Childminder in Ealing

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY136603 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 10 and 7 years, in Greenford in the London Borough of Ealing. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care.

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 The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a rabbit as a pet. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a range of healthy and nutritious food that takes account of their individual dietary needs. The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children enjoy a healthy diet to maintain their growth and development. She serves a range of home-made meals that includes plenty of fresh vegetables. The childminder is developing the children's understanding of maintaining fitness as they routinely walk to local places of interest. Trips to the local nature reserve enables them to benefit from healthy exercise. The back garden also provides a suitable environment for children to enjoy outdoor play. Children's health is promoted as the minder maintains a high level of cleanliness throughout her home. They are developing good self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The spacious home allows children to play freely and comfortably. Keeping children safe has high priority, particularly in the event of an emergency. Smoke alarms are fitted and an emergency escape plan has been devised and practised to ensure the quick and safe evacuation from the home of all the children, should the need arise. Children are developing a good understanding of keeping safe on outings because the childminder makes sure they listen to her when they are out, and follow her instructions. For example, stopping at the kerb and watching for the "green man" before crossing the road. However, written permission from parents to take children on trips has not been obtained. Younger children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety as the childminder has a wide range of suitable furniture and equipment, such as a travel cot and child-size table and chairs. All the furniture and play equipment is clean and in good

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

condition to ensure children will not be harmed. The wellbeing of the children in the childminder's care is further safeguarded as she holds a first aid certificate and so could give immediate assistance to a child should the need arise. She also has a sound understanding of child protection matters, in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) procedures.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and resources that promote their learning in a variety of areas, such as mathematics. Their vocabulary is developing as the childminder asks questions to encourage them to think and chat. For example, "what does it smell like?" Children are also developing their imaginations and creativity through an assortment of resources, such as a doctor’s kit and a well-equipped dolls house. The play equipment is well presented and inviting for children to explore. A knowledge and understanding of nature and the wider world is also fostered by the childminder as children are taken on regular walks to the local nature park. They look at the trees in the changing seasons, as well as identifying the bird-life and feeding the ducks. Children are relaxed and happy in the care of the childminder. They relate well to her and her family. The interaction is warm and affectionate and children are becoming

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

confident to express their needs and wishes. The childminder's understanding of how to meet the developmental needs of younger children is supported using the Birth to three matters framework.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The warm, affectionate care given by the childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging and trust. Children are very well behaved as the childminder applies consistent boundaries for acceptable behaviour, such as not jumping on the furniture, and gives plenty of praise and encouragement when appropriate. Children are learning to be kind and respectful towards each other because the childminder acts as a good role model. Good manners are encouraged and children are valued as individuals. Children are well settled and comfortable in the home because the childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents. This means that there is consistency of care, and all relevant information is regularly exchanged. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources that enable them to begin to develop an understanding of diversity within society, and respect for others. For

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

example, through books and children's television programmes which reflect positive images of different cultures and abilities. However, the childminder needs to gain knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to ensure that she is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider.

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 The childminder is well organised in her daily routine to meet the needs of all the children. The day is planned to include quiet times indoors and physical exercise outdoors. This helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress. Written information is detailed, and kept up-to-date to ensure accuracy, thereby safeguarding the wellbeing of the children. The family home is very clean and offers sufficient space for children to play freely and safely. Play equipment is well presented and appealing for children to access in a hygienic and safe environment. 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, the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This has been addressed by having a selection of appropriate books available for the children. They give a positive reflection of different races and cultures. The childminder also talks to the children about similarities and differences between people to ensure they learn about themselves and the wider community.

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): • obtain written permission from parents to take children on outings. • increase knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in relation to its impact upon service providers

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 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.6