Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333003 Unique Reference Number 27 November 2006 Inspection date Jennifer Devine 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 2006. She lives with her husband in Northwood in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The childminder uses all rooms on the ground floor of the premises for childminding. There is a garden for supervised outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where the childminder teaches children about the importance of good personal hygiene. Older children know it is important to wash their hands before meal times to prevent germs spreading. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to deal confidently with any accidents that may occur. Appropriate methods are in place for the recording of accidents or for the administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and provides a lunch and an evening meal as required. Children are offered nutritious foods such as salmon, potatoes and vegetables, which encourages healthy eating. Drinks are readily available and children confidently request a drink as required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children enjoy a range of activities to promote their physical good health. They have daily opportunities for fresh air when they visit local parks where they can run, climb or play games. Older children can choose to play out in the garden when they come from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a generally safe environment within the home as the childminder has taken precautions to minimize most hazards such as ensuring electrical sockets are covered and windows are kept securely locked. However, she is not fully aware of some dangers as cleaning materials are accessible to children and the garden is not securely fenced. Children's safety is also compromised as they are allowed to help with the evening meal, having access to the gas cooker.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is organised well to meet children's needs. Toys and play materials are stored so children can help themselves and make choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about safety outside the home and ensures children learn about road safety at every opportunity. She also constantly supervises children's play whilst at the park when playing on the climbing frame or swings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder promotes children's welfare as she has a good understanding of the possible indicators of child abuse and the reporting procedures to follow if she was concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and provides appropriate activities and resources to enhance and extend their development. She has a very good knowledge of the Birth to Three matters framework and keeps comprehensive observation records on younger children which she evaluates to ensure children are meeting their developmental milestones.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They laugh and have fun as they sit together painting. Older children show kindness and consideration towards the younger children offering to help them draw a picture and praising them on their efforts. The childminder provides continual support to the children, interacting with them about what they are doing

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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 and providing assistance as needed. She is aware of ensuring activities are suitable for all ages and adapting them for individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed and happy in the care of the childminder and because of the warmth and kindness she gives, they are growing in confidence and express their needs well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children respond well to the childminder and are secure in her care. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs and personalities such as ensuring they are allowed to relax after the school day if they wish. Younger children are gaining self confidence and trust through forming close relationships with the childminder. The warm, affectionate care given enables them to develop a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have some resources available to them to develop their understanding of the wider world and the childminder is aware of enhancing resources which promotes positive images of diversity. The childminder is currently not caring for any children with learning difficulties. However, she has a positive attitude and works to meet the needs of all the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour well. They are given clear rules and boundaries and understand what is expected of them. They receive praise and encouragement constantly from the childminder which helps them behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are settled and comfortable in the childminders home because she recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents. The childminder discusses the child's day with the parents and provides written information on younger children which keeps parents well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable and at ease within the home environment. Space is organised and available for children to play with equipment easily and unhindered. The childminder organises her day to include quiet times indoors, time outdoors for physical play and times for rest and relaxation after school.

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Organisation

The childminder has recently completed the Introduction to Childminding Practise course and is awaiting her results. She acknowledges areas for improvement and is committed to increasing her knowledge by attending further training courses.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety and well being are promoted as the childminder maintains accurate and up to date records. Children also benefit from the good working relationships the childminder enjoys with the parents. This effective partnership contributes towards the children's sense of well being and contentment.

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. 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 any dangerous substances are inaccessible to children • make the garden area safe and secure • prevent children from accessing the gas cooker when preparing meals.

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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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