Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221855 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Sandra Laura Bates 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 good. 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 lives with her husband and their two children, only one of whom is aged under eight years. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part time basis, except during school holidays when three attend full time.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The property is situated in a residential road in Feltham, Middlesex, close to the town centre, schools, pre-schools and other local amenities. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the house with access to an upstairs bedroom for sleeping children. There are washing and toileting facilities on both the ground and first floors. There is a securely enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder makes regular use of other play venues and places of interest.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two Springer Spaniel dogs which generally accompany the childminder's husband to work each day and are therefore seldom present during minding hours.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local authority early years quality assurance scheme.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in very clean and well managed surroundings. Children independently access well resourced washing and toileting facilities. They begin to learn how to manage their own personal hygiene needs as they take a tissue to blow their noses or show their developing skills as they use the 'big' toilet under the childminder's appreciative supervision. Children rest in comfort in a travel cot if age appropriate. Children are protected from possible cross infection due to the childminder's clear policy regarding the accommodation of sick children. They receive appropriate care in the event of an accident because the childminder has the required qualification and resources to manage such situations effectively. However, the first aid kit is not stored in an identifiable container and includes some items that are only suitable for specific children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children freely access their own drinks in individual containers, and older children help to make their drinks and serve themselves. Children sit together, safely restrained in suitable chairs, to eat the packed meals provided by their parents. They enjoy the additional snacks provided by the childminder such as some fresh fruit at mid-morning. The childminder records what the children eat in their individual daily diaries.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in a safe and secure environment. The childminder's home is very child orientated and is warm and welcoming to children and adults. The childminder identifies all potential hazards and takes appropriate steps to reduce risks to children. She ensures that there are age appropriate safety features such as stair gates, socket covers and smoke detectors in place, and regularly practises her fire evacuation plan with the children so that they will know how to respond in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use safe and suitable resources that are maintained in a clean and hygienic way. The childminder stores the play materials so that children can reach suitable items easily whilst ensuring that very young children, for instance, cannot access resources that have small parts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted due to the childminder's secure understanding of child protection issues. She is very clear about her role and responsibility towards the children and knows the steps to take if she has any concerns. A written, up to date policy, which is shared with parents, ensures that all parties are well informed in this respect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely well settled and at home in the childminder's care. She greets them enthusiastically, talking to them about the day as they take off coats. The childminder tells the children how clever they are as they begin to manage this independently. They talk about how wet the buggy has become and this develops into a discussion about the weather. Children benefit enormously from the manner in which the childminder continuously uses the everyday routines and children's play choices to extend their thinking and learning. She is constantly aware of what the children are doing and makes them her focus at all times.

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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 Children make very good use of the wide range of play materials set out for them to choose from. They play together and make a farm scene with the childminder's support, happily putting a train or tractor in and out of the barn. The childminder plans activities based on the children's preferences or themes from other sources, such as school for example, and these are often linked to the festivals and traditions of a variety of cultures and religions. They celebrate Eid together, sharing gifts and using a book to help all the children get to know about this holy day. Children participate in regular cooking activities such as making and icing ginger bread men. They take part in a great range of outings to play venues and places of interest that stimulate their knowledge of the wider world. These are sometimes linked to the childminder's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

own learning experiences such as organising an outing to the fire station following her own fire safety training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children flourish in the atmosphere of care and respect that the childminder creates in her home. She praises the children all the time for their achievements and any small kindnesses towards each other. Children show affection towards the childminder, cuddling in comfortably with her for a shared story, and also demonstrate this towards each other on occasions. Children have lots of fun and both children and the childminder clearly delight in one another's company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and caters effectively for their individual needs. The childminder's equal opportunities policy is very positive and pro-active and this is reflected in her daily practice. The range of resources and activities provided reflects the socially diverse community from which the children are drawn. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are well supported. The childminder plans activities that take into account the child's preferences and abilities, and help such children make progress. She is very thoughtful and considers how the impact of her care might help and support a child's other family members.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well due to the childminder's calm and positive approach. She explains the reasons for any requests she makes of them so that they know why it is important. For example, children are encouraged to tidy up before a snack so that the play area does not become cluttered. The childminder's policy is based on recognising and valuing children's positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides a comprehensive portfolio of information about her service which is shared with parents. The welcoming introductory page is presented in a range of languages. She ensures that parents are familiar with her policies and procedures so that there is consistency between their homes and her setting. The childminder invites constructive comment from parents and makes sure that they have the information that they need if they wish to make a complaint. Feedback from parents is very positive.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is extremely well organised in both her practical service on a day to day basis, and in her business arrangements. She plans effectively to ensure that children have a broad and varied experience in her care. The childminder undertakes a wide range of training and participates in a quality assurance scheme. She is totally committed to enhancing the professionalism of her role through on-going training. She has an excellent attitude towards

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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 changing regulatory requirements, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and works towards establishing appropriate practices for the future.

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Organisation

All the regulatory documentation is in place and is very well maintained. There is a comprehensive range of further supporting records and documents including a portfolio of policies and procedures that under-pin the service. 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 asked to provide a separate book in which to record any serious incidents or concerns. The provider records any such occurrences in the relevant section of the National Childminding Association document which is designed for this purpose. The document is maintained in such a way as to ensure the confidentiality of any entries.

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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 any 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 good. 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 that there is an easily identified, and readily accessible, first aid kit that contains only those items that are suitable for use for all children

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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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