Childminder in Westminster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315830 Inspection date 15 June 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 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 2005. She lives in a separate premises with her children aged one year and five years in Paddington in the London Borough of Westminster. The whole of the maisonette is used for childminding except one bedroom on the ground floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Children are regularly taken to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight, two under five all day and two children over five before and after school.

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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 groups and the library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder regularly works with an assistant childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are kept healthy through being cared for in a clean environment with good measures in place to prevent the spread of infection such as appropriate hand washing and cleaning of surfaces before food is served. Children are given the parent's choice of healthy foods such as vegetable lasagne and chicken korma for lunch. Children have difficulty sitting in the low chairs at a small table as the chairs do not have harnesses and children constantly slip forward when they are excited and need to be helped to sit up throughout the meal. Children enjoy a fair range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There is regular walking, sometimes aided by walking apparatus, for babies to and from various points of the room to help them grow and develop, as well as visits to local parks to improve physical skills out of doors where they develop strong muscles. They become increasingly tired and thirsty from their play which affects their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder knows when they need a drink or a rest and children benefit from following their own individual routines. Children flourish in a warm, clean home where they play and benefit in an environment where good hygiene and personal care are important. However, the flooring in the kitchen is tattered and broken in places and is therefore not hygienic. Children have their hands wiped before eating. They do not yet understand why they must wash their hands before a meal as they are young. Good personal care helps reduce the risk of infection. Older children enjoy a take away meal requested by parents as they return from school. They have access to drinks at all times to prevent them from becoming thirsty. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children's health is fostered by the childminder's competent knowledge of first aid

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Helping children to be healthy

and how to administer medicines safely. The childminder has a current certificate of first aid displayed on the wall. Children are kept healthy by being cared for in a bright, welcoming environment clear of clutter and well organised.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. The premises provide adequate space in the ground floor of the childminder's home which is welcoming to children and offers access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities to promote their development. Children are gaining independence and self-confidence because the childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys. Toys are easily accessible in boxes and baskets on the floor in two playrooms at the back and front of the house. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children through vigilance and the use of different safety measures, for example, using a stair gate, safety caps on electric sockets, rubber protectors on table corners and safety belts in her car. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety outside the home. However, it is recommended that kitchen cupboards and the toilet brush is made inaccessible to children. Railings of the banister leading upstairs are broken and pose a hazard to children. The door to the garden could not be unlocked on the day of inspection and may constitute a danger in an emergency evacuation. The childminder, through careful supervision, ensures toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for children's age and stage of development. The childminder satisfactorily safeguards and promotes children's welfare with a good understanding of child protection issues and an effective awareness of the signs and symptoms which may give cause for concern. The childminder's increasing knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and procedures help her to ensure the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate well to the childminder and are confident in their surroundings. They are able to easily access and choose from a varied range of toys, equipment and resources helping them to develop their independence. Children have developed strong social skills by having opportunities to play with children of a similar age group. They have access to a variety of activities to encourage them to progress in all areas of development, including imaginative and creative play. They have opportunities to develop their existing knowledge, for example, through songs they sing together and imaginative play. Children enjoy reading with the childminder and learn to use their different senses as they scratch and sniff their favourite book. The childminder actively encourages the children in their creativity by frequent praising. Children have access to two rooms completely designated as play areas in the home,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in which they can freely take part in spontaneous play using their imaginations while developing independence. Overall challenges for children, children's developing communication skills, independence, learning through breadth of experience and self esteem are fostered by the provision of good play materials and consistent care.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice is actively promoted although not fully operational at the time of inspection. Steps will be taken to promote the welfare and development of the children within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties. Children are active. They enjoy themselves and eagerly participate in a variety of different types of play, which means they behave extremely well. Discussions with the childminder help children be aware of their actions and to understand when their behaviour is acceptable and when it is not. They develop their independence through making their own choices of toys and activities. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through visits to nearby parks. Children have few opportunities to use toys and resources to help them learn about diversity and different lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has frequent discussions with parents and carers to ensure she meets children's individual needs and routines, helping children feel confident and secure. Most consent forms are in place, for example, for outings with the children. Overall, the children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is being fostered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home within a relaxing and homely environment that contributes to their sense of belonging. They have good adult support to help them feel confident and secure within the setting. Children have access to a good amount of space that the childminder organises well allowing them to move around easily and to be able to express their ideas during their play. A variety of play activities and physical exercise helps ensure the children's overall developmental progress. Children benefit from a well planned daily routine which is adapted to meet individual children's needs. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures and has all the necessary documentation and parental permission in place to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. She provides parents with well-written and informative data about her services and they regularly share information, which contributes to

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Organisation

continuity of the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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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 Not applicable, this is the first inspection since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since registration in 2005. 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): • provide appropriate seating with harnesses for young children. • provide floor coverings that are safe and hygienic • ensure kitchen cupboards and toilet brush are inaccessible to children and banisters leading upstairs are made safe. • ensure door to garden is easily opened for emergency evacuation • provide more multi-cultural books and resources to meet children's individual needs

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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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