Lift Montgomery

Inspection report for early years provision

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138864 Unique Reference Number 25 June 2007 Inspection date Keriann Belcher 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 1995. She lives with her partner and three children aged six, 12 and 14 years in Ruislip Gardens in the London Borough of Hillingdon. All of the house is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child full time and three children after school and in the holidays.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two cats. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a healthy and hygienic environment where the childminder gives high priority to ensuring that children's individual needs are met. She takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises clean and protecting children from infection. Children begin to learn about good personal hygiene practices as part of the daily routine and

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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 through discussions with the childminder. They wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, touching the cats and playing outside. When changing nappies she ensures the changing mat is cleaned after every use and that nappies are disposed of appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder adheres to parents' wishes and ensures that any dietary and medical needs are clearly stated on the children's records. Children enjoy a good balance of nutritious snacks prepared by the childminder or from packed lunches prepared by the parents. Regular drinks are readily available and which older children can access themselves. The childminder obtains written permission for emergency procedures and holds a current first aid certificate to safeguard children’s welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Physically, children are developing well through regular walks in the local community, climbing, running and jumping when visiting local parks and when playing in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is well maintained, clean and welcoming to children and their families. She keeps areas of the home secure and generally ensures safety equipment is in place to minimise risks, such as safety gates and socket covers. However, the large trampoline in the garden does not have the appropriate safety protection, which could compromise children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a suitable range of good quality resources available, which meet the learning needs, and interests of the minded children. They are easily accessible, which enables children to make their own choices and extend their learning through play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A clear child protection policy safeguards children’s welfare and the childminder shares this with parents. She has a good understanding of all issues and is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy in the warm, homely atmosphere. They play comfortably with the large selection of appropriate toys and activities that have been set out attractively. For example, building with Lego or pushing vehicles around the floor.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are secure with the childminder and enjoy lots of creative activities such as bark rubbings, painting and chalking on the garden paths. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and they regularly visit places of interest such as the zoo, pooh trail and the wacky warehouse. Toys and equipment are well placed, allowing children to help themselves and make independent choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's self-esteem is fostered through positive interaction with the childminder. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement as she involves herself with their play. She has begun to provide a meaningful range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world.

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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 Clear consistent house rules, based around safety and respect for property and people, are in place, which enable children to develop self-discipline. Children mix socially with others encouraging them to learn respect for differing cultures and abilities. They are able to feel good about themselves and develop their self-image as the childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents work together to meet the child's individual care and developmental needs. Children's routines and activities are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. Children use all available play space in and outside the home. Good organisation means that they have sufficient space to sit, play and move freely around those areas used for minding.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder takes steps to reduce hazards. However, some of the garden play equipment has not been risked assessed, which compromises children's safety.

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Organisation

All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely and made available for inspection.

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Organisation

Children are involved in a range of interesting age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting. The childminder provides good levels of support enabling all the children to participate in all activities.

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Organisation

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 asked to ensure nappy changing procedures are reviewed and parents are asked to sign records to confirm requested supplements have been given to their children. The childminder has purchased a mat for changing baby's nappies and has written parental permission to administer any form of medication or supplements. This ensures that children's safety and welfare is protected.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to; record the hours the children attend. A register of the times the children arrive and depart is now kept, which ensures that an accurate record of children's attendance is held.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has begun to purchase resources such as, books and dolls that have positive images of gender, disability and culture. This enables children to have a wider understanding of the wider world.

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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 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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Complaints 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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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 the outdoor play equipment is risk assessed

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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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