Childminder in Hounslow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY265335 Inspection date 26 July 2005 Inspector Helen Ann Woods

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives with her husband, her brother, adult stepson and teenage son in a house situated in the London Borough of Hounslow. Her home is situated close to Heathrow airport, main public transport links, local schools and amenities. Only the ground floor areas of the house are used for childminding. She is currently caring for three children, aged under five years. The family have a boxer dog that is kept outside during the day. Overnight care is not provided.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean healthy environment where procedures are in place to maintain good levels of hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing and nappy changing. Policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication ensuring they are well cared for, however, the signed consent for any emergency medical treatment needs to ensure appropriate parental consent is clear. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are contagious. Children are offered a healthy diet that takes account of individual requirements and personal preferences such as vegetarian diets or using only specific meat products. Children are developing well physically through daily opportunities to climb, balance and slide on outdoor play equipment in the garden. Weekly outings to the park and local toddler group offer a wider range of physical activities and social interaction with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming home where children feel safe and secure. Space within the house and in the garden is well organised allowing children to move about safely and independently. Risks have been identified and acted upon for example, providing an area for the dog away from the children and removing a screw found in the fence. Toys and resources are checked regularly to ensure that there are no broken parts to harm them. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues with the relevant policies and procedures in place to ensure the children's safety. She would recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and understands her role in keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play enthusiastically with a very good range of toys and resources, which promote their learning. They are curious and excited by the wide range of activities offered, for example, making puppets to illustrate story time. Children develop their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks children questions and encourages them to chat. Children enjoy listening to a range of stories and they have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills when drawing and painting. Children's imagination is encouraged when reading stories by the use of finger puppets and pictures.

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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 Children are using their senses to explore, they enjoy listening to music and singing simple rhymes. Children involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of warm, individual attention, which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder and make themselves at home; they select toys independently and help themselves to drinks. They have time to be active and relax for example, listening to music and stories. A range of resources reflecting different cultures, gender and disability enable children to gain a positive image and to learn about the world they live in. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child’s individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children’s routines, activities and progress are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is well organised to ensure children feel at home and can move around with confidence and be independent. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. The childminder has completed an Introduction to Childminding course and many workshops which have enhanced her skills and knowledge in childcare. Written policies and procedures are put into practice to ensure children are well cared for. These are shared regularly with parents, keeping them informed about the service and their child’s progress. The childminder has a professional approach to the care of children by keeping her records in good order and confidential. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • improve children's safety by making fence safe. • ensure Ofsted telephone number is on the complaints procedure.

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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

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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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