Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY332069 Inspection date 02 August 2006 Inspector Julie Biddle

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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 2006. She lives with her husband in the London Borough of Harrow. They live in a ground floor maisonette. Children have use of the main living room and bathroom on the same floor. There is access to an outdoor area, however it is not used. Children are regularly taken to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, there are currently two children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder 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 are cared for in a warm clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, for example washing their hands before meals and after playing in the park. The childminder's practice and procedures reduce the risk of cross infection within the home and to the children. For example the childminder washes her hands after changing nappies and ensures the nappy changing area is clean. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. For example the childminder encourages children to enjoy, regular trips to the park. Children enjoy opportunities to swing, climb and slide, which helps them to develop good physical skills. The childminder records dietary needs of the children thus ensuring they eat food that is suitable to their health and culture. The childminder cooks fresh food daily, the menu is varied and nutritious, for example vegetable soup. Children really enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

helping to cook, for example on the day on the inspection children had made apple pancakes for a snack in the park. Children are offered water to drink throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment that are clean and in good condition. The childminder monitors and supervises the choices the children make to ensure they are appropriate and safe, they benefit from the varied range of activities and are occupied, content and happy. Children are cared for in a child focused environment where most risks are reduced to safeguard the children. For example the kitchen area is safe so children can enjoy opportunities to cook in there. Emergency escape plans have been devised. Smoke alarms, and fire blankets are in place, which help towards keeping the children safe. The garden area is not secure. The childminder checks the children’s toys and equipment regularly to ensure they remain safe and clean for children. She considers the children ages and needs when she selects new toys and resources. The childminder talks to the children about road safety and safety in the parks, thus

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

encouraging the children to keep themselves safe. Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s satisfactory understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. For example, she is aware of the indicators of abuse and the procedures for reporting any concerns.

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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 are very happy and comfortable in the care of the childminder. The childminder provides a satisfactory range of toys and activities. Children play happily, gaining independence and self confidence. The childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys which are laid on the floor, inviting and enticing them to play. The childminder encourages children to learn colours through daily routines and games for example "the socks are in the green box" The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging and trust. Good eye contact is given to them by the childminder and plenty of cuddles so that they feel safe and secure. Interaction between the childminder and children is natural and fun. She responds to children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

requests and needs effectively, encouraging confidence and security. She encourages them to gain control of their bodies through the different activities offered. For example, developing their language thorough singing and reading. Children really enjoy listening to story tapes and following the pictures in a book The childminder praises and encourages the children to try new skills. Children enjoy opportunities to socialise with other children as they visit play and toddler groups. The children respond to what they hear with great joy by laughing with the childminder as she encourages them to try new words. Children's care and wellbeing is promoted as the childminder has an understanding of how to meet their needs. However, this could be further enhanced by introducing the Birth to three matters framework, which supports children in their earliest years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy at the childminder's home. They are familiar with the daily routine which enables them to feel safe and secure. They enjoy positive relationships with the childminder and other children as they learn to play together. As children are fully engaged in meaningful play, their behaviour is good. She uses effective distraction techniques with the children and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise. They are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers lots praise and encouragement in their daily activities. However, resources that reflect positive images of gender, culture, disability and religion are limited. Children are valued and their individual needs are met as the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder has developed a good relationship with parents meaning that the care given to children is consistent. Parents are given

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Helping children make a positive contribution

daily feedback of the days events and their children's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident and feel at home with the childminder as they receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their all round wellbeing. They have

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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 space to move around freely and play with the different toys and resources provided. Children very much enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of their needs. Documentation is organised appropriately. The childminder keeps the required records that contribute to children's health, safety and wellbeing, which are shared with parents. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between the childminder and parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides for.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 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 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): • increase rousurces that reflect positive images of culture, religion, gender and disability • make garden area safe and secure for children • use Birth to three matters to enhance practice

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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