Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY289548 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2007 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 in 2004 lives with two daughter's in the London borough of Harrow. Children have access to a room set aside for childminding, rest and toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's health is promoted. She describes how children will learn the importance of good personal hygiene through routine daily practices, such as washing their hands at appropriate times. The childminder’s home is maintained to a suitable standard of cleanliness throughout. This means that children can play on the floor in the lounge with no risk to their health. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has systems in place to manage accidents and administer medication to ensure children’s health and welfare are maintained

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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 childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of ensuring children eat a healthy and balanced diet to maintain their growth and development. Meals and snacks provided include fresh fruit and vegetables. Systems are in place to gather information from parents about any particular dietary needs their child may have.

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Helping children to be healthy

The importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle in children is also recognised by the childminder. A well maintained back garden is available for outdoor play and regular walks to the park will take place to provide physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a home that is clean and well maintained. There is sufficient amount of space for them to play freely. They are able to access the toys easily which means that the children are able to make independent choices of the activities they wish to play with. However, not all of the resources are accessible, some are stacked on a high shelf with large play equipment in front, meaning children are tempted to climb to reach them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken precautions to ensure that her home is mostly free from hazards which means that children's safety is mainly maintained. The childminder has considered fire evacuation but has not practised it. The childminder is assisting the children to protect their own safety by gently reminding them to sit properly on the chairs and to carry items safely. Children are also learning to stay safe when out walking with the childminder because she teaches them how to cross the roads safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's commitment to protecting those in her care. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and her obligations to record and report any concerns she may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and very much at home in the childminder's warm care. They express themselves confidently using gesture, expression and language whilst choosing from a varied selection of activities. Children develop their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks children questions and encourages them to talk as they play. She listens with interest as they play with a farm and reminds them of the visit to a local farm as they make animal noises. Activities such as art and craft, keep the children busy and engaged. Children involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of warm, individual attention, which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences. The childminder follows children's established routines and parental requests. She has a sound knowledge of child development. This means that children's personal, social and emotional development is well supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates to the children that she values and respects them, by listening to them and joining in their conversations appropriately. As a result children's self-esteem is promoted very well through the positive interaction they experience. They receive lots of praise and encouragement as she joins in their activities, making animal noises as they read a book and play with farm animals. Children are learning to share, take turns and help one another.

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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 Clear consistent boundaries, based around safety and respect for property and people, are in place and enable children to maintain their good behaviour. Children are given experiences in the local community however, there are limited resources in the home to reflect the local or wider diverse world. The childminder has formed positive working relationships with parents that ensures continuity of care for children. Parents are provided with relevant information about the setting at the initial visit prior to the start of their child's placement. The childminder gives verbal feedback on a daily basis so that parents are well informed of their child's behaviour, food intake and activities that they have been involved in whilst in her care. A complaints procedure is in place however the poster for parents has not been made available.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are involved in a range of interesting, age appropriate activities in the childminding setting. The home is safe with the required safety measures in place however, the childminder has not practised the emergency escape plan. The childminder provides good levels of support enabling all the children to participate in all activities. The children have a suitable range of toys and resources to play with, however they are not all made accessible to them. All documents are in place as is required, they are shared with parents when needed and are stored in a manner that protects the children's confidentiality. Parents are kept well informed about their children's developmental progress and the service that the childminder offers. The poster to enable parents to contact the regulator is not made available.

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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 provider was required to develop understanding of child protection. She has done this meaning children are protected and safe when in her care. The provider was also required to develop understanding of dealing with behaviour management issues. The provider has done this meaning children have consistent messages about their behaviour and parents are involved with behaviour management issues.

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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

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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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

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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 children have sufficient space to play and access toys safely • practise devised emergency escape plan • increase resources that reflect diversity in the local and wider world • ensure the poster for parents is displayed or made available

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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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