Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY101078 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2007 Inspection date Martha Naa Ahimah Darkwah 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 2002. She lives with three children aged 16, 10 and 7. They live in a house in Twickenham in the London Borough of Hounslow. All areas of the ground floor are available for childminding purpose. Children have supervised access to a secure outside play area.

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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 at any one time. She is currently caring for four children who attend on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to various local pre-schools and places of interest. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 and comfortable home as the childminder maintains good hygiene practices. For example, she provides clean individual towels for children to dry their hands after washing, uses personal utensils and regularly washes the toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from illness and cross infection because of the childminder's understanding of good hygiene procedures. A clear and well written sick-child policy is available and shared with parents. Children's health is assured in most aspects by clear record keeping and a safe working knowledge of first aid and emergency procedures. However, the childminder does not have written consent from parents for giving of medication and seeking emergency medical treatment or advice if necessary. Good records and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and record of medication administered, which ensures children are well cared for.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder gains good information from parents at the beginning of the placement, and she has a good understanding of providing varied, well balanced foods and drinks which is offered regularly throughout the day. Children are offered drinks regularly throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and well being. Young and older children's curiosity is extended as they have frequent opportunities to go to the local parks and playgrounds which improves their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are secure and settled in their surroundings as they are looked after in a warm, welcoming environment. They are able to explore and move around freely and safely because the childminder has taken some steps to minimise potential hazards and risks within the home. However, the childminder has not taken sufficient steps to ensure outdoor shoes are stored so that they are not accessible to babies and young children. Additionally, although a fire blanket is available, is not secured to the wall to ensure easy access during an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's interest in play is extended because the childminder has an appropriate range of suitable furniture, equipment and resources which help create a safe and stimulating environment. Toys and resources are set out attractively. They are well organised and stored at low levels to promote independent learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Babies are well protected when sleeping as the childminder is vigilant in monitoring and checking sleeping children. She has developed fire evacuation procedures, which helps to keep children safe. She has the required documents and procedures in place to ensure children's well being is safe guarded and promoted. Children are safeguarded. For example, she has a sound knowledge and understanding on how to protect children. Well written child protection

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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 procedures in place are shared with parents and in line with the local safeguarding children's board procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle very well at the childminder's house, as she has a good settling in period. They have easy access to a good range of suitable toys and activities which promotes their learning and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning and overall development in a supportive and caring environment. For example the baby sits contentedly on the childminder's lap cooing and making excited noises as she is turning the pages of the child's favourite book. A colourful book, entitled 'Baby Sees Stars'. It is a shiny book with vivid images in bright backgrounds to encourage and sustain baby’s interest whilst helping them to recognise and identify various shapes. The childminder offers lots of cuddles and comforting words as the baby enthusiastically learns to clap and take some first efforts trying to move forward on the stomach to reach a toy with the aid of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children are beginning to make sense of and respond to different sensory experiences because the childminder is skilled in interacting with babies and providing suitable challenges and support to help them make progress. For example, young babies have good opportunities to learn new skills and practice them everyday. They communicate in various ways for example, gurgling, babbling and squeal through interaction with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children get pleasure from being taken out regularly to local parks and child friendly settings such as toddler groups and childminder drop-ins, where the young children explore new activities and enjoy the company of older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure as their individual needs are well met. Good information provided by the parents is shared with the childminder about the child's individual routines, feeding, sleeping, likes and dislikes. For example, the childminder works with the parents to ensure a consistent approach is maintained for the baby's eating and sleeping routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive consistent care as there is a daily exchange of verbal information with the parents. Additionally the childminder uses information technology positively. For example, by exchanging with the parents’ regular text messages about the welfare of the child during the day, they are assured. The baby is clearly fond of the childminder and turns to her for comfort and play. The childminder is attentive and responsive, for example talking quietly to the baby whilst sleepy and stroking the baby's head gently. As a result the baby is happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands the importance of helping children to develop a positive identity and feel good about themselves and their family. A range of suitable resources reflecting

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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 differences in culture, gender and disabilities helps children to learn about differences and the world they live in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with special needs are well cared for as the childminder continually considers her own skills and skills and identifies further training needed to enhance her skills and experience in this area. For example she has attended training on sign language and is keen to use it within the childminding service for a positive outcome for all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel secure in the care of the childminder as she has clear boundaries which are shared with them and she helps them to begin to understand right from wrong. They develop their confidence as the childminder praises their efforts, for example when the baby tries to crawl, the childminder says "well done” the baby smiles. This encourages children to try new skills in a safe and supportive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the strong partnerships between parents and the childminder. There is regular exchange of information about the care and education to the benefit of the child. The provider has a record of complaints which is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit very well because the childminder is suitably qualified and is keen to enhance her knowledge and skills through regular training opportunities. She has attended a number of short courses. For example behaviour management, working with parents and Makaton. The knowledge and skills gained is used to further develop the childminding service for a positive outcome for the children.

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Organisation

Children feel at ease and content in the well organised environment. They happily settle in the warm and comfortable home. The areas for play, rest and eating are well set out, helping children to feel secure in their surroundings. The childminder is well organised and the children benefit from a variety of outings to parks and toddler groups where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their overall experiences.

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Organisation

Children's overall care, learning and welfare are promoted as relevant information about the children's individual needs is gathered from parents. As a result the childminder provides care in accordance with parent’s wishes. She has a well organised and detailed portfolio which is shared with parents and includes, training certificates, first aid and public liability certificates, policies and procedures. These enhance the quality of care provided to ensure children are well cared for. Some policies and procedures are positively displayed along with photographic evidence showing children engaged in meaningful activities during local trips to places of interest.

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Organisation

The childminder has more written information available to parents so they are further informed on the care, routines, and achievements and progress the children make. For example, the daily record book has evidence of ongoing communication between the parents and childminder to meet the children's needs. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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 April 2004, there have been two 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

Information was received on 26th January 2005 about the childminder's suitability and the safety and organisation of the children relating to National Standards 1,2,6 and 14.

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Complaints since the last inspection

An Ofsted inspector made an unannounced visit on 11th February 2005 to investigate. No evidence was found that National Standards had been breached. Further information received on 14th February 2005 indicated that concerns raised on 26th January 2005 were vexatious.

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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): • obtain written parental consents for the giving of medication and for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice if necessary • ensure outdoor shoes are not accessible to babies and young children and secure the fire blanket to enable easy access in an emergency

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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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