Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY309167 Inspection date 08 August 2006 Inspector Jennifer Devine

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and one child aged four years in Harefield, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and currently minds two children on a part time basis.

p.2

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is well promoted by the good standards of hygiene within the home. Children have a good understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene and know to wash their hands before eating. Individual paper towels are used to prevent cross contamination. Children have participated in making a hand print poster for the bathroom to act as a reminder to wash their hands regularly. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has good accident procedures in place. She holds a valid first aid certificate and keeps a well documented accident record. The childminder keeps records of when medication has been administered, however some entries in the record book do not contain all the details required. Parents written consent to administer medication and for emergency medical treatment has not been obtained. This compromises children's welfare in the event of an

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

emergency occurring. Children enjoy and are well nourished by the healthy and nutritious diet the childminder provides. Older children often help to prepare their lunch, being able to choose from a variety of fillings such as ham, salami, tomatoes and olives. Regular drinks are provided and older children are confident to help themselves to a drink when required. Children's physical health is well promoted by the childminder. They have good opportunities to use the well equipped garden where they confidently explore the environment and develop their physical skills when they jump on the trampoline, ride tricycles or play ball. They also have regular trips out to the park or other places of interest daily.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a safe environment. The childminder gives high priority to keeping children safe in the home and when outdoors. She reinforces children's understanding of road safety at every opportunity when out walking. Children understand about the importance of staying close and holding hands with the childminder when they are outside the home. Toys and equipment are of good quality and appropriate for the ages of children attending. Toys are easily accessible which enable children to make choices about their play. The childminder also supervises children's play, including when they play out in the garden to ensure their overall safety is maintained. Garden equipment such as the trampoline is made safe by ensuring the safety netting is used at all times to prevent falls. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge of

p.3

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 child protection issues and understands the procedures to follow if concerned about child abuse.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and confident within the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder and each other. As a result, children explore and make good use of the variety of play equipment. Children enjoy and play enthusiastically with imaginative play toys such as building up road ways for cars to travel on. Toys and activities engage the children's attention and encourage their learning. Children are motivated and thoroughly enjoy the many visits out to places of interest such as visits to the Dog's trust or when fishing by the river. Children are involved in activities to develop their knowledge of the natural world such as when digging in the garden. The children benefit from the childminder's understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. Although the childminder has not attended further training in this framework she has read and implemented elements of it when planning for children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children's learning is well supported by the childminder. Children receive much stimulation and interaction during their play. For example, when making sandwiches children could make choices about fillings but were also encouraged to develop mathematical concepts at the same time.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop their understanding about themselves and other people as they have a generally good range of resources that promote positive images. Children participate in learning about traditions and festivals from around the world such as when making dragons for Chinese new year. Children's behaviour is satisfactory. Children are in the early stages of learning to share and play harmoniously together. The childminder has developed some positive strategies to encourage children's understanding of right and wrong but sometimes lacks confidence in putting these into action. Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder follows routines as discussed with parents. The childminder currently does not care for any children with learning difficulties but has a good understanding of meeting individual children's needs. Partnership with parents is good, which significantly contributes to children's

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

wellbeing. The childminder keeps a daily diary of each child which is shared at the end of the day with parents to keep them well informed. Extensive policies and procedures are given to parents when their child starts. Parental comments indicate they are very happy with the service the childminder provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable in the well organised home. This means they are confident to play and develop their learning opportunities. The childminder has attended relevant childminding training and is committed to attend further training to extend her knowledge. Policies and procedures are used effectively to keep parents well informed. Most legally required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed. This contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

p.5

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 complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain parents permission for emergency medical treatment and for the administration of medication • continue to develop understanding of behaviour management strategies.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6