Cosgrave, Mrs Sarah

Inspection report for early years provision

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154266 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2008 Inspection date Julie Biddle 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 was registered since 2001. She lives with her husband, one adult child and one school aged child, in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor areas are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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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. There are currently two children on roll.

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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 good. Children benefit from a balanced diet and are offered regular drinks. They enjoy varied healthy snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents, for instance children enjoy fresh and dried fruit. Parents currently provided main meals for children that are stored and reheated appropriately by the childminder.

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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 The children are happy in the warm and clean environment. The childminder has appropriate hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. For example, the children do not attend if they are unwell with infectious illnesses and children are reminded to wash their hands before eating meals. The childminder has current first aid certificate, as a result, she treats accidents in line with current good practice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a selection of activities which contribute to their health and develop their physical skills. There are regular outdoor activities that take place in local parks, where children enjoy ball games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they had been harmed and the procedure to follow to report such concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from playing in a suitably organised environment, which allows them to move around freely. Space is organised to meet the children's needs and enables them to play, eat and rest in comfort. Toys and play materials for younger children are stored so children can reach them easily and make choices about their play. All equipment and play materials are clean and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is important to the childminder as she has eliminated all obvious safety hazards from her home. In addition, an escape plan from the premises has been devised by the childminder and practised with the children to ensure they would be able to leave the home safely and quickly in the event of an emergency. Children are encouraged to cross the road safely by looking for the green and red man.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder spends time playing with the children and makes sure all children receive her attention. She has a good understanding of providing a range of activities and play experiences when caring children to help encourage their all round development. Children are spoken to in a warm, positive and respectful manner by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming independent as they choose from a wide range of resources that are well-organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning, are fun and are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. The children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in activities, such as listening to favourite stories and deciding what to buy when at the shops. The childminder and children have fun as they use creative resources for example as they make Mothers day cards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular trips to local parks and toddler groups where they are learning to socialise.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers which contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents and carers know how their children are progressing. The daily exchange of information with the parents about their children's activities and achievements helps the children to receive consistent care. In addition, the childminder has devised an informative folder which tells parents about her childminding service, along with clear written policies and procedures. This is shared with all new parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder and are secure in her care. The childminder is aware of individual personalities and the specific needs of children to relax after the school day. Children have varied opportunities to learn about diversity as the childminder has a selection of resources, which reflect positive images. Children celebrate special events in their lives by making and sending cards and making special lights during Diwali. The childminder has very positive attitude to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and works very hard to ensure she meets the needs of all the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour well. They are given clear rules and boundaries which helps them understand what is expected of them. They receive praise and encouragement which helps to build up their self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. At the time of inspection, the childminder was in breach of the conditions of her registration, by not having an accurate record of daily attendance.

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Organisation

Children’s well-being is supported as the childminder organises her time appropriately for the children, taking into account their routines and needs. This helps them to make progress and feel comfortable. Children are encouraged to make choices and self-select resources from low level drawers and boxes so that they are able to initiate their own play opportunities. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to enhancing her child care skills and knowledge by attending a variety of work shops and courses, such as 'arts and crafts and child protection'. In addition, she has produced a document containing detailed information about herself, her family and her policies and procedures. It is designed to show to parents to ensure that they are aware of the service that they and their child will receive

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Organisation

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 agreed to improve fire safety precautions throughout the premises, this has been completed meaning children are safe and protected in the event of a fire in the home. The provider also agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, this has been obtained and means children are treated appropriately if emergency medical treatment is needed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 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): • ensure the daily record of attendance is accurate

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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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