Haberdashers' Adams

Inspection report for early years provision

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137446 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Maria Therese Conroy 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 outstanding. 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 1992. The premises is a three bed-roomed ground floor flat, which is located in Cricklewood in the London Borough of Brent. She lives with her husband, two adult children and one school aged child. Schools, shops, parks and library are in close walking distance. Bus, tube and train services run close by. Childminding takes place in the living room. There is an enclosed garden available for out door play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, she is currently caring six children under eight on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a clean, hygienic home where they are learning effective hygiene practices. For example young children are able to help themselves to a tissue, wipe their nose and dispose of the tissue in the bin. Children have colour coded towels to dry their hands and all toys are cleaned on a regular basis, which prevents the spread of cross infection. During hot

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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 weather the childminder is fully aware of the dangers in relation to the sun and ensures that sun cream and hats are used on a daily basis. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate which allows her to deal with minor accidents should they occur. In addition an emergency kit is taken out with the childminder when taking the children on local outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy eating is actively promoted through the nutritious meals and snacks provided. Children are given choices as to what fruit they would like for snack and have access to fresh drinking water which they can independently access. The childminder has completed a food hygiene certificate and is fully aware of how to store and prepare food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is very well promoted by the childminder. They benefit from daily opportunities for outdoor exercise as they walk to and from school and when they visit local parks where they run, climb, swing and slide. Children enjoy taking part in 'boogie babies' when they dance to music and follow simple actions, they attend regular toddler groups where they have access to a variety of play equipment which complements what is provided within the home environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for in a very safe environment. The childminder is vigilant about safety and conducts a daily risk assessment on the areas used by the children on a daily basis. The childminder has taken positive steps to preventing access to certain areas, for example a gate is placed across the kitchen area. The childminder is proactive in ensuring children's safety in relation to fire by carrying out evacuation practices every three months to enable children to be familiar with the procedure in the event of an emergency. The smoke alarm is attached to the electrical supply and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen area. Children are learning to keep themselves safe when they are on outings, for example when they cross the road they talk about waiting for the 'green man'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of very safe and suitable furniture allowing them to play, sleep and be transported in comfort. In addition the wide range of good quality toys, books and equipment are all age appropriate to the range of children who attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is extremely well protected as the childminder has a written child protection procedure in place with the relevant contact numbers for the various agencies that may be involved. The childminder has recently attending 'safeguarding children' training and verbally demonstrated she has a good understanding of the procedures in place for protecting children and the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children's creativity is thoroughly inspired through the exceedingly wide range of innovative art and craft ideas they take part in on a regular basis. They create parrots from feathers and cardboard tubes and make robots from bottle tops and shinny paper. Children are continually stimulated and encouraged to design their own ideas, from the vast range of materials available. For example, one child makes a four poster bed and then uses it for her doll to sleep in. Children's self-esteem is promoted as they proudly show off their art work which is displayed for their parents to see on their arrival.

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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 love taking part in role play, their imagination is extensively supported through the excellent range of play provision available. For example, children love to dress up as police officers, they enjoy playing with their babies using the dolls swing, cot and buggy, and they pretend to make dinner using the range of multicultural utensils available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills are significantly enhanced through the creative range of planned activities they take part in. They cuddle up for story time and listen very carefully to what is being said. They childminder is highly skilled as she brings in real life examples of what children have done to link in with the story. For example, children enjoy the story of 'the very funny fish' and the childminder reminds children of the trip they took to the aquarium to see and touch the fish which prompts an interesting discussion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder treats each child with utmost concern and works in partnership with parents to meet children's specific individual needs. She knows the children and their families well, as she has cared for some of the older siblings when they were younger. Children are learning through exciting planned activities to enhance their understanding of their own culture and that of others. Children make dragons for Chinese New Year, cards for Eid and Diva lamps for Diwaili. In addition children are gaining a positive image of themselves and that of the wider world through the extensive use of resources that reflect different cultures, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved, they are encouraged to have good manners and respect for each other and the resources. The childminder continually speaks to the children in an affectionate manner creating a safe and secure environment. Children's self esteem is fully promoted through the daily routine, for example children are verbally praised and rewarded with stickers when they do things well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is excellent. The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents to ensure the happiness and welfare of the children. Parents are fully informed through various methods such as exchange of information both verbally and in writing through a comprehensive daily diary, highlighting what the children do throughout the day including food intake, sleep patterns and activities provided. A detailed file is in place with written policies and procedures highlighting the childminder's personal practices, training and details of menus and equipment. Parents both past and present have been extremely happy with the care provided they comment ' it has meant so much to me that I have someone I trust to take care of my child', 'thank-you for the love and care you have given to my child over the years and 'thank-you for providing me with outstanding care'.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder is committed to providing a quality service to the families she cares for. She continually attends training to ensure she is updated with current practices and any changes to legislation. The childminder's file evidences her commitment to the quality of the care she provides for children. In addition to policies and procedures that reflect the personal care she provides, it includes many certificates from training courses. All regulatory documentation is in place and up-to-date.

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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 An extremely well organised environment is provided for children to play safely where they receive excellent support enabling them to feel very safe and secure, and make strides in their development. The play area is very well presented as the childminder has given thought as to how the toys and equipment are set out to attract the children's attention, allowing them to make independent choices and gain access to the full range of activities available.

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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 previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve in a number of areas; to develop further knowledge and understanding of the Local Area Child Protection Procedure. The childminder has now undertaken training in relation to safeguarding children and has a good understanding of child protection procedures.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This area has greatly improved and children participate in a wide range of art and craft activities to promote awareness of different cultures, in addition there is a good range of toys and books to promote positive images of diversity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to ensure that parents sign written permission forms for emergency treatment and for outings. This is now up-to-date and in place for all children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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