Childminder in Hammersmith and FulhamOfsted inspection, 20 Apr 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY239268 Inspection date 20 April 2005 Inspector Linda Close

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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 2003. She lives in a first floor mansion flat in West Kensington. The local authority is Hammersmith and Fulham. The childminder has four grown-up children, one of whom is a student and lives at home. Children are cared for in the lounge and a corridor area of the flat. They take their meals in the dining room and one bedroom is set aside for sleep. Bathroom and toilet facilities are on the same floor of the flat. The family has a small dog. The childminder makes regular use of local libraries, parks and children's centres. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. She is

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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 currently minding two children full-time. The childminder does not provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of energetic activities both in the childminder's home and at children's centres. They develop their self confidence and physical skills through regularly playing with large toys and equipment in the park and at playgroup. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home environment where they learn about good hygiene and personal care. They know they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They can find their own towels and facecloths. Children are protected from infection and ill health because the childminder is well informed about children's health care matters. She holds a first aid certificate which is regularly updated and has nursing experience. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents. Children are given meals and snacks that are prepared for them at home. They have frequent drinks and healthy snacks. Children are introduced to a range of new foods with permission from

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure, spacious home environment. Most risks have been identified and minimised although there is a possibility that children may slip and fall if playing in their socks on wooden laminated floors. Children play with a good range of toys that are kept clean and maintained in good condition. Children cannot access electric sockets and there are no trailing leads, sharp objects or heavy, ornaments that could harm them. They are only allowed into the bathroom, kitchen and dining room area under supervision. Most objects and materials in these rooms are made safe or inaccessible to children. The children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of Child Protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy a wide range of worthwhile activities and regular outings. They enjoy the company of other children and learn to share and take turns with them when they visit playgroups. Children develop their self confidence and physical skills well through play with a rocker and a tunnel as well as wheeled toys. They also

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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 benefit from making regular visits to the park and playgroups where they can climb and scramble on large play equipment. Children fit puzzles together and they experiment with pencils, crayons, dough and glue sticks. They are gaining independence and self confidence because the childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys. The children gain self esteem because the childminder praises their art work. They learn new words and their meanings through interesting conversation and because they frequently share and talk about books with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are relaxed and happy at the childminder's house. They are learning to accept people of diverse cultures through meeting other children at playgroup and through sharing books and play with suitable toys. Children's behaviour is managed very calmly and effectively. The childminder explains right and wrong in ways that they understand. Children are easily distracted if they disagree and they play together well with sensitive support from the childminder. Children choose toys confidently and older children ask to visit the toilet in good time. Parents are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home. Clear information is made available to them about the childminder's approach to aspects of children's care. They are kept well informed about children's learning and general wellbeing. Children are cared for as parents wish because the childminder listens to parents and works

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and keeps up to date through ongoing training. Children are comfortable in her home because their toys are arranged for them to access easily. Children enjoy a good variety of outings and activities because the childminder plans her week well to ensure that children encounter a range of people, places and experiences. The childminder adjusts her day and the care of children to ensure that children's needs are met. For example, the youngest child is put to rest when he is tired and has a clean nappy when required and not according to time. All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and made available for inspection. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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

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): • Conduct a risk assessment to include safe footwear for children on smooth surfaces, the accessibility to children of the toilet cleaning brush in the bathroom and the effectiveness of the door catches on some low cupboards in the kitchen.

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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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