Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333089 Unique Reference Number 25 April 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 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 and two young children. The family live in Hayes, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time. There are currently three children on roll; one has a full time place and the other two attend the setting on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene, through the regular routines provided by the childminder. They are learning to wash their hands after using 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 toilet and before eating. The risk of infection to children is minimised by the childminder's good hygiene routines and the clearly written policy of not caring for sick children. Nappy changing procedures are generally effective in supporting the positive hygiene practices, although the disposal of used nappies does not support the otherwise good routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Drinks are freely available to the children and are left in their beakers within easy reach. All the beakers are different colours so that the children have no difficulty knowing which is theirs. The childminder provides a healthy and nutritious diet for the children in her care. She plans menus on a weekly basis to ensure that meals offered are well balanced and varied as well as meeting the children's preferences and dietary needs. Meals consist of rice, pasta, meat, fish and fresh vegetables and are home cooked. Snacks usually consist of fresh or dried fruit and snack bars. The children enjoyed their snacks of bananas and fruit bars. Meals are sociable occasions children sit to the table in their high chairs, the childminder sits with them to give encouragement and help where needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities for physical exercise, which encourages their good health and physical development. In fine weather they enjoy daily play in the garden, where they have access to a variety of outdoor equipment and play materials; such as little tents and adjoining tunnel, a ball pool and footballs. The childminder takes the children to various local parks and toddler groups, where they are able to meet with their friends and enjoy a different range of play equipment and toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is clean, comfortable and well maintained; this means that they are able to play safely in a secure environment. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure that all potential hazards are made safe. There are safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent access and all cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach. The childminder has a clear plan of the evacuation route she would use in the event of an emergency and she practices this with the children. This ensures that children's safety in an emergency is carefully considered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have plenty of space to play freely. There are many toys and resources for them to play with. Toys and play materials are stored safely. Children have easy access to items such as the dolls and buggies, the garage and work bench. This means that they are able to help themselves safely and make choices about what they would like to play with. They play on the floor with the puzzles and construction toys or up at the table when they participate in creative and messy activities. Children are learning about their own safety, through practising the childminder's evacuation plan and by being encouraged to put away the toys that they have finished playing with, in order to keep the floor space clear and avoid trip factors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are closely supervised when playing in the garden. They have access to a good range of suitable play equipment that is in good condition, which means that they are able to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge of child protection issues. Her clearly written policy document, which is shared with parents, ensures that they are fully informed of her procedures and about her duty of care to the children that she minds.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They benefit from warm and affectionate interaction with the childminder, which helps them feel secure and comfortable in the setting. Children have access to a good range of activities and experiences which encourage their development. These are provided both at home and through regular visits to local parent and toddler groups, where children enjoy meeting and playing with their friends.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. The home is child orientated, with mobiles hanging from the ceiling and plenty of toys that are readily available for them to play with. This makes it a welcoming environment for children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a good range of play materials and equipment, which are easily accessible, encouraging them to investigate and play. They enjoy making puzzles, building with the bricks and taking the dolls for a walk in the buggies. The children have a varied daily routine. They enjoyed playing in the garden in the small tent and tunnel and watching the rabbits in their hutch before coming in to the house to have a snack and a rest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to discover diversity. They have access to a range of resources such as books, play food, puzzles, play figures and dolls which reflect positive images. They have opportunities to learn about different festivals through activities, such as making sweets at Diwali.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning right from wrong through the childminder's routines and her consistent boundaries. They are also learning to share and take turns and to say "please" and "thank you". Successes and achievements are celebrated by all and the childminder gives positive praise to the children to reinforce good behaviour

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good clear communication between parents and the childminder means that information is very well shared. Clearly presented written documentation is provided for parents, giving detailed information about the childminder's service. Good systems, both verbal and written, are in place to ensure that parents are kept informed about the activities within the setting and their child's day. The childminder keeps a written daily diary where information is shared. This means that children's individual needs and routines are well known and followed by the childminder, which helps to ensure that they receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Well presented and detailed written information is provided about the childminder's service. The necessary documentation and written records are thoroughly maintained and clearly organised. The childminder is committed to increasing and updating her child care knowledge through attending training regularly. She provides a very well organised and child friendly environment where children are able to play happily and learn with confidence. The childminder plans and provides a range of experiences for children that encourages their development and enjoyment.

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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 is meeting 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.

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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 used nappies are disposed of in a suitable bin

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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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