Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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147743 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2007 Inspection date Caren Carpenter 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 1994. The childminder lives with her husband and daughter in a four bedroom house which, is located within the London borough of Harrow. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding with toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder works with an assistant. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding 14 children. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and nurseries. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted, as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene throughout her home. They learn about the importance of washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet.

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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 Children enjoy eating fresh fruits and healthy nutritious meals such as, rice, spinach with plain yogurt, pasta and vegetables. Meals are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. Children recognise when they are thirsty and are offered regular drinks of water.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication which ensures children are well cared for. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are contagious. However, at rest times children share a large quilt and therefore there is a risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy exercise outdoors in the fresh air everyday as they climb, slide and run in the garden. This promotes a healthy life style.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is welcoming for children. Toys and resources are set out attractively and safely inviting children to play. Children are able to feel relaxed and at home as space has been organised well to meet their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move safely developing independence for example; they select toys and resources from toy boxes and shelves which are readily available to them. However, there are missed opportunities for children to sit in comfortable chairs at meal times. As a result, children do not begin to develop and learn social skills at meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because; the childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a warm and loving relationship with the childminder because, they are happy, content and secure in her care. For example, she spends plenty of quality time talking and responding extremely well to their individual needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested, explore and play purposefully with activities, sometimes for extended periods of time. This helps with increasing their concentration skills. Children are encouraged to choose activities for themselves and are equally supported in their choices. Children have good access to a wide range of toys and play resources to support their needs and development. They are learning well about colours, shapes and simple numbers. Children enjoy looking at books and listening to stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a nurturing, supportive and caring environment which, allows them to enjoy a good range of first-hand experiences. They are secure and settled because the childminder liaises very well with parents to ensure that they experience continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the world they live in as the childminder provides suitable toys and resources. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. As a result, children gain self-assurance and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of the children's individual needs, this means that children enjoy a flexible routine that allows them good opportunities to play, learn and develop at their own pace.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder’s knowledge and experience of caring for children with special needs enables them to be cared for appropriately. Children are well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement when they do something well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well cared for as the childminder has a good working relationship with the parents. She shares daily information with parents about their children's routine, individual needs, interests, developmental progress and experiences.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to feel relaxed and at home in the well-organised environment. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children which means their welfare, care and development needs are met effectively. Children are able to feel at home in the organised environment. The warm and comfortable home is welcoming for children. Their close relationship with the childminder helps them to feel safe and secure.

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Organisation

Children select toys and resources from toy boxes and shelves which are readily available to them. However, there are missed opportunities for children to sit in comfortable chairs at meal times. As a result, children do not begin to develop and learn social skills at meals times. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are contagious. However, at rest times children share a large quilt and therefore there is a risk of cross infection.

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Organisation

Records, written policies and procedures are put into practice to ensure children are well cared for. This also supports good working relationships with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to ensure that the daily attendance record shows the hours of attendance and who has care of the children; improve knowledge of signs of potential child abuse or neglect and the associated recording and reporting procedures and to increase resources which reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. Children's welfare is promoted because; the daily attendance register includes their arrival and departure times. The childminder's assistant details are readily available. Children are protected from harm because; the childminder has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. Children are beginning to learn about other people, as the childminder raises their awareness of cultural differences and varying needs. They are developing a positive image of themselves, their family

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Improvements since the last inspection

and the wider community as they have equal access to all toys and activities.

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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 the last inspection 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 that children are provided with their own individual beds at rest times • ensure that children are able to sit in comfort at meal times.

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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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