Childminder in Westminster

Inspection report for early years provision

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153563 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2008 Inspection date Arda Halls 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 was registered with Ofsted in 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged 18 months, seven years, 11 years and 16 years in Paddington in the City of Westminster. The whole of the fifth floor flat is used for childminding with the exception of the balcony. One bedroom is used with supervised access only. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the fenced in play area for residents of the building, the local parks, and toy libraries.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding two children over five after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks and uses public transport to travel to local schools to collect children from school. The family has no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has experience of caring for children with English as an additional language.

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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's health and hygiene is promoted as the childminder sustains a good level of cleanliness throughout her home. The premises are warm, clean and well maintained. Children are learning about personal hygiene as the childminder has procedures in place to help stop the spread of germs. Children wash their hands as they come in from school and are constantly reminded to cover their mouths when they cough. Appropriate methods are in place for food preparation, such as using different cutting boards for meat or vegetables, covering food that is stored in the fridge, and washing food thoroughly before serving. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they have an infection. Children are safeguarded by the childminder's good understanding of emergency first aid. Clear records are kept of any accidents that occur and consent is in place for emergency medical advice or treatment. A well stocked

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Helping children to be healthy

first aid box is available in the childminder's home and a travel first aid kit is taken every day when collecting children from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of daily outdoor play activities for fresh air and exercise which promotes their well-being. Children walk home from school and sometimes play in the playground next to the childminder's home. In warm weather children visit the local parks after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious snacks as they come out from school. Care is taken to ensure children wash their hands before they leave the school as they eat snacks of fruit and yoghurt before they walk home. Children's dietary requirements are taken into account, which ensures that their individual food preferences are met. All arrangements are discussed with parents and a clear record is kept. Children are aware that they can ask for drinks at any time. The childminder constantly reminds the children to have a drink and ensures they have a snack of fruit or a small light meal as requested by the parents.

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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 where the environment is well maintained with a good use of space to help children to explore independently and to rest, eat and play comfortably. Children gain independence and self-confidence because the childminder encourages them to make choices and explore their toys for themselves as toys are easily accessible. Toys and equipment are suitable, clean and age appropriate to meet children's individual developmental needs. Children are safeguarded as the childminder checks the toys and equipment on a regular basis to reduce any hazards.

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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 children. Safety gates are in place at the entrance to the kitchen and emergency escape plans have been devised and displayed in the hallway. Appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure children are kept safe when outside the home. Children hold hands and listen carefully as they cross the roads with the childminder. She constantly talks to them about road safety. They are good listeners and follow the instructions they are given. Children have a good awareness of the routes used and are quick to suggest shortcuts as they walk home.

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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 safeguarding children. She is aware of the indicators of abuse and of the

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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 importance of recording any concerns or incidents. The childminder has attended training in safeguarding children which she has updated recently. This means she has a good awareness of the procedures for reporting concerns which helps to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are collected from school by the childminder who greets them warmly. The childminder recognises when children are tired and hungry and is prepared to make them comfortable. Children are asked to wash their hands at school and invited to sit on a bench for a rest before walking home. Children are eager to talk to the childminder about what they have been doing during their day at school. She listens attentively reminding children to speak one at a time. Children are constantly praised by the childminder which reassures the children and makes them happy to go home with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are excited as they enter the childminder's home. They quickly sit down at the dining table where they play with dough making animals and then making 'pizzas'. They talk about how much chilli they will put on their pizzas. They talk about various ingredients that they like such as onions, peppers and cheese. They talk about the meat they might use and they discuss which meats are halal. They know that Muslims eat halal meats.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy dressing up as they play, sometimes dressing as witches, doctors or mermaids. Most days children have help with their homework. This helps the children get their work done before they get tired and gives the children a good sense of achievement when they finish their work and have time to play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with building blocks making towers higher and higher. They compare their towers and take delight in knocking them down. They enjoy pretending to take pictures of the towers and of one another with a toy camera. Children of all ages join in this play and they laugh and enjoy themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have fun doing craft work as they paint and decorate their work. They thrive on the praise they receive. Children are offered different activities on a daily basis. They choose if they want to do spelling or mathematics. They have worksheets and colouring to do which makes their learning enjoyable. Children also look at a selection of books, some of which are about different cultures and different feelings. Children have plenty of opportunities to make puzzles and to take part in imaginary play. They particularly enjoy playing with the play hairdryer and announce proudly that they will dry your hair.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy at the childminder's home as they are familiar with the daily routine. This enables children to feel safe. They enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the childminder who knows the children's individual personalities and needs very well. All children have access to all of the toys and activities and everyone has an equal chance to play and learn. Books about different people, different feelings and different beliefs help the children learn about people other than themselves. Children are learning about the world they live in as the childminder teaches the children about different cultures and festivals. Children discuss different festivals such as Eid. They understand that fasting is broken at the end of the day by the sharing of dates. This helps children learn about one another in a positive manner.

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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 Children with learning difficulties and disabilities are welcome in the childminder's home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. The childminder has no experience in looking after children with disabilities, but has a good awareness of the range of disabilities children might experience. The childminder is willing to ensure that appropriate care is given by working with parents and other agencies to help children in their care and play. The childminder's home is fitted with ramps into the building and has wide corridors and easily accessible toilets which means most children's needs could be met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and developing their confidence and self-esteem because the childminder encourages the children in their behaviour. They are developing a positive self-image of themselves as the childminder offers praise and encouragement in their daily activities. The childminder uses age appropriate techniques and positive strategies with the children to manage any difficulties that arise. Lots of distraction is used to prevent incidents happening. Children enjoy collecting stickers for their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder establishes good working relationships with parents to ensure the well-being of children. Contracts and care arrangements are completed with parents and personal details are recorded and kept at hand when indoors or out. This means parents can be contacted at any time as the childminder is well organised in advance. Most consent information is in place, for example for routine outings and emergency medical treatment. However, there is no consent for children to be transported in a public vehicle. The childminder has a good awareness of recording complaints and of the new changes in the National Standards. There are no recent parents' comments recorded. However, parents' comments written from 2005 discuss how the childminder treats children like members of her own family. Parents write that children are given lots of stimulation from toys and visits to playgroups, parks and toy libraries. Parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

note that the childminder is kind and caring towards children and helps their development in eating, walking and talking which creates a lively sociable atmosphere.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There has been a new baby in the household since the last inspection. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed for parents to view. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for children and she meets their care needs effectively. She is warm and affectionate towards the children, therefore the children are relaxed and happy in her care. The childminder organises the day to include a variety of play activities and physical exercise. This helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress. Records of children's development are kept and shared regularly with parents.

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Organisation

Children receive lots of warm individual attention to promote their emotional well-being. They have plenty of space to move around freely and are able to play with different activities provided.

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Organisation

Most of the required documentation is available to contribute to the children's health, safety and well-being. Accident, incident and medication books are readily available for inspection. Documentation is organised in a file and stored away to maintain confidentiality. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between parents and the childminder. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that consent forms for emergency medical treatment and outings are signed by parents. This has been done which helps safeguard children.

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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 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 consent forms are in place for taking children in a public vehicle.

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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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