Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344128 Unique Reference Number 11 September 2007 Inspection date Daphne Prescott 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 husband and one child aged two years in Ealing in the London borough of Ealing. The whole of the flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five, part time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children health is promoted as the childminder sustains a good level of cleanliness throughout her home. For example, younger children are able to play and crawl on the floor with no risk to their health. The childminder ensures good hygiene practices to minimise cross infection,

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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 for example, she has a policy for excluding children with infectious illness. The childminder has good knowledge and understanding of the requirements for administering first aid and medications ensuring all documents are kept appropriately. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to confidently deal with any medical emergencies should they occur, which helps promote children's wellbeing. However, the childminder has not requested written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency treatment for children's wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good appreciation of providing healthy foods. From a young age she encourages children to have a positive attitude to healthy eating. Children are fed according to their dietary needs and parents of younger children provide their own food. Babies are fed according to their individual feeding routine. They have a lovely time being fed as the childminder holds the baby in her arms and they snuggle up after being fed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide range of outdoor play activities for fresh air and exercise which promotes their wellbeing and helps them to acquire good physical skills. They have regular opportunities to walk in the local park and use the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder creates a warm, welcoming environment, where children can play safely and securely. Children are able to choose from a wide range of play materials, which have been carefully selected to support the developmental needs of children at different ages and stages. They can safely select their own toys because they are displayed attractively and accessibly. Babies are able to explore independently, while the strategic use of a safety gate ensures their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder assesses risks carefully and responds effectively to potential hazards. The childminder carries out regular checks on the toys and equipment to make sure children are not exposed to any hazards. Written emergency escape plans have been devised. The childminder carries out regular fire drills with the children to ensure that they can be evacuated quickly from the premises, for their safety and wellbeing. However, the fire blanket is not installed following the manufacturer's instructions, to further promote children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. The childminder is aware of the indicators of abuse and the procedures for reporting any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies are nurtured in a warm and comfortable environment. The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables them to develop a sense of belonging and trust. Babies have access to a wide range of toys and resources, which are set out attractively in the play area each day for them to explore and enjoy. They are happily exploring their surroundings as they play with a good range of toys and resources which help them to make progress in all areas of learning. Daily routines flow smoothly, and take into account the children's individual needs. For example, the childminder adapts her routine to accommodate babies who prefer to nap at

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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 periodic times. Babies are given close contact and reassurance by the childminder, helping them to feel safe and secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is busy interacting with children and encourages them in their play. She talks to babies about what they are doing and what is happening to encourage them to use gestures and babble, imitating sounds as they begin to find their voice. They enjoy playing with sound making toys and exploring, and investigate different textures and shapes with their hands helping to develop their senses. Stories, songs and rhymes also form a regular part of the babies' experiences. They are having lots of fun whilst learning through play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to settle well in the childminder's home. Their individual needs are met because the childminder discusses with the parents their care needs and she spends time getting to know the children well. Through the variety of resources provided, children are developing a positive view of the wider world. For instance, children have access to a variety of books and activities that represent people of different cultures. Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses age-appropriate and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise, such as distraction techniques to engage children in other activities. She gives the children praise and encouragement when they have done something well. This helps develop their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed good working relationships with the parents and as a result children receive good consistency of care. They work together to meet the child's individual care and developmental needs. Children’s routines and activities are shared with parents daily. Documentation is shared with parents so they are well informed about the care their child is receiving.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable within the childminder's home environment. She ensures that children are supervised when they are playing indoors and outdoors to keep them safe. The childminder is aware that the fire blanket needs to be appropriately accessible. She organises the day to include a good variety of indoor and outdoor play activities. This helps to ensure the progress of children's individual development and learning. Through flexible routines, she meets the children's individual needs effectively, for example, nappy changing, playing and resting. They receive a lot of warm individual attention to promote their emotional wellbeing.

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Organisation

The childminder is aware of her role as a childminder and ensures that children are cared for appropriately. However, the childminder has not completed the required childminder's pre-registration course, which helps towards developing her work as a childminder and enhance the care she provides for children. The childminder maintains most of the required documentation and shares it with parents to keep them informed about the service provided and the child's daily activities. The record of attendance is appropriately documented and the certificate of registration is displayed for parents to see. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides for.

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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 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): • request written parental consent for obtaining emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • ensure that a fire blanket is fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions • ensure that the local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course is completed.

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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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