Childminder in Westminster

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY242470 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Catherine Greene

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 2003. She lives with her 4 children aged 16, 15, 11 and 9 years. They live in a four bed roomed flat on the first floor. The living room is the main area of the home used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed communal play area. The home is situated in a culturally diverse, residential area. There are local parks, playgrounds, drop in groups within walking distance, which the childminder uses as part of her childminding day. She is registered to care for 4 children aged under 8 years; of these, 3 may be aged under 5, and of these 1 may be aged under 1.

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 Overnight care is not provided. She has attended a local authority childminding registration course and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are nurtured well and cared for in a clean and well maintained home. The childminder has a thorough understanding of how to promote children's health and well being. Her good overall hygiene practice with children ensures their daily needs are well managed. Children are becoming independent and she is teaching them and supporting their development. She talks to them and praises their efforts when washing their hands after playing and before eating. The childminder has a clear policy regarding the care of sick children. This involves advising parents to keep their children at home when they are sick. If children fall sick in her care, she is sensitive and caring. She ensures that they are comfortable whilst waiting for their parents to arrive. Children eat healthy and nutritious food. The childminder has a good understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and promotes this well together with the parents. She

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

consults closely with parents about children's diets and provides healthy snacks of fresh fruit and promotes drinking water. Children's special dietary and health needs are catered for in a sensitive way to ensure they remain healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Safety is well promoted inside the childminder's well maintained and secure home. Children are able to move around comfortably and freely as space is organised with their needs in mind. The childminder is aware of good practical safety precautions and is pro active in protecting children from harm. This includes talking to children and parents about safety and firm arrangements for the safe arrival and collection of children. The childminder holds a valid First Aid certificate that is due for renewal in 2006. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and has completed child protection training with Westminster. There is a very good range of well maintained toys and equipment which are safe for children of all ages to enjoy.

p.3

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 are content and happily settled. Very young children develop good self esteem because the childminder is aware of and responds to their needs. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn. Children are provided with a range of sensory and play experiences that support their development and emotional needs well. The childminder's good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued. They benefit from her warm approach. She effectively builds on children's natural curiosity to extend their learning through play with music making, construction and simple craft activities. Activities are well balanced and include opportunities for children to socialise with others at local play activities and with friends. Children also enjoy a good range of outdoor play

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

opportunities in the communal play area and at local parks.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy in the childminder's home because she values and respects their individuality, culture and religion. The childminder's very good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued. Children are also warmly welcomed by the childminder's own family, this gives them a sense of belonging. Children's family backgrounds are valued and respected and their individual daily routine is followed and discussed carefully with parents. Equipment promoting diversity is very good providing positive images and raising the children's knowledge of the wider world and awareness of others. She has not experienced working with children with special needs yet, but she is interested in keeping up to date on recent developments through further training. She would be committed to providing support for children who may have SEN and will work closely with parents and other professionals to ensure children receive the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

appropriate support. She demonstrates a supportive relationship with parents who offer positive feedback. Parents input is valued sharing skills and knowledge about their children's activity throughout the year. On going communication is encouraged with a daily communication for each child and regular time set aside to discuss children's progress.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised, she has a routine that works well with children's interests as priority. Documentation relating to childminding activities are very well maintained and made available to parents. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's progress through daily feed back. This provides additional reassurance to parents that children's progress is being monitored. The childminder is well informed about child development, childminding standards

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 and keeps up to date with relevant health and safety publications. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to further developing her professional childcare skills and will attend early years training. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was set that the childminder ensure that parents signatures are obtained on all accident/incident records. This is now put in place to ensure that each child's welfare is promoted through good communication between the childminder and the child's parents.

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): • Develop understanding of child development guidance such as Birth to Three Matters to further enhance level of service offered

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