Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334471 Unique Reference Number 21 February 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 is registered to care for three children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll who both have full time places.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and four children. The family live in a house in Cranford in the London borough of Hounslow. There is a fully enclosed garden where children are able to play in fine weather. They are also taken to the local park and playgrounds.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 minded in a warm, caring environment. They are protected from the possible risks of the spread of infection through the childminder's policy of not caring for sick children. The childminder provides good role models and examples to children of personal hygiene practices, such as the importance of washing their hands before and after meals. The childminder has regular daily routines in place which also helps the children to establish good personal hygiene practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps good, clear records as is required. She has a positive awareness of the importance of recording any accidents that may happen to the children. Medication given to the children at the request of their parents is also recorded and entries are signed by them. She has a current first aid certificate in place which means that she has the knowledge to deal with accidents and minor injuries that can happen to children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the children's dietary needs and individual preferences. She works in partnership with parents to ensure that they receive a nutritious diet. Currently parents provide the food for the children. Meal times are sociable, the children sit at the table accompanied by the childminder who gives help and encouragement when needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have space to play and move around the home freely. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills through outdoor play in the garden during fine weather. The childminder also takes the children to the local park where they can make use of the open space. Visits to the local parent and toddler group are enjoyed by the children, where they are able to meet new friends and share new toys.

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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 warm, clean home that is comfortably furnished and has plenty of space for them to move around freely and play with ease.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have a wide selection of appropriate play materials that are easily accessible. The childminder regularly checks the toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe and clean for the children to use. Space is used well, enabling children to have the freedom to move about and play unrestricted with their chosen toy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from being cared for in a home where risks have been minimised. The childminder is vigilant in her supervision of the children at all times. All cupboards and drawers that are within the children's reach are fitted with locks and electric sockets are protected with covers. Provision is also in place to ensure that the children are protected from the risks of fire. The childminder has a clear fire evacuation procedure in place. Smoke alarms are fitted and there is a fire blanket in the kitchen. However the fire blanket is not fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions which could add to the hazard if there were a fire.

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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 The childminder ensures that the children are safe when out of the home, she has suitable car restraints and has obtained parental consent to take the children out as is required. The fences in the garden are in satisfactory repair which means that children are safely enclosed at all times. The garden is used by the dog and is not always maintained in a clean condition which means that children's health and safety could be put at risk.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's commitment to protecting those in her care. She has a clear understanding of her obligations to record and report any concerns that she may have, with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from being minded in a secure, warm, caring, gentle environment; as a result they are comfortable and happy in the childminder's home. Interaction between minder and the children is appropriately warm and affectionate. She is interested in the children and gives them lots of support and encouragement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound awareness of the children's individual needs and responds promptly to them. As a result, children are confident and able to play independently knowing that she is always available to give them reassurance and support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans the children's day to ensure that there is time for play and rest. She devotes her day to the children, ensuring that they are happy and content in her care. The wide range of toys and resources available to the children fully occupies and interests them, such as the musical instruments. They enjoy making music on the xylophone and using the drumsticks. Their learning is extended by the conversation and support given by the childminder. Children enjoy singing nursery rhymes and listening to the stories that the childminder reads. A variety of interesting outings are planned where the children are able to meet with their friends and enjoy playing outside in the garden as well as visits to the park in fine weather.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met by the childminder incorporating the wishes of the parents into her daily routine. The childminder helps children to develop their confidence by encouraging and enabling them to make independent choices of their activities. Children are learning to respect one another's space and choice of activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a clear knowledge of the individual needs of the children in her care. She is proactive in her response to their requests and gives them her attention freely. The childminder ensures that all activities offered are accessible to all the children who attend the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of diversity is promoted through books, small world people, posters and puzzles. They learn about the world through conversations and the childminder raising their awareness of festivals and celebrations that are held in different parts of the world.

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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 The children are happy in the childminder's care. She deals with any behaviour issues in a calm manner. The children are provided with plenty of interesting activities. The childminder willingly gives the her time and attention to the children, which means that they are confident and secure. Children's self-esteem is raised by the childminder's use of positive praise and reinforcement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good, the childminder gives regular written and verbal feedback about children's developmental progress and the daily activities that they have carried out. There are very good systems in place with regard to record keeping, which means that the children are cared for according to their parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that her home is well organised in order to support the children's play. With her encouragement they are able to make choices from the wide range of toys and equipment that are accessible to them. The written records and documentation are well organised and maintained as is required, which means that children's general health and welfare is safeguarded.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional approach and is committed to providing good quality care for the children. She is aware of the requirement to record any complaints she may receive and has put procedures in place to detail them should the need arise.

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Organisation

The childminder has a very positive attitude towards furthering her knowledge. She has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practices and the Birth to three matters framework as well as a marketing course. This means that parents and children are assured of a sound child care provision.

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Organisation

Parents are confident in the setting because the childminder provides both written and verbal information on a regular basis about the service that she offers, the children's activities and their progress. Children are confident in the childminder's home because of the continuity of care they receive through her working in close partnership with their parents.

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Organisation

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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Complaints 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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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 the fire blanket is fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions • ensure that the garden is kept clear of dog faeces

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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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