Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY225322 Unique Reference Number 28 March 2007 Inspection date Julie Biddle 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 1990. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years, at any one time. There are currently six children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband in the London borough of Harrow. They live in a three bedroom house. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding purposes, children can access a bathroom on this floor. There is access to a safe enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted by the good standards of hygiene in the home. The childminder is developing young children's understanding of why good personal hygiene is important, by encouraging and helping them with routines such as hand and face washing. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means children are treated appropriately if they have accidents.

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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 The childminder's practice and procedures reduce the risk of cross infection within the home and to the children. For example, children do not attend if they are ill and parents are informed of any illness in the setting. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. There are regular trips to activity groups and children are able to play in the local park which helps them to develop good physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with wholesome meals that are appealing to them and meet their dietary needs. The childminder takes into account parents' wishes and provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks to meet the individual needs of the children cared for. The childminder shares dietary information with parents.

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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 safe, well maintained environment. The childminder has taken positive steps to remove hazards thus allowing the children to play and explore independently and with confidence. For example stair gates are in place. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety, for example the childminder discusses road safety with them. Children who travel in the car with the childminder use suitable car seats to ensure they are safe on all journeys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the very good range of developmentally suitable toys and resources. Children are able to help themselves to the resources as they are set out attractively in low level storage. Children are kept safe as the childminder supervises the children as they play. Toys that contain small parts are kept out of reach of younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are confident and completely settled in the childminder's house. They are having lots of fun as they play together. They are increasing their skills in all areas of development, as the childminder provides an extensive range of toys and activities. For example, on the day of inspection the children were having a wonderful time as they played with play dough. They discussed the colour of the play dough as they rolled, cut and shaped it. the childminder stimulates the children by asking to make items with the dough such as 'why don’t you make a pizza', lots of discussion followed about the shape of a pizza and the toppings. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. They are extremely well supported by the childminder as they learn to make choices about activities and toys they want to play with. Interaction between the children and the childminder is lovely, with lots of positive praise and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouragement. The children were delighted as they cuddled up with the childminder to listen to a story about animals, they discussed and demonstrated the animal sounds and movements. For example, a kangaroo jumps, as the children jump up and down. Children are motivated and enjoy the free choice of toys and activities. The childminder shows much interest in the children and responds quickly to requests and questions. Children are encouraged to feel proud of their creative work as the childminders displays their hand prints and paintings. The children's creative work is labelled and discussed as the children point out the work they have completed.

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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 Children have exciting opportunities to explore the local environment, as the childminder takes the children to local parks and activity groups. Children are developing their physical skills as they run in the park and explore large play equipment. The children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. Younger children's learning is well supported by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have plenty of opportunities to learn to value themselves and others through sharing books that include positive images and examples of how people live. Children are learning to be independent, they are happy and very confident with the childminder and each other. They play well with one another, and are encouraged by the childminder to share and to care for each other. Children are gently reminded to tidy away their toys which helps them learn how to take care of toys and prevent accidents. The childminder welcomes children with disabilities in her setting; she works very closely with parents and other professionals to provide a specialised service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows the children well, meaning she is able to provide for them to ensure their needs are met. Firm consistent boundaries encourage children to know what is expected of them and behave well. Their behaviour is very good. Children are well cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. The childminder has developed a very good relationship with parents. Daily information is shared with parents meaning they are kept fully informed about their children's activities and progress. Parents comments include 'flexible and most obliging towards our needs', 'gentle manner'. There is a complaints log in place, however, the number of the regulator is out of date, meaning parents are unaware who to contact if they wish to complain.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the time and attention the childminder is able to give them. This is due to the childminder's good organisational skills. Children are very happy and settled in the home. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the needs of young children. Established routines ensure children know what they are doing each day which adds to their confidence and security.

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Organisation

The childminder is diligent in ensuring that all policies and procedures are in place and up to date. These are shared with parents on a regular basis to ensure they are kept informed about the service that is offered and that the children are well cared for. The childminder has thorough strategies in place to maintain the very good record keeping systems. As a result the children's overall welfare is promoted and agreed with parents.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Recommendations not made at last inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 the last inspection 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 parents know how to contact the regulator

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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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