Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335503 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2007 Inspection date Michelle Julie Gutcher 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 registered in 2006. She lives with her family in a house in Isleworth. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There is one child on roll. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local shops, school and parks within walking distance. The childminder attends the local parent/care toddler group. The family have two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is clean, comfortable and well maintained. They are learning about the importance of personal hygiene through the daily routines practised by the childminder such as washing hands before and after meals. Young babies wear bibs for meals. There are strategies in place to ensure that the risks of the spread of infection are limited. The childminder has appropriate hygiene routines in place when changing nappies, she also has a policy that she does not care for sick children. There are safe systems in place to administer

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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 prescribed medication, which ensures that children are given the correct dosage, prior written parental consent is obtained. Parents have not given written permission for the childminder to seek emergency advice or treatment or to administer medication from pain relief in an emergency. This means that parents' wishes are not respected. The childminder currently does not hold a first aid certificate, however, she is booked onto a training course.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily outings to local parks, where they benefit from the fresh air. They have regular use of the garden with suitable equipment to play with including a variety of push along toys. These measures help to promote their good health and their understanding of healthy lifestyles. Very young children have regular rest and sleep, according to their individual patterns.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents currently provide foods for their children. The childminder ensures they have a varied and well balanced diet and foods are prepared and served attractively. The childminder consults with parents regarding dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all individual needs are met. They have regular access to drinks throughout the day, and good social interaction is fostered as the childminder and children sit together to eat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is clean and comfortable. The childminder has made good use of the space available, which means that children are able to play and move around with ease. Young babies are able to safely crawl around the home and this develops their physical skills. Baskets of toys are easily accessible on the floor to the children and this ensures variety. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure they are clean and in a suitable condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has equipment in place to ensure that the children are safe, for example, a safety gate prevents children accessing the stairs. The childminder also has a written fire evacuation policy in place which she practises with the children in the form of a play activity. There are smoke alarms in situ and a fire blanket is fixed to the wall according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and the reporting procedures she must follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and settled in the care of the childminder. They are confident in their surroundings and play with curiosity. Children relate well to the childminder and visitors, they smile at adults when they hear their names being called. They explore the toys independently and reach forward to push the buttons down on top of the activity centre. They smile as they hear the siren play. They watch eagerly as the lights flash on and off. The childminder makes eye contact and responds quickly and appropriately to the children, making them feel important.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Well planned routines ensure children have opportunities for play and rest and enjoy visits to places within the local community, such as the shops, local parks and toddler groups. Children

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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 enjoy the swings and playing on the bouncy castle. They often go on walks, which stimulates their interest in the outside world and promotes their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a positive relationship with the childminder and approach her freely. She responds to their individual needs effectively. They receive cuddles and affection from the childminder and this helps the children to feel good about themselves and builds their confidence. They are relaxed and settle quickly to sleep with ease.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder shows an understanding of equal opportunities and of promoting inclusion in her childminding practice. She values the children in her care and ensures they are treated with the same concern. Children are encouraged to make choices and play a full part in the setting. They are becoming more familiar with their local community as the childminder takes them on regular outings. Children use play materials that reflect various aspects of diversity, including small world people and different skin toned dolls. Children freely access books which portray wheelchair users positively. This helps children gain an awareness of the wider world in which we live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing an understanding of right and wrong because the childminder has clear rules and boundaries in place. She agrees behaviour management strategies with the parents, which ensures consistency for the children between home and the setting. The childminder is a positive role model and deals with unwanted behaviour calmly. The children are praised and encouraged in what they do which builds their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The relationships established with parents are good. The childminder has put together a file which has her policies and procedures relating to her childminding practice. This information enables parents to make an informed decision on the quality of care their children will receive. Written feedback from parents indicates that they are satisfied with the care being offered by the childminder and comments include, 'My child has progressed so much in the childminder's care. We both feel very secure in the knowledge that she is caring for him so well.' There are opportunities for parents to discuss their child's day with the childminder and daily diaries are provided. This ensures they are kept well-informed of their child's personal needs and behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All required checks on the childminder and household members are in place. The childminder organises her home to be safe and suitable for the children in her care. She has completed the initial training course for childminders and has implemented plans to develop her knowledge further by attending training courses.

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Organisation

Most documentation relating to the safety, health and welfare of the children is in place. Parents have not given consent to administer medication from pain relief or for the childminder to seek emergency treatment. Regulatory requirements are met. The childminder has a range of policies and procedures, which she uses to underpin her practice. The childminder is aware of the procedure to follow if a child is not collected, however, a policy has not been considered or shared with the parents. She displays her certificate of registration and complaints poster for the benefit of parents. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides.

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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

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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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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 parents give permission to seek emergency advice and treatment and to administer pain relief in an emergency • ensure parents have been made aware of the non collected child policy

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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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