Vassell, Bilonda

Inspection report for early years provision

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137721 Unique Reference Number 26 November 2007 Inspection date Bharti Vakil 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 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 has been registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and three school age children in Kingsbury, in the London borough of Brent. The living room on the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. Children over eight years also attend. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-school groups to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about simple hygiene practices and personal care through their daily routine such as washing hands after toileting and before eating. They have use of wet-wipes

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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 and paper-towels to prevent the spread of infection. Overall, children's health and welfare is promoted as the childminder maintains satisfactory levels of hygiene in her home. However, the nappy changing procedure may compromise children's welfare as the childminder uses newspapers on changing mat during nappy changes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed a recognised first aid course which enables her to respond appropriately in the event of children sustaining minor injuries. Relevant documentation is in place to support children's health and well-being. Children are protected from unnecessary illness because the childminder ensures they do not attend if they are un-well or suffering from infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder liaises with parents and carers regarding meal provision, allergies or preferences. Drinks and food provided by parents are stored appropriately. The childminder encourages children to take frequent drinks throughout the day. Children are provided with varied snacks such as sandwiches, fresh fruit and occasionally biscuits and crisps.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular exercise. Older children walk to and from school and they make regular trips to the local parks. They have opportunities to climb, balance and slide on large play equipment and run around. Younger children have regular opportunities to visit the local toddler groups. They enjoy playing with pull and push along toys and explore a wider range of activities. These activities promote children's overall physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well settled in their environment as the childminder's home is adequately furnished and equipped. There is room for children to play on the floor in the main play area, the living room. Children independently select activities from the good range of resources stored in the living room. The equipment and toys are clean and are checked regularly by the childminder to ensure they are safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Overall, children are kept safe by suitable steps taken to minimise hazards on the premises. The childminder has developed appropriate fire evacuation procedure and has practised it with the children. There are smoke alarms on each level of the home and a fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen. However, there are hazards which can be accessible to children; the loose flexes have not been secured safely, a container of air-freshener and stinging nettles in the garden are accessible to children. A safer environment prevents accidents and enables children to explore and learn independently and confidently. The childminder transports children in her car however, she has not obtained parents written permission. This is required to support children's welfare and care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has sound understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. For example, she is aware of the indicators of possible abuse and knows the procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children are becoming competent learners as they involve themselves in activities which are suitable for their age and stage of development. They happily retrieve and investigate various items from the low level shelves and storage boxes, for example, musical and interactive

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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 toys. Children are happy and comfortable in the care of the childminder. Children involve the childminder in their play and they receive good attention. This enables them to extend their learning experiences, in a supportive environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are making progress in various areas of their development as the childminder provides a good range of play opportunities both inside and outside the home. Children enjoy regular trips to child friendly settings such as library and toddler groups. This gives them opportunities to listen to stories, explore new activities and enjoy relationships with other children. A wide range of play materials are available to children at home and they play happily with them, for example, shape sorters, puzzles, books, creative materials, musical toys are all enjoyed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their vocabulary as the childminder encourages conversation. They enjoy looking at books with the childminder. Children have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills as they draw, paint and chalk. They learn about shape and space as they play with shape sorters and ft puzzles. This enables children to develop early mathematical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with good opportunities to develop their physical skills. They regularly walk to and from school, play in the garden and visit the local parks where they have opportunities to climb, balance and slide on large play equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy as their individual needs are met. Children turn to the childminder for both comfort and play. They are developing their confidence as the childminder praises their efforts. This encourages them to try new activities in a safe and supportive environment. Children's awareness of diversity is increasing through discussions about significance of various celebrations and access to meaningful resources. This promotes a positive view of the wider world and increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages. The childminder uses age appropriate and positive methods to manage any inappropriate behaviour that may arise. The childminder has a positive attitude towards looking after children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a flexible service to parents. She has formed a positive relationship with them, working in partnership to ensure consistent care is given to the children. This contributes significantly to the children's well-being. There is a daily exchange of information about the children's routine, care and activities. The childminder has displayed her certificate of registration where parents can see it. This is required to ensure parents are aware of the conditions of registration. The childminder is not aware of the guidance to the National Standards 2005 regarding complaints from parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for children and overall, she meets their welfare and care needs.

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Organisation

Overall, steps have been taken to make the home safer for children's well-being. However, further precautions are required to ensure children's safety and welfare. The childminder's

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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 procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The required paperwork is maintained and this contributes to the safety and welfare of the children. However, the childminder does not have written consent for minded children to be transported in her car.

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Organisation

Children are happy and they respond warmly to the individual attention they receive. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to: complete an appropriate first aid course, which includes training in first aid for infants and young children; and obtain written permission from parents for their child to be transported in a vehicle.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has completed a suitable first aid course which ensures children receive appropriate attention if needed. Although, the childminder has obtained written permission from parents for outings, written permission for transporting children in her car is not in place and remains as an area of improvement. This is required to support children's welfare and care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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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): • make suitable arrangements for nappy changing • take further steps to ensure children's safety and obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle • update knowledge and understanding of the complaints procedure in line with the revised National Standards.

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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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