Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330538 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2006 Inspection date Helen Maria Steven Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 May 2006. She lives in a two bedroom flat in the Stonebridge Park area in the London borough of Brent.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Most areas of the ground floor accommodation is used for childminding purposes with the exception of the master bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play, however as this is a shared area, the children are directly supervised when using this space.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, she currently has two children on roll.

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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 warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder’s good procedures when children are unwell reduce the risk of cross infection. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to effectively treat children in an emergency. Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health, for example regular visits to local parks and opportunities to use the garden. Children skilfully kick and throw balls, developing control of their bodies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet, they are offered fresh food daily and meals are balanced and nutritious. They are encouraged to expand their gastronomic experiences by trying a variety of foods from different cultures. They are able to access drinks when they identify that they are thirsty. Children share meal times together sat at the breakfast bar in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a well organised home where risks are generally identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around the ground floor of the premises safely, freely and independently. However, socket covers are not all systematically replaced and therefore electric sockets are exposed to minded children. The childminder helps the children understand how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment. The childminder monitors children’s choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children develop an understanding of safety as the childminder gives appropriate explanations. When children are playing a game the childminder states that their actions look dangerous to her, to provoke them to think and assess their conduct.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident and make themselves at home. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities that appeal to all.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children spend their time purposefully. The childminder has a good awareness of their individual needs and has successfully become involved in their school life to support them. Children respond well to the childminder and enjoy her company; she talks and commentates to them

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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 to extend their understanding and language skills. Their sense of humour is developing as they share banter and fun with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to physical contact from the childminder, they play rough and tumble games, snuggle into the minder and participate and enjoy impromptu songs inspired by things they are doing during their school day or a phrase that is said.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder becomes involved in activities at the children’s school to support their positive view of the wider world, although they have limited access to resources in the childminder’s home, which promote diversity. Children develop an awareness of St Lucian patois as the childminder introduces phrases to the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents; this includes reading their school books and completing homework if needed. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously. They have time to relax on the sofa and watch television as well as to be active.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well because the childminder has effective strategies for encouraging good behaviour and is consistent in her approach. They respond to the childminder’s clear boundaries and her strategy of positive reinforcement, for example, she says ‘I know you won’t do that because you are a good boy’.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with parents to enable her to gain knowledge of their children's individual needs. This ensures that children feel secure and their regular routines are continued.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate their own play and learning. Parents are well informed about their children's activities and are given information passed on from the school, enabling them to contribute to the continuity of their child's care. The childminder’s day is organised to incorporate both active and quiet times.

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Organisation

All paperwork required to promote the welfare, care and learning of children is in place and is well organised. However, although the registration certificate is kept in a folder it is not displayed as required, during childminding hours, to enable it to be easily viewed by parents. The children’s individual details are known to the childminder including their likes and dislikes. The childminder has begun to develop a range of policies and procedures. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • ensure that electrical sockets are made safe or inaccessible to children to minimise risks • ensure that the registration certificate is clearly displayed when childminding

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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