Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY268489 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2008 Inspection date Lisa Jane Cupples Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her partner and three children in a house in West Drayton, Middlesex. The house is situated in a residential area within walking distance of shops, a park, a library, primary schools and local bus routes. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have one dog, one rabbit, two guinea pigs and a covered fish pond in the rear garden.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five minded children at any one time and is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through daily discussions and routines. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times. However, the

p.2

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 children use the same hand towel which does not help to prevent the possible spread of infection. The childminder has an exceptionally clear understanding of the procedures to follow when administering medication. The parents give written consent prior to the medication being given and they sign to acknowledge the entries, helping to keep them informed at all times. The childminder also obtains written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, to help prevent a delay in treating the child if an emergency occurs.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to develop their physical skills and benefit greatly from the fresh air on a daily basis. The childminder ensures the children go outside, making good use of the secure garden, using local parks and walking the family dog.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a flexible approach to providing snacks and meals for the children. She provides light, nutritious snacks and cooks main meals in the evenings. Children are beginning to learn about the importance of healthy eating through discussion and the children talk about the types of food that are good for them. The childminder provides a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables for the children and they have access to fresh drinking water at all times, promoting their good health. The childminder discusses the needs of each child with the parents and records information about their allergies, dietary, medical and cultural requirements, ensuring their needs are being met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises, resources and equipment are clean and well-maintained, providing a safe and secure play and learning environment for the children. They have access to the whole premises and there is ample space for the children to move around freely. Children have access to an extensive range of age and stage appropriate toys and play materials. They are stored in toy boxes in the lounge at a low level, encouraging the children to make choices and develop their independence effectively.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted effectively because the childminder is vigilant and removes any possible risks to children. For example, the pond in the rear garden is fenced off making it inaccessible to children and is also covered. The sheds and gates are kept locked, preventing the children from leaving the premises or visitors gaining entry without the childminder's knowledge. All plug sockets are covered and a stair gate is used to prevent the youngest children from using the stairs unaccompanied. All cleaning fluids and sharp knives are stored out of the reach. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions, activities and routines. For example, the childminder ensures fire drills are practised monthly to ensure children are fully aware of the procedures to follow if an emergency occurs while they are in the childminder's care.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an extremely clear understanding of child protection procedures and would contact the relevant agencies to safeguard the children in her care. The childminder would recognise the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and would record all concerns for future reference. The childminder ensures the parents are aware of her responsibility towards safeguarding the children who attend.

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 benefit from the high quality interaction with the childminder. She plays on the floor at their level and engages them in purposeful conversation. The childminder increases the children's vocabulary by introducing new words at every opportunity. She responds well to their needs, providing additional resources and play materials to ensure they are interested and occupied throughout their time at the setting. The childminder has a clear understanding of child development and provides an extensive range of activities and play materials to reflect the children's age and stage of development. The childminder works in partnership with other settings to promote the children's development and learning in all areas. For example, she is currently working on colours in line with the nursery one of the children attends.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn to handle books correctly and enjoy listening to stories. The childminder talks to the children about the pictures and helps them to understand the stories. For example, talking about the tunnels the trains go through and how they go over bridges. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations well during free-play as they make up stories and invent characters with the miniature world figures and resources. Children are extremely settled and happy in the care of the childminder. They have high levels of self-esteem, chatting confidently, sharing their ideas and suggesting new activities as they play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and ensures all the children have equal access to the play materials, activities and resources. She ensures they are given equal attention and responds well to their needs. The childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families well, enabling her to talk about siblings and other family members, making the children feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder has a range of multi-cultural resources that reflect a diverse community and help the children to begin to understand the world around them. The childminder also uses the local library to enhance the range of resources she has at home.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has an extremely positive approach towards caring for all children and is happy to liaise with other agencies to support the children and their families. The childminder works closely with all the parents to ensure the individual needs of the children are being met in the best possible way. Children behave exceptionally well because they know exactly what is expected of them. Children benefit from clear rules and boundaries that the childminder implements consistently, ensuring children develop a good sense of right and wrong. The childminder uses a star chart system and lots of praise and encouragement to reinforce the children's positive behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the strong relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder provides a written daily diary for the youngest children, detailing their sleep routines, diet and toileting, helping to keep them fully informed. She also discusses the children's well-being and general activities at collection time.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's safety is promoted effectively because all adults in the household have been vetted and the childminder never leaves the children alone with visitors. The childminder continues to update her training to enhance the service she provides for the children in her care. The daily attendance register is accurate and well-maintained, including the children's full names and actual times of arrival and departure, ensuring a full record is kept at all times. The childminder has a very good understanding of the requirements of registration and all the required documentation is in place and well-maintained. Most procedures are implemented effectively to promote the children's health, safety and general well-being. Confidentiality is maintained at all times, building strong and trusting relationships with the parents.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the emergency evacuation plan is practised. The childminder and the children now practise fire drills at least once a month to ensure they know what to do in an emergency.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted received one complaint that required the provider to take action in order to meet the National Standards. The complaint related to National Standard 1: Organisation, National Standard 6: Safety, National Standard 11: Behaviour, National Standard 12: Partnership with Parents and National Standard 14: Documentation. The concern was regarding the childminder's disciplining of her teenage child and the impact this may have on her suitability to care for minded children. Ofsted conducted an unannounced visit to investigate the concern. Following the visit no actions were raised relating to the concern, however two actions were set under National Standard 14: Documentation. The registered person remains qualified for registration.

p.5

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.

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): • implement procedures to help prevent the possible spread of infection, with regard to hand washing.

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 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

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