Childminder in Hounslow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290750 Inspection date 28 July 2005 Inspector Martha Naa Ahimah Darkwah

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and 1 child aged 5 years in Isleworth in the London Borough of Hounslow. The whole flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed communal garden for outside play. Children are regularly taken to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 all day. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

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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 walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of a local childminder support group. The family has no 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 enjoy a good range of indoor and outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They particularly enjoy and benefit from regular outdoor energetic activities which help them to develop control of their bodies and learn about their local environment. For example, they learn to socialise, make connections and find out about how other people's work affect them when they visit Heathrow airport, local parks and pre-schools, local farms and Kew gardens. They know that exercise is beneficial to their health and wellbeing. Children's general health is supported very well by the childminder who has suitable training and experience in first aid and basic food hygiene. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through their daily routine. They are developing self help skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after messy

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Helping children to be healthy

play to reduce the risk of cross infections. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They understand the value of healthy eating and enjoy snacks of fresh fruits and take regular drinks of water and juice freely from their own cups and beakers throughout the day. Their individual dietary requirements are taken into account by the childminder who provides healthy meals and snacks that appeals to children and meet their dietary requirements. Children's individual medical needs are met because the childminder maintains clear records of medication which is shared with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept safe and secure in an environment where they are able to move freely and choose activities to play with. Their safety and security is assured because of the childminder's close supervision whilst promoting their independence. Children make use of good quality resources, furniture, toys and equipment that are maintained in good condition and kept clean. Children's welfare in relation to child protection issues is aided by the childminders working knowledge of the signs and symptoms however the knowledge of the Local Area Child Protection committee guidelines with necessary contact details for

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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 appropriate agencies is not secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of free choice activities thoughtfully organised by the childminder in areas of learning bearing in mind the varying needs and interests of children who attend. They also enjoy local outings to places of interest. Children are happy, content and self assured because the childminder skilfully nurtures and promotes their independence within a child centred environment. They are well supported in their play because the childminder is involved and stimulates their learning and interest. They merrily engage in various types of role plays such as tea parties, picnics and enjoy puzzles, snap games and music and movement sessions. They are able to enthusiastically move to music round the world and thoroughly enjoy using a variety of unique musical instruments within a structured session to rhythm and along with their favourite songs. Children are enjoying and achieving because the younger and older children get

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

along well and play harmoniously together. However, the older children are not actively encouraged to look after their play environment by putting toys and activities away when finished playing with it.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to resources and activities that are skilfully used to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase the children's awareness of diversity. They have regular access to resources such as books, play figures, posters, puzzles, dolls, musical instruments from around the world and pretend foods. Children's behaviour is generally good. They are content, busy and well behaved because they know what is expected of them. The childminder treats them with kindness and respect as individuals, using good child centred techniques to manage any challenging behaviour. For example, by using distraction for inappropriate behaviour and explaining right or wrong to children in ways that they understand, they are able to know what is acceptable behaviour. Children receive praise for positive behaviour. Children benefit from continuity of care because the childminder regularly consults

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with parents to share their views and wishes about the care and education of their child. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as the childminder follows their normal routine that is carefully discussed and agreed with their parents. Children benefit from consistent care because the childminder recognises the value of and importance of a good and open and honest partnership with parents. They are kept well informed about their children's learning and general

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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 well being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the well organised way the environment is maintained. They make good use of the space and resources are easily accessible for the children to promote independent learning and play. Children benefit from a well structured routine which enables them to be kept safe and make good progress in their development. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children and has the practical skills to meet their individual needs effectively. Children and their parents are warmly welcomed and exchange relevant information daily. Parents are given a feedback on their child's day and routine. Children's welfare, care and learning is well supported through the childminders diligent and effective use of documentation. All the required documentation is up to date and organised well to ensure ready access and is stored in a confidential manner. For

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Organisation

example, parents have given various consents for outings, giving of medication and seeking emergency medical treatment or advice and children's individual dietary and medical needs. Children benefit greatly from the childminders commitment to improving her childminding practice, service and knowledge of childcare issues. She regularly attends training to enhance her skills on how best to present age and developmentally appropriate activities to meet the needs of the children in her care. For example, she has attended courses for speech and language communication difficulties, role and pretend play and basic food hygiene. Overall the provision meets the needs of children who attend.

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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

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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): • encourage children to look after their play environment by putting toys and activities away when finished playing with it. • gain knowledge of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures

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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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