Childminder in BrentOfsted inspection, 28 Apr 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296408 Inspection date 28 April 2005 Inspector Caren Carpenter

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and 4 years old. The premises is a two bed roomed ground floor flat, located within the London Borough of Brent. The main rooms used for childminding are the sitting room with a bedroom for play and rest periods. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight. She is currently minding one child under five.

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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 The childminder attends the local childminders' group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is not registered for overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a clean and well maintained home. Children's good health is well promoted as the childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, as part of the daily routine children are encouraged to wash their hands after outdoor play and before meal times. Children enjoy meals that are nutritious and healthy, this promotes healthy growth and development. Children were observed enjoying freshly prepared home made vegetable soup and stewed apples. Children are provided with daily opportunities to visit local parks for fresh air and exercise. They enjoy regular outdoor play, which promotes their well-being. The childminder is confident in dealing with minor injuries. She has a first aid box, however, this is not maintained, as a result, this may impact on children not receiving appropriate first aid care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for well in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. Suitable and sufficient equipment is readily available to meet the children's care needs. For example, a travel cot and child sized chairs are readily available to the children. As a result, children sleep and eat comfortably. Children are protected from harm as the childminder has made her home and garden safe and secure. As a result, children can move around freely and safely. The childminder has some understanding of child protection issues. However, she lacks some knowledge of the local Area Child Protection procedure. This is necessary, for dealing with child protection concerns if the needs arises.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with wide range of stimulating toys and activities to promote and encourage their learning and development. They have good opportunities to visit various places of interest such as, the local childminders' group, parks, farm and the zoo. This provides many good learning experiences to the children as they are

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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 learning well, about different animals, where they live, what they eat and the environment in which they live. Children are learning and understand colours and shapes. They have lots of fun playing with a good range of toys and activities that support and encourage their learning and development. Children are developing their social skills as they form relationships with others. They enjoy a close and loving relationship with the childminder. For example, she spends plenty of quality time talking and responding extremely well to the children's individual needs. As a result, children are happy, secure and confident.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care, this is partly due to the close partnership the childminder has with the parents. She shares information daily with parents about the children' s daily routine and keeps them well informed about their developmental progress. Children's individual needs are well met by the childminder for example, she communicates to children using key words in their first language and provides meals according to their cultural dietary needs. Therefore, children are developing a sense of belonging. However, there are too few resources available to help children to develop an understanding of other cultures and beliefs. The childminder uses praise and encouragement when they do something well. As a result, children are happy and well behaved.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation of space and resources enables children to move around freely as they choose toys, play, rest and eat comfortably. Children are happy, confident and feel at home, as they receive lots of individual attention to promote their well-being. They benefit from a flexible routine which provides an interesting and stimulating balance of activities, allowing for active play and relaxing activities. Records and documentation that are required for the safe management of the children are well maintained. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between parents and the childminder. Overall, the needs of all children are well met.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • provide a range of toys and equipment to develop children's awareness and understanding of different cultures and to increase a positive image of themselves and others. • ensure first aid box is stocked appropriately. • gain knowledge and understanding of the Local Area Child Protection Committee Procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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