Arias, Orfas Ruth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311852 Inspection date 28 June 2006 Inspector Chris Banks

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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 2005. She lives with her two school aged children in a three bedroom flat in the NW8 area of Westminster. A lounge and two bedrooms are the main areas used for childminding purposes. There is no garden but a park and play area are nearby. The childminder also takes children to a local drop in centre for under fives. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of two children at any one time and is not registered to provide overnight care. She currently cares for one child on a part time basis.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a bright, very clean and well maintained home. They benefit from the good hygiene practice of the childminder and are positively encouraged to learn about the importance of hand washing and other personal hygiene habits. Children are well protected from the risk of infection because the childminder has a clear sickness policy and acts in the best interest of children if they become ill in her care. The childminder is qualified in first aid and is well prepared in the event of an accident or emergency. The individual dietary needs of children are well catered for. They enjoy a very well balanced diet because the childminder translates the principles of healthy eating into good practice. Only fresh ingredients are used for both meals and snacks and children's preferences for certain foods are taken into good account. During very hot weather children are protected from the effects of dehydration because water and

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy drinks are made freely available. The childminder understands well the benefits of fresh air and exercise for children. Children experience a good range of outdoor play opportunities which promotes their all round development and are regular visitors to local parks and well equipped play areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in secure and comfortable surroundings. They are able to move around the home safely and with some degree of independence because the childminder minimises risks and takes good practical precautions to protect children. Older children are encouraged to behave in a responsible way and are clear about the boundaries set to protect their physical safety. Children are well protected in the event of an emergency because the childminder has carefully considered how to evacuate the home and has good fire safety precautions in place. On outings, children benefit from the childminders good supervision and practice and learn from an early age about keeping safe. The overall welfare of children is well safeguarded because the childminder has a very clear understanding about her role and responsibility in Child Protection matters. There are up to date written guidelines to follow if there are any concerns about a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child and the childminder is familiar with signs and symptoms. Children can comfortably help themselves from a range of safe and well maintained toys and equipment which are regularly checked by the childminder.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the warm family atmosphere created by the childminder. New children are extremely well settled because the childminder understands their needs well and her caring approach helps ensure they feel secure and valued. Children respond well because the childminder uses good communication skills and encourages their play in a supportive way. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of early learning experiences through play because the childminder is developing some understanding of how children learn and develop. This includes becoming gradually familiar with the Birth to three matters framework and Foundation Stage for older children. Children have regular opportunities to socialise with others at a well equipped drop in centre. Within the home, however, early learning toys and equipment are not sufficiently varied or appropriate for all age groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met by the childminder who liaises closely with parents to develop well organised routines. Comprehensive information is gathered about each child which includes family background and any special needs. The childminder also uses her knowledge of some other cultures to effectively plan routines. Children's progress is monitored well because the childminder records and shares information with parents on a regular basis. As well as daily discussions, journals are given to parents at the end of each week. They contain comprehensive information and sometimes photographs of children participating in activities. In this way parents are kept well informed about their child's progress. The childminder values and respects children. They receive lots of warm praise and encouragement and their achievements, however minor, are recognised and valued. Any conflicts are dealt with in a calm and very patient way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are actively encouraged to learn about other cultures and to value difference. The childminder uses a range of ways to generate interest in the wider community. This includes children using diverse resources and playing with children from many different backgrounds.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space in the home is well organised and sufficient for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for. Areas used by children are bright and well

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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 ventilated with cosy and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Toys and equipment are made easily accessible for children and are in good condition. Children benefit from the motivated approach of the childminder who keeps herself professionally well informed by attending further training with Westminster Council. This includes advanced Child Protection and various child development courses. Documentation relating to childminding activities is securely stored and well organised. The childminder's certificate of registration is clearly displayed and a parents complaints log is in place. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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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 certain 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 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): • extend the range of early learning toys and equipment to ensure they support children's all round development.

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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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