Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334998 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Elizabeth Tovey 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 lives with her partner and four children, aged eight, five, three and one year in Ruislip, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are happy in the warm, friendly and clean home. The childminder has good hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. Children are protected from unnecessary illness and do not attend if they are contagious. Their good health is well supported as the childminder has effective procedures in place for the administration of medication, dealing with accidents and illness. However, written

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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 parental permission has not been requested for the seeking of any necessary emergency treatment for the wellbeing of children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met well because the childminder discusses and records children’s individual requirements including parents’ wishes with regard to food. Children enjoy a range of healthy nutritious meals and snacks, which they eat sitting comfortably at the table and enjoy sociable time with each other. The childminder encourages children to take frequent drinks throughout the day. As a result, children begin to understand the different aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a positive attitude towards physical exercise. They regularly spend time outside in the fresh air playing in the garden and local parks where they enjoy a variety of challenging equipment. Children also enjoy physical play indoors, for example dancing to music.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is friendly and welcoming for children. Children use all available space well; they access the toys and equipment with ease. There is a range of suitable and well maintained furniture readily available to meet the children's needs. The childminder gives high priority to checking the toys to ensure they remain safe for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety receives good attention because the childminder understands her responsibility to protect them from potential risk. Children are well supervised and cannot leave the premises unattended. There are good fire safety precautions in place. The childminder has devised a written fire evacuation procedure which is practised regularly and there is a fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Older children learn the rules for their own safety and that of others through the setting of clear boundaries and the input of the childminder. For example, she talks to children about the need to pick up toys that they have finished playing with and explains why it is unacceptable for children to open the front door themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has appropriate procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is fully safeguarded. She is secure in her knowledge of issues relating to child protection and has put together a written statement relating to this, which she shares with parents. This ensures parents have a clear understanding of the childminder's responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy themselves and have fun in a happy, homely environment. They benefit from a variety of activities and play opportunities. The childminder offers planned activities each day, these include, play dough, assorted puzzles, computer, cooking and arts and crafts activities which enables children to explore their imagination and develop their creativity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a variety of play materials and thus, they make their own decisions about what they do. They enjoy playing with musical instruments having the music on and making lots of noise. The childminder rotates toys regularly to maintain children's interest and to help keep their play provision fresh. She makes suggestions for things that children might like to do and responds to their interests.

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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 regular opportunities throughout the week to mix with other children as the childminder takes them to the local library and different toddler groups. This enables them to develop their social skills and confidence and experience different environments. Older children love to play in the well equipped garden jumping on the trampoline and playing football .The children involve the childminder in their play and they receive plenty of warm, individual attention, which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and with respect. They develop a sense of belonging as the childminder gets to know them individually and they see their artwork displayed around the room. Children access a good range of resources that reflect positive images and diversity. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through routine outings and walks in the woods and parks. Children have opportunities to socialise with other children as they attend activities in the local area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour, which helps children understand right from wrong. Children respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual needs are met well as the childminder discusses these thoroughly with parents. Effective two-way communication through daily diaries and verbal feedback ensures continuity of care for all children. Detailed information in the childminder's portfolio, written policies and procedures enable parents to be well informed about the childminder and the service she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy, settled, and participate in an excellent range of planned and un-planned activities that support their development. Space is organised appropriately giving them the opportunity to move around freely and comfortably. Children eagerly participate and enjoy good levels of adult interaction during their play. Good relationships are evident and as a result, children are developing their own personal independence well.

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Organisation

The childminder has most relevant documentation in place to ensure children's safety and welfare. Policies and procedures are used effectively and shared with parents. Documentation is stored appropriately and kept for the required amount of time. A clear record is kept of children’s attendance and adults living within the household are appropriately vetted.

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Organisation

Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for children; she meets their welfare and care needs effectively. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between parents and the childminder. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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.

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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 that written parental permission is obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment and advice.

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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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