Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331301 Unique Reference Number 02 March 2007 Inspection date Jean Williams 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 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 2003. She is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll, both have part time places. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and their two young children. The family live in a residential area of Uxbridge in the borough of Hillingdon. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes, children have access to the first floor bathroom. Minded children do not use the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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. The children are cared for in a home that is clean and well maintained. The childminder has appropriate procedures in place to reduce the risks of cross infection. She has a clear, written sick child policy in place, that is shared with parents, which states that she does not care for children who are ill. This reduces the possible risks of cross infection. The childminder has a current first aid certificate in place which means that she has the knowledge to deal with any accidents that may happen to the children. The childminder has a medication record book in place, however, this is not always fully completed. Clear, written parental consent is not always obtained to administer medication which means that children run the risk of being given an over dose of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. There are regular opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as walks, visits to the park and to Odds Farm. The childminder also takes the children to the local toddler group where they can meet their friends and play with a different range of toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure that the children's dietary needs are met. Some parents provide food for their children which the childminder stores until it is needed. She then warms it through and serves it to the children as is required. Drinks are readily available to the children throughout the day. The childminder provides a varied diet to the children. Fruit is served as a snack. Main meals consist of fresh meat and vegetables such as Chicken and broccoli or lasagne. Meal times are sociable. Children sit to the table and are accompanied by the childminder who gives them help and encouragement when needed. Younger children and babies use the high chair where they are able to sit and eat comfortably.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is warm and welcoming. The childminder has made use of the available space to ensure that the children are able to move around easily and play with their chosen toys. She has sufficient equipment such as a high chair, safety gates and safety restraints for use in her car which means that children travel safely. There is a wide range of toys and play materials readily available to the children which means that they are able to make individual choices and have variety in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is mostly protected because the childminder has given thought to the majority of the potentially hazardous materials in the home. For example, cleaning materials are inaccessible to children because they are stored in cupboards fitted with child locks and medication is stored in high cupboards out of children's reach. However, there are still some potential hazards such as the alcohol that is stored in an unlocked cupboard that is within the children's reach. The childminder supervises the children whilst they are in her care, she knows where they are and what they are doing which adds to their safety. The childminder is aware of the routes she would take to evacuate the home in the event of a fire. There are smoke

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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 alarms fitted on both floors. Whilst the childminder has a fire blanket, it is not currently fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions which could be a potential risk in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a limited understanding of child protection matters. She has some awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of potential abuse but has limited knowledge of the procedures to follow when reporting such concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, relaxed and happy because the childminder interacts with them in a proactive and caring way, she is also aware of their individual routines and needs. The childminder knows the children well and meets their needs. She is kind and considerate towards them and spends time playing with them. For instance, she sits with the children on the floor playing with the toys, such as the ball run, encouraging them to watch the ball as it rolls along the track. She offers children praise and encouragement for their achievements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming independent as they choose from a range of resources that are organised and easily accessible to them. Toys and play equipment promote learning, are fun and are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. The children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in activities. For example, they particularly enjoy dancing and singing to the music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are developing their vocabulary, as the childminder interacts with them and encourages their conversation. This also helps them to think and make sense of the world they live in. The children enjoy opportunities to practise their fine motor skills as they draw, write, colour and use scissors during craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are comfortable and content, because they are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of the children, by obtaining information from the parents about the child's likes and dislikes and getting to know the child. The daily exchange of information with the parents about their children's activities and achievements helps the children to receive consistent care and make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's awareness of diversity is increasing because they have access to visual images and play materials that promote positive images of diversity such as, books, puzzles, play food and small world people. The children's emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them confidence and security due to the childminder's clear understanding of their personal preferences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are well behaved and happy in the childminder's care. She uses appropriate behaviour management strategies which are consistently applied, such as talking to the children in a calm manner, in a way that they understand. They are encouraged to share, take turns and

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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 have regard for one another and the toys. The children are learning what is acceptable whilst they are in the childminder's care. The parents are kept well informed through the childminder's written behaviour management policy and by the regular verbal feedback they receive about the children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are comfortable and relaxed in the childminder's home. This means that they are confident to initiate and extend their play and learning. Children use all the available play space within the home. They are encouraged to be kind to each other, to share and take turns with toys and activities and to play co-operatively with one another.

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Organisation

The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place that are consistently applied. She regularly shares these with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care that she provides. The childminder has most of the legally required documents in place, such as, the attendance register which is completed correctly and is up to date. However the childminder does not display her registration certificate as is required and she does not have the correct information to give to parents, should they wish to follow the complaints procedure. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 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):

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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 • ensure that prior written parental consent is obtained before administering medication and also ensure that medication administered is recorded appropriately as is required • ensure that the registration certificate is displayed • make sure that information in relation to complaints is readily accessible to parents and includes Ofsted's address and telephone number • ensure that the fire blanket is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and ensure that alcohol is stored out of the reach of children • gain further knowledge of local safeguarding procedures.

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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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