Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY282916 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2007 Inspection date Julie Biddle Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in March 2004. She lives with her husband and four children in the London borough of Harrow. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, they have access to a bathroom on this floor. Children sleep upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care a maximum of seven children when working with an assistant. There are currently seven children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

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, encouraging and helping them with routines such as hand washing before meal times and after playing in the garden.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

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; parents are informed in writing of any illness in the setting. The childminder has an up to date first aid qualification. Thorough procedures for nappy changing mean children are protected and secure while their nappy is being changed. For example the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies. Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their good health. There are regular trips to the local common where children are able to feed deer. Children are encouraged to enjoy outdoor play in the garden where they can climb slide, and play with a ball.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with wholesome snacks that are appealing to them and meet their dietary needs. The childminder takes into account parents' wishes and provides snacks to meet the individual needs of the children cared for. Children are able to access drinks as they want, meaning they do not feel thirsty. Parents provide meals for the children that are heated up appropriately by the childminder

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a very 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, to keep children safe in the rooms they play in. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety, for example the childminder discusses road safety and "stranger danger" with them. Children are encouraged to look and listen as they cross the road. Children are able to access a garden area which is safe however further safety measures need to be put in place.

p.3

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 can sit at child sized furniture as they play. Children are kept safe as the childminder supervises the children as they play both in and out of the home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected through the childminder's very good understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. 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 a wide range of toys and activities. For example on the day of inspection the children were playing in the garden with a musical mat, and climbing frame. They are very 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 jolly with lots of positive language. Children confidently respond to the childminder as they play rough and tumble together. The childminder shows much interest in the children and responds quickly to their needs and requests.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have exciting opportunities to explore in the local environment, as the childminder takes the children to local parks and common areas. The children enjoy feeding deer and ducks. Children are developing their physical skills as they run in the park and use play equipment in the garden. Children's learning is well supported by the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have varied opportunities to learn to value themselves and others through sharing books that include positive images and examples of how people live. Children learn about festivals such as Mother's day and Easter, as they make cards to show their parents. Children are learning to be independent, they are happy and very confident with the childminder and each other. Children are encouraged by the childminder to share and to care for each other.

p.4

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 good. The childminder encourages the children to say "please and thank you." Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. For example the childminder works within the child's routines and not her own. The childminder has a good settling in routine, meaning children build up their confidence as they get to know their carer. The childminder has developed a very good relationship with parents, comments from parents include " excellent childminder good knowledge of childcare" "our child is well balanced, happy and polite" "our child was shown love and affection. Daily information is shared with parents meaning they are kept fully informed about their children's activities and progress.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are not given information that enables them to contact Ofsted if they need to. There is however a complaints log in place.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder works with an assistant, her husband. They have a good working relationship with skills that compliment each other. For example the childminder is very organised, her assistant offers opportunities for "rough and tumble games." Children benefit from the time

p.4

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 and attention the childminder and her assistant are 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.

p.4

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 good record keeping systems. As a result the children's overall welfare is promoted and agreed with parents.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children are not exposed to hazards in the home. The childminder has made her home very safe and secure meaning children are able to play, rest and eat in a suitable environment. The childminder also agreed to provide resources that promote positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. She has increased her resources meaning children have opportunities to learn about the world they live in and the wider world.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 children can access the outdoor area safely • ensure parents are enabled to contact the regulator

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6