Childminder in Hammersmith and Fulham

Inspection report for early years provision

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152944 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2008 Inspection date Martha Naa Ahimah Darkwah 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and seven in a town house in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. All areas on the ground floor are mainly used for childminding. Children sleep in an upstairs bedroom on the middle floor. There is a secure garden to the rear of the premises for outdoor play.

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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 is currently minding two children under five on part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and the childminder is a member of a local childminder support group. The family has no pets. The childminder has a 'Quality First award and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 a clean and welcoming family home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet as they understand the importance of washing their hands to stop germs from spreading. The childminder's good hygiene practices and procedures also reduce the risk of cross infection within the home and to the children. For example, children do not attend if they are ill and the childminder washes her hands before and after preparing lunch. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to effectively treat children in an emergency, should the need arise. The childminder has a clear emergency plan with adequate back up to ensure children's overall well-being and health. However, written parental permission has not been requested for the seeking of any necessary emergency treatment for the well-being of children. Additionally

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder's policy not to give any medication may compromises children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

They enjoy balanced and healthy snacks and meals which are freshly prepared by the childminder, which helps children begin to develop an understanding of healthy eating. For example, at lunch time children sit and enjoy pasta with carrots and cheese and freshly cut apples and yoghurt for pudding. Children's dietary requirements are met, taking into account their individual food preferences, thereby respecting parent's wishes. Children can independently access drinking water throughout the day, as they have their own individual drinking cups so that they do not remain thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They are provided with activities to help them develop their physical skills. For example, they have opportunities to run around and play in the garden. They enjoy regular outings to the local park and pre-schools, where they benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming family home. The space has been well organised to help children to explore independently and to rest, eat and play comfortably. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment which are clean and in good condition. The childminder encourages the children to choose toys for themselves. She asks them open ended questions 'What would you like to play with?' which encourages children to think for themselves. Children are able to self select toys for themselves from bags arranged at their level and displayed on the floor, which encourages their independence. They are also encouraged to help tidy away toys they have finished with, which develops their independence further.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a child focused environment where risks are identified and reduced to safeguard the children. For example, safety gates are in place to prevent children having unsupervised access to the kitchen and upstairs. Emergency escape plans have been devised and practised with the children; smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place, which help towards keeping them safe. However, the available fire blanket is not yet installed on the wall to ensure easy use in an emergency. This may compromise children's safety and well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder regularly checks the children’s toys and equipment to ensure they remain safe for children. Children are beginning to learn how to keep safe on the road as the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 teaches the children to cross roads safely. For example, they understand the importance of holding hands when walking and looking for the green man before crossing the road at the crossing. She has road safety books such as ' Its fun to go out and about' produced by the child accident prevention trust. The childminder uses this book and the graphic pictures to identify dangers of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. For example, she is aware of the indicators of abuse and the procedures for reporting any concerns. The childminder has devised a child protection policy which is shared with parents for children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and comfortable in the care of the childminder. They are forming excellent relationships with the childminder. The care given is warm and affectionate, so that children develop a real sense of belonging in the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have lots of fun and play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and activities, which fully promotes their learning. They are gaining independence and self confidence because the childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys. For example, they are encouraged to talk and to play imaginatively with the dressing up materials and toys provided.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play very well together with different musical instruments such as guitar, drums, shakers and rattlers. They enjoy using a sensory book with the childminder. As they sit comfortably together, they talk about the different fruits that they can see, scratch and smell them helping them to listen, respond and make connections and using a number of their senses.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder enthusiastically talks and consistently interacts with the children to extend their understanding and language skills. She asks the children questions and always responds to encourage them to communicate. For example, the childminder asks the children what they can see in the book. Children respond by telling the childminder that they can see a frog. The childminder talked about frogs hopping in water, creating a story using the items in the bag. They enjoy sitting with the childminder reading books, children are able to help tell the story with great confidence. Good guidance and support is given by the childminder as she praises them for their achievements, building on their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy at the childminder's home. The childminder has developed positive relationships with the children. The affectionate and gentle care given by the childminder enables children to develop a sense of belonging and trust. She demonstrates a good awareness of children's individual needs and uses this knowledge in ensuring that each child in her care is well cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about other cultures and festivals as the childminder discusses and provides activities to support children's learning. Children are well behaved as the childminder uses effective distraction techniques with the children and positive strategies to manage any

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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 difficulties that may arise. They are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and content because the childminder has good relationships with the parents. They are kept well informed about their child's learning and general wellbeing. Sufficient documentation is shared with parents and children receive the appropriate care as the childminder discusses and records individual care arrangements with parents. The childminder has fully implemented a complaints log to make a record of any complaints that are made in relation to the National Standards in line with current legislation. The childminder's polices and procedures are available for parents to view, for children's safety and welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy, confident and feel at home as they receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional well-being. The childminder organises the day to include a variety of indoor and outdoor play activities. This helps to ensure the progress of children's individual development and learning. Through the childminder's frequent attendance on training courses; she is enhancing her skills and knowledge of a variety of childcare related topics. For example, Early Years Foundation Stage awareness training, understanding and promoting emotional development and cultural instrument training. As a result, children's experiences in the care of the childminder remain positive and in line with current good practice.

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Organisation

Children spend their time effectively, engaging in a good range of activities. Daily routines flow smoothly and routines are well organised to allow children to play and learn without interruption. Toys and resources are easily accessible to help children choose for themselves and as a result children are developing good independence.

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Organisation

Documentation is very well organised. The childminder keeps most of the required records that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being, which are shared with parents. However, the childminder has not gained parents' written consent for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. This could compromise children's safety and well-being. Children receive continuity of care as their daily routines and achievements are shared between the childminder and parents. 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 agreed to provide evidence of a current first aid qualification, ensure written contracts and details of the children's date of birth and General Practitioner's contact details are completed for each child attending. She also agreed to gain knowledge of and comply with Area Child Protection Procedures and the regulatory role of Ofsted Early Years and make toys and resources freely available to children to encourage free choices to help them make progress in all areas.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider has a valid first aid qualification and good knowledge and understanding of first aid and emergency procedures to safeguard children's health and well being. The childminder attends training courses which contributes to enhancing her skills and knowledge on the organisation and presentation of resources within the home that interest children and help them progress in all areas of development. As a result, children's experiences in the care of the childminder remain very positive and in line with current good practice. Toys and resources are

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Improvements 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 easily accessible to help children choose for themselves and as a result children are developing good independence.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children’s overall welfare is protected through the childminder’s good understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 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 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 you have written parental consents for obtaining emergency medical advice or treatment and review policy to obtain consent from parents for giving of medication • install the fire blanket to ensure easy access and use

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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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