Childminder in Westminster

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 155029 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Margaret Jean Moore

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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 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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and three children. They live in a terrace house in the Queens Park, W10 area. The house is within walking distance of local shops, schools, and community reaction resources. All of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 There are four children on role, three children under 5 years and a 6 year old school pick up. She attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She also runs a parents drop-in and is a member of the National Childminding Association and has been assessed as an Accredited Childminder with Westminster Childminders Network and is in the process of completing her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder follows effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. They are cared for in a warm, clean, family environment where daily routines help children learn about health. The childminder praises the children frequently, they relate well to each other demonstrating a sense of well being. The childminder has completed a Foundation Course on Food and Hygiene, the kitchen is hygienic for the preparation of food. The food given to the children is nutritious and varied and they can help themselves to water and juice. There are good personal hygiene routines in place, children have access to their own face flannel and towel. A safe garden is available for the children to play independently, the large play equipment encourages the children's physical development. The children are taken out to local parks and drop-ins to meet other children developing their social skills

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk from accidents are minimised by the childminders approach to risk assessment and supervision of children throughout the time spent with her, however, one area for improvement is the access to the upstairs bathroom for example to ensure the children's safety at the top of the stairs. The children are very adept and able to move around the home freely and independently. This is achieved because the childminder encourages children's independence whilst raising their awareness of safety issues. Children are provided with a selection of safe play equipment suitable to their age and development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare with regular communication with parents. She has comprehensive policies and required documentation in place, for example

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 she has a current first aid certificate, she has Public Liability Insurance in place and has recently attended child protection training. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of the area child protection committee procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They achieve well because the childminder has attended childcare training and uses this knowledge to provide stimulating activities to promote children's development. Children settle well at the childminder's house and are happy and contented in her care. Children receive lots of cuddles and attention from the childminder, consequently children develop a strong sense of self; they build confidence and self esteem. Children socialise well through regular attendance at local groups including one that the childminder organises as part of the Childminding Network. A very good selection of play materials are provided for children, these are well organised, sorted into categories and children are able to self-select which encourages their choices and independence.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed and happy in the childminder's home because she values and respects their individuality. The childminder uses appropriate documentation and good methods of parent partnership for the children's well being for example progress records are completed so that the childminder has a clear picture and can fully meet the children's individual needs. The children respond well to positive encouragement and reinforcement of good behaviour; they know their limitations and boundaries within the setting. Children are offered a good selection of resources that develop their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. The childminder works well with children with special needs; she is aware of their needs and keeps accurate documentation, she also works in partnership with the parents for the children's overall wellbeing.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom the childminder provides. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the good quality of organisation and

p.4

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 well planned activities and information for parents. The home is well organised, and is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Children feel at home and at ease in this caring environment. Parents views are valued and the system in place to share information contribute to the children's sense of confidence and well-being.

p.4

Organisation

The planned daily routines are based on the individual needs of each child. All required documentation is in place and the childminder has sought to update her knowledge and understanding of child care, she has attended courses in Paediatric first aid, child protection and Food and Hygiene, Treasure Basket, Maketon, Birth to Three Matters and has almost completed an NVQ Level III which has a positive impact on the children's care, learning and play.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 safety precautions are in place to prevent children falling down the stairs.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5