Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY253555 Unique Reference Number 09 July 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children in a three bed room house, which is located within the London borough of Brent. Childminding takes place on the ground floor of the premises. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder collects from a local school. The childminder takes children to the local park, library and parent toddlers group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 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

Good policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication which ensures children are well cared for. They are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are infectious or unwell.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating as they enjoy eating fresh fruits and healthy nutritious meals. Meals are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. Children recognise when they are thirsty and are offered regular drinks of water and fruit juices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy exercise outdoors in the fresh air everyday as they climb, swing, 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. For example, they play, explore and move indoor and outdoor safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Suitable and well-maintained equipment is readily available to meet the children's individual needs such as, travel cot, high chair, buggy and nappy changing facilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children make choices in safe and secure surroundings. Potential risks have been identified and minimised to prevent accident, because the childminder has very good understanding of how to keep children safe. The childminder has minimised all potential hazards and risks both indoors and outside.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documents and procedures in place to ensure child's welfare is safe guarded and promoted. For example, she has appropriate written child protection procedures along with a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a secure, 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 the baby's 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. They are encouraged to choose activities for themselves and are equally supported in their choices and receive recognition for their achievements.

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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 have lots of fun as they make choices about what they want to play with. They participate in a range of activities such as painting, play dough, drawing and planting flowers and vegetables. They enjoy imaginative play as they dress up in a range of costumes. Children develop positive relationships with each other and involve each other in their play, as they begin to share and take turn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks questions and encourages conversation. This helps them make sense of the world. Children's mathematical skills are developed as they enjoy counting, recognising colours and shapes. They enjoy a secure, warm and loving relationship with the childminder. The childminder spends plenty of quality time talking and responding very well to the children's individual needs. Children enjoy regular trips to the local park, shopping, toddlers groups and the library. This provides further learning experiences for them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well motivated to explore and try new skills because the childminder encourages them in a lively way and rewards them with lots of praise. They benefit from a nurturing, supportive and caring environment which, allows them to enjoy a good range of first-hand experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about other people, as the childminder raises their awareness of cultures and differences and varying needs. They are developing a positive image of themselves, their family and the wider community as they have equal access to all toys and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder’s knowledge and experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities 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. They respond well to the childminders clear and simple rules for acceptable behaviour. Children are very helpful as they help to tidy away toys and enjoy being helpers.

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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. A daily communication book is used effectively between the childminder and parents to share information about their children's routine and their developmental progress. Parents are provided with quality written information about the service the childminder provides. As a result, children receive consistent care.

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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. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are very happy in her care.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the good routine which enables the childminder to provide a high level of support and to maximise the time she spends playing with the children. The childminder is

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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 organised. Children benefit from a variety of outings to the park and pre-school groups where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her practice to benefit the children and regularly attends training to enhance her skills and knowledge. For example, she is presently completing an early years child care course. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and understanding of Birth to three matters by attending future training.

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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 children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. Children are developing positive images of themselves and others as they play with toys and resources such as, dolls, books and puzzles. Children are well cared for during emergency, because parents have provided written permission for seeking medical emergency treatment.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has 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): • develop greater knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework to further enhance the quality of care and learning for children.

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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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