Childminder in Kensington and Chelsea

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289687 Inspection date 09 December 2005 Inspector Linda Close

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and family in the Earl's Court area of southwest London. One child of the family attends college and the other attends secondary school. The family lives in a two bed-roomed flat in a low rise residential block. The local authority is Kensington and Chelsea. Schools, parks, pre-schools, a library and shops are all within walking distance of the flat. The area is well served by public transport. All rooms, except the master bedroom and balcony, are used for childminding. The childminder speaks fluent English and Arabic. She is currently caring for three children under 8 years, some of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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, bright home environment where very good standards of hygiene are maintained. Children's continuing good health is prioritised by the childminder. She washes her own hands after nappy changes and before preparing food. Children also learn the importance of handwashing after using the toilet and before eating. Disposable paper towels are used in the home to prevent the spread of infection. Some children enjoy food that is provided by their parents. Their food is kept cool until needed and prepared in clean surroundings. For other children, sandwich fillings are provided by the childminder. However, these are not sufficiently varied. Children enjoy some fruit snacks and they have frequent drinks. Children have good opportunities for healthy exercise. They enjoy energetic play at the toddler group which they visit on a regular basis with the childminder. In good

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Helping children to be healthy

weather children are also taken to visit local parks for outdoor play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure home environment. They have sufficient space for play and rest in clean, tidy surroundings. Children have easy access to a large selection of good quality toys, stored at or near floor level. Their toys and resources are maintained in good condition. A low table and chairs provide comfortable seating for table-top play. Children's safety within the home is supported well. The childminder has assessed possible risks and taken appropriate steps to minimise them. For example, she has fitted a safety gate to the kitchen to prevent children from accessing this room. All sharp or toxic materials, electric sockets and low level glass have been removed or made inaccessible to children. Children's welfare is safeguarded in relation to child protection issues. The childminder has adopted an enthusiastic approach to training, recognises her responsibilities and is well informed. She can recognise the possible signs or

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

symptoms of ill-treatment and knows what steps to take if she is concerned.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have many valuable opportunities to play and learn during their time with the childminder. They benefit from her training which she puts into practise with enthusiasm. They learn to recognise and name colours, count aloud in play and take

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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 part in imaginative games. Children are gaining a wider vocabulary through worthwhile interactions with the childminder. She teaches them the names of fruits and vegetables in English, using clear speech at all times. Children enjoy making marks at the easel set up for their use in the lounge. They are proud of their drawings and enjoy talking about what they have drawn. Children can make independent choices from the extensive range of toys that are available for them. The childminder also promotes their independence in other ways. Children are encouraged to undertake small tasks, such as bringing things to the childminder and the youngest children feed themselves with appropriate assistance. Children's social skills are nurtured in play with other children. They learn to share

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and take turns on their regular visits to the local playgroup.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has established a good working relationship with parents and carers. Children enjoy continuity of care because the adults regularly share information about their diet, general health and their development. Discussions about children's sleep patterns are particularly useful. Children are not allowed to sleep too long during the day so they can enjoy a peaceful sleep at night. Most necessary permissions have been gained in writing from parents. The childminder actively promotes equality of opportunity for the children. She ensures that they learn to share and take turns fairly. They play with toys and resources that reflect a good cross section of the people in our community. They visit the playgroup so that they can become accustomed to interacting with a broad range of adults and children. Children's behaviour is managed well. They are calm, busy and content with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. They respond well to her enthusiasm and guidance and they are successfully distracted if they are mischievous. They benefit from a regular daily routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's undivided attention because she is well organised. Before children arrive she ensures that her housework is done and she arranges space and resources to meet their needs effectively. Adult members of the family were checked for suitability at registration. The childminder has a very enthusiastic attitude to training. She makes good use of her learning to enhance her work with the children. After attending a basic introductory course she successfully studied for a Diploma in Childminding Practice (DCP) and is currently working towards a further qualification. The childminder has a businesslike approach to her work with children. She

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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 maintains correct records of attendance and has appropriate medication and accident record books. Contract documents are completed and signed by parents. However, some important details about outings have not been included. The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • provide a wider range of snack foods for the children who are cared for after school • add details to contract documents for parents describing outings and activities enjoyed outside the home.

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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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