Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY320624 Unique Reference Number 28 March 2007 Inspection date Jennifer Devine 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 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 2006. She lives with her children aged five, 11 and 14 years in Acton, in the London borough of Ealing. The childminder also has an adult lodger living in the home. The open plan living and dining room on the ground floor is used for childminding. Currently the childminder does not use the garden for outside play but takes children out to local parks regularly. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding three children, two of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise daily as they walk to and from school and regularly visit the park where they can run, climb and play games. Children's health is satisfactorily protected as the childminder has attended first aid training. However, the first aid box is not readily accessible and the contents are limited. This compromises the childminders

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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 ability to give appropriate first aid treatment if required. Policies and procedures are in place to record accidents or when medication is administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a good range of meals to promote their health and growth. They are offered a variety of home cooked foods such as stews and various fruits and vegetables. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and although encourages all children to try fresh foods she does provide alternative convenience foods such as fish fingers and smiley faces, if required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Older children learn about the importance of good hygiene and are encouraged to remember to wash their hands at appropriate times. They are protected from cross infection, as the childminder has a policy for excluding children with infectious illness and has good hygiene routines in place when changing nappies. There are satisfactory arrangements for looking after pets to keep children safe. For example, the dog is closely supervised when children are present.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe home. Fire precautions such as smoke alarms and emergency evacuation procedures are in place. The back room used for childminding is suitable and free from obvious safety hazards. Some areas of the home are presently cluttered and not safe as the childminder has some rooms being redecorated. Currently cleaning materials in the kitchen cupboards are accessible to children due to this area being refurbished. However, the childminder ensures children's safety as she closely supervises them at all times. Currently the garden is not being used as the water features are unsafe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about safety outside the home and talks with children about how to keep safe when crossing the roads, at every opportunity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are of good quality, which protects children from harm. The childminder supervises younger children's play to ensure toys are suitable for their ages and is aware of removing any small items from mobile babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and is aware of the reporting procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder has got to know the children well and their individual needs, routines and interests are taken account of. She provides a varied range of toys and activities to meet each child's developmental needs and the toys encourage progress as well as being fun for them. The childminder has good relationships with the children, she talks fondly of them and is proud of their achievements. Older children are developing important communication skills as the childminder spends time chatting to them and encouraging them to talk about their day at school or any other issues that may arise. She also spends time, whilst preparing the evening meal helping children with homework such as learning spellings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a close and caring relationship with babies and supports them to develop their self assurance and confidence to explore their surroundings. The childminder is aware of

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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 the Birth to three matters framework and is working towards implementing this practice into her routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and valued as individuals. The childminder discusses their needs, such as diet and sleep patterns with parents and incorporates them effectively into the daily routines. She is aware of children's individual personalities and specific needs and provides a warm, caring environment which helps children develop their self esteem and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have some opportunities to learn about diversity, through access to a suitable range of books and toys. The childminder plans some specific activities for individual children such as when helping design a Japanese costume for school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour appropriately. They are given clear rules and boundaries and therefore understand what is expected of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents to ensure the happiness and welfare of the child. Information regarding the child's day is shared verbally on a daily basis with parents to keep them well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable and at ease in a family home environment. The childminder organises the day to include quiet times indoors and physical exercise outdoors. In addition children benefit from the individual attention they receive throughout the day.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended relevant training and acknowledges areas for improvement. She is committed to increasing her knowledge through further training such as the Birth to three matters framework.

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Organisation

The childminder has not kept Ofsted informed of changes to adults within the home. This means that the childminder is in breech of the National Standards. However, the lodger in the home does hold a criminal records disclosure and this ensures children's safety and welfare.

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Organisation

All required records to maintain children's health, safety and well being are in place.

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Organisation

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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. 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 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): • ensure cleaning materials are made inaccessible to children • ensure the first aid box is accessible and adequately stocked • ensure Ofsted are kept informed of any changes in the persons over the age of 16 years working or living in the household.

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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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