Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295701 Inspection date 07 July 2005 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 6, 4 and 2 years in the London Borough of Harrow. The downstairs of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of one child at any one time and is currently minding one child on part time basis. She is not registered to provide overnight care. The family have no pets.

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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 enjoy a selection of activities which contribute to their good health. There are occasional outdoor activities such as outings to the park and use of the garden to develop their physical skills. Children benefit from a healthy diet. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents. These take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. The children are happy in the warm and clean environment. The childminder has appropriate hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling children to make use of space that is satisfactorily organised for the children. Children have access to an environment that is safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home, resulting in children being able to move around safely and independently. Children independently select activities from a limited selection of resources. The childminder monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. The childminder safeguards children's welfare and has the required procedures and documents in place. For example, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has an adequate knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally engaged during their time within the setting, they play happily and are beginning to learn to share and take turns. Children have access to a limited selection of resources resulting in them not being sufficiently challenged or extended. Children would benefit from resources that are more stimulating and interesting in order to extend their learning and development. The children are provided with sufficient opportunities to develop their physical skills through walks to nursery, the use of the garden and occasional visits to the park. The children particularly enjoy the garden activities such as the swings, slide and balls.

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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 comfortable at the childminder's home. They confidently settle in the environment provided by the childminder. For example, children lay comfortably on the sofa when they feel a little tired, when ready, they go off to play happily.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages. Children are generally well behaved and are beginning to learn right from wrong. They are encouraged to share, take turns and to have regard for one another. The childminder has an understanding of the needs of the children, whilst ensuring parent’s views are sought. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of the children by seeking information from parents about the child's likes and dislikes and through getting to know the child. Children are not provided with resources that promote a positive view of the wider world. They would benefit from a selection of toys that would increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others within the wider community.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder has completed her Introduction to Childminding Practice course; her procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care.

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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

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 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 children with a selection of resources that are interesting and challenging in order to develop and extend their learning. • provide children with a selection of resources that reflect positive images of the wider community.

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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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