping children to be healthy

such as butternut squash risotto and roast chicken with vegetables. Children enjoy a range of fruit for snacks and sit at the table to eat. This encourages good habits and sociable conversations. They can ask for a drink whenever they need one and the childminder ensures children drink plenty, especially in warm weather, to prevent dehydration. Food is carefully prepared. It complies with dietary needs and children's preferences so that parent's wishes are adhered to. Children experience effective and sensitive provision should they become sick or suffer injuries. The childminder has good strategies in place when dealing with children who are unwell. She observes them carefully and keeps them warm whilst waiting for them to be collected. The children are safeguarded by consents obtained from parents which have been obtained. This protects all children and good practice prevents the spread of contagious ailments.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made to feel welcome through the provision of toys in the rooms they access. Children enjoy playing with each other and the resources. The childminder is patient and kind to them and makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. Children benefit from playing in a clean, tidy and well organised environment. They have independent access to two large rooms and a kitchen/ dining area for messy play. Children can move around freely and request any favourite toys or resources. They

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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 benefit from a good range of safe and suitable toys, resources and equipment. Children are able to access age-appropriate resources which are suitable and interest them, such as the crayons and picture making resources. The childminder encourages children to feel well settled and secure as she supervises them constantly. Children benefit from being able to play independently or play together. Children are kept safe in the home. They enjoy their play in a secure environment and the childminder has ensured that all the necessary steps have been taken to minimise risks. All dangerous substances are locked away and there are smoke detectors and a fire blanket. However, there is no written evacuation plan in place. Socket covers are used and there are no trailing wires in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have very good access to local parks and they are encouraged to learn about safety when on outings. Children learn about road safety and they learn why they need to stay close to the childminder. They can travel in the buggy and this enables the childminder to keep them secure. Children are safeguarded by the record of written permission for transportation in a car and consent to outings. Toys and resources are clean and checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The childminder encourages children to feel well settled and secure as she supervises them constantly. Children benefit from being able to play independently or play together in a small group. They are able to access the kitchen for messy activities and the childminder is able to supervise this easily as there is good visibility from the dining area. The children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

issues. This safeguards and protects their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident. They approach the childminder for support, for instance when they want a particular toy. This indicates good relationships are built between the children and the childminder. Children feel comfortable and happy because the childminder is warm and relaxed towards them, constantly responding to their requests and gestures. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder who provides good support. For instance, when they express a preference for a certain activity, such as playing with a toy, the childminder is happy to provide support and help to do this. Children have very good relationships with the childminder and this enables them to feel happy and secure in her care. They feel valued because the childminder listens to them and takes time to understand their ideas. She helps them to put these into practice, such as cooking with them. Children relate well to the childminder and other

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children and are establishing good relationships with each other. They experience good social opportunities through their play as children of differing ages attend.

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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 Children enjoy the varied opportunities to go out together and learn how to behave well in different places, such as the gym. Children enjoy and learn from a good range of well planned activities. They access a range of equipment which develops their abilities, such as making cakes, using play dough and enjoying music. They enjoy a regular range of outings, such as going to local toddler groups and the library for story times. They also participate in organised outings which offer exciting activities, such as Chiswick House and grounds and the local park to feed the ducks. The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves and gives support to them when they are learning new skills. This enables children to develop their independence. For instance, when a child asks for some attention, the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

presents him with various choices so that he does as much as possible for himself. Children benefit from the childminder's experience of caring for children of varied ages and the support she offers for their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. Children are encouraged to talk about things that are important to them, such as their home and family events, as the childminder acknowledges them as important. Each child's abilities and interests are recognised and encouraged through conversations and the activities they enjoy. Boys and girls are given access to all toys. The childminder has varied resources so that children develop a balanced view of society. Children have access to and enjoy a range of resources and activities. These allow them to explore their individual interests, providing them with positive experiences. Children’s individual needs are discussed with parents and this promotes consistency of care for the child. The childminder has experience of caring for children with special needs. She is aware of how to obtain information and would ensure that the special needs of any

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Helping children make a positive contribution

child she agreed to mind would be provided for. Children are learning about right and wrong as the childminder uses appropriate strategies to help the children. These are according to the age and stage of development of the children. She gives them reminders about appropriate behaviour and encourages them to behave in this way. The children receive support to suit their individual needs as the childminder discusses and agrees how to provide consistent care for children. The childminder develops a very successful partnership with parents that promotes the welfare of the children. She gathers relevant information when children are placed in her care to ensure they can be cared for appropriately. For example, children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of their likes and dislikes and knowledge of their family. Parents are kept informed of the childminder’s practice through the use of an informative contact book for young children. Parents are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 welcomed into the home. They have access to a file of information about the service provided. For instance, they can see the information about the service she provides and have access to the complaints procedure. All the information provided about the children is treated as confidential.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the good organisation of the childminding service. Children have frequent access to outings and attend a gym. Children access a variety of safe, clean and varied resources, as well as appropriate activities which are well supported. The environment is carefully managed to ensure the safety and effective supervision of the children. The children benefit from the childminder regularly attending training, for example a food hygiene course. The documentation is well organised, secure and used well. This ensures that parents are kept informed and children are protected. For example, there is a valid insurance policy to cover any liabilities that could result from unforeseen accidents. Children's welfare is well promoted by the childminder's good understanding of the procedures and experience of working with children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to obtain a first aid kit and attend first aid training for infants and young children. The childminder obtained her first aid certificate for infants and young children in September 2005 and has purchased a first aid kit, which is kept in the kitchen. Children's health is now better protected. The childminder agreed to make safe the unused fire place in her daughter's bedroom, which is used as a playroom. There is now a strong cardboard cover in place. To further secure the fire place the childminder has put the play kitchen in front. Safety for children has been greatly improved.

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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 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

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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 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 a written fire evacuation plan is put into place.

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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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