Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY289166 Unique Reference Number 29 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. She lives with son, in the London borough of Harrow. The lounge and bedroom is used for childminding. There is no garden, however the childminder makes use of local parks.

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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 and there are currently two children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally promoted as the childminder's home is clean and this enables them to play on the floor with no risk to their health. The childminder's first aid certificate has recently lapsed, which means that she does not have up-to-date knowledge of how to administer first aid effectively should the need arise. In addition she does not have written permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical treatment. Consequently she may not take appropriate measures if children are sick or injured.

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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 understands the importance of ensuring children eat a healthy diet that takes account of their individual dietary needs. A social occasion is created at meal times as children eat together around the dining table.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes the children to the local park, where they enjoy opportunities to play on swings and slides. However, this is not on a regular basis meaning outdoor challenges and experiences are limited.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy spreading out their toys on the floor in the lounge. Play materials are selected by the children from a box stored in the bedroom and are taken through to the lounge to use. The satisfactory range of play materials is appropriate for the ages of the children and allows them to learn through their play. As well as being able to eat comfortably at the table, children also sleep in comfort and safety as a cot is available. All toys and equipment are clean and in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety in the event of a fire is important to the childminder. She has appropriately located smoke alarms and has devised an evacuation plan from the home. However, the plan has not been practised to ensure that she is able to leave the home safely and quickly in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder makes sure children learn how to keep safe when near the road. They hold onto the buggy as they walk along, and understand why they have to stop and look out for cars before crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse or neglect. She however, has out of date information regarding local safeguarding children procedures, consequently she does not have up-to-date knowledge of how to put the procedure into practice effectively should the need arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder gives them warm and gentle care. The interaction between the childminder and the children is satisfactory, which helps children to feel safe and secure. Children also play with the childminder's own children and are learning to share and take turns. Children enjoy watching television with the childminder she interacts with them as they watch.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a selection of resources that are suitable for their ages and interests. For example, the children enjoy playing with the small animals and a play till. The resources are accessible to the children as they are stored in a way which children can easily access. The childminder also rotates the toys on a regular basis to ensure children's levels of interest are maintained.

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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 satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder. She ensures that she finds out all about the child from the parents so that appropriate and consistent care is given. Children are also given praise and encouragement to enable them to develop good self-esteem and confidence. Consequently, children are beginning to approach the childminder to express their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have very little opportunity to learn about the local or wider community as there are very limited resources that reflect diversity, in addition the children are not regularly taken out in the community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the relationship the childminder has with parents. She exchanges all relevant information with them each day to ensure consistency of care. However, the poster for parents has not been made available, meaning parents are unaware of how to contact the regulator, in addition the childminder has a limited knowledge of the procedure to follow in the event of a complaint about her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning right and wrong in ways they understand as the childminder uses positive strategies to manage any behavioural difficulties that arise. These include offering explanations to the child and working with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has made the home satisfactorily safe, comfortable and welcoming for children. Resources are easily accessible as they are stored within children's reach. This means that children are enabled to make choices and initiate their own play.

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Organisation

The childminder has sound systems in place to promote positive working relationships with parents and carers, this contributes to the well-being of children and continuity of care. Most of the required documents are in place and appropriately organised. However, the childminder does not have written permission to seek emergency medical care, in addition she is not clear of the procedures to follow if a complaint is received.

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Organisation

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 last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure children are not exposed to hazards in the home, she has now removed all hazards meaning children are able to play and relax in a safe environment. The childminder also agreed to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, she has only partly met this improvement, meaning children have very limited opportunities to learn about the local and wider world.

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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): • obtain written permission for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure children are given suitable daily activities out of the home • practise the devised emergency escape plan • ensure knowledge and documentation with regard to safeguarding children is up to date • ensure the poster for parents is made available and improve knowledge with regard to the complaints procedure • ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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