Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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147687 Unique Reference Number 11 February 2008 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis 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 1990. She lives with her husband and one adult son. They live in a residential area of Stanmore in the borough of Harrow. The downstairs of the home is mainly used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years and is currently caring for three children under five years on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as the home is maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Children are developing self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. In addition, children do not attend the setting if they are unwell with an infectious illness. This ensures that cross contamination is reduced. However, the childminder does not maintain records once medication has been administered to children. This is a breach of regulation.

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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 Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities such as visits to the park or farm, indoor activity centres, toddler groups or the farm. These activities improve children's physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from varied and nutritious snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents, which consist of a selection of fresh and dried fruits and yoghurts. The childminder seeks parental agreement in order to ensure the child's dietary or religious needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can eat, rest, travel and play in comfort using furniture and equipment appropriate for their age, which is provided by the childminder. For example, car seats are available in the car to ensure the safe transportation of children. In addition, furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition. The childminder regularly checks her equipment and only purchases if they comply with safety standards. This ensures children are not harmed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of safeguarding children matters. She is aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they had been harmed and the procedure to follow to report such concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move freely around the environment as the childminder has identified and minimised most potential hazards. For example, low-level kitchen cupboards containing cleaning materials are fitted with child locks and the front door is fitted with a high lock preventing children from leaving unsupervised. However, some potential hazards have not been addressed as sharp knives are accessible in the kitchen and hazardous plants in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are gaining independence as they have opportunities to self-select play materials from easily accessible shelving units and plastic tubs. The childminder also regularly rotates resources so that children do not become bored with the toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. They play enthusiastically with the range of activities offered. For instance, the two children present thoroughly enjoyed playing with the magic sand. The childminder is aware of the children's likes and dislikes and spends time talking and responding to the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular trips to child friendly settings such as local parks, indoor adventure areas, farms and toddler groups. This provides many good learning experiences for them. They are making good progress in all areas of their development, as the childminder has a clear understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a small selection of resources which promote a positive view of the wider world such as books, play people and dolls. The childminder has an adequate understanding

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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 of how to promote diversity within her setting and will acknowledge the different celebrations of the children in attendance such as Christmas, Diwali or Easter.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's home, this is helped as she has good working relationships with the parents and carers of the children cared for. The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers, she shares information with them verbally on a daily basis, has some written statements in place and records any significant incidents in relation to the child's development and devises a folder with the child's art work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are learning right from wrong and are well behaved. The childminder uses appropriate management behaviour strategies which are consistently applied, such as talking to the children in a manner which is appropriate to their ages and levels of understanding.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the childminder's home. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and are able to make good use of the available play space within the home.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly shares information with parents and carers to keep them informed about their children. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Almost all of the legally required documents are in place and appropriately organised. However, written records have not been maintained once medication has been administered to children. 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 was required to update and maintain records in relation to medication, registers and consent from parents. She has completed these requirements, which ensures the children's welfare is maintained.

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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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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): • maintain written records once medication has been administered to children • ensure children are not exposed to hazards in the home or garden.

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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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