Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

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161132 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2007 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 1999. She lives with her husband, adult daughter and three school age children. They live in a residential area in Ruislip in the borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the house is available for childminding purposes, but the main play areas include the lounge, large entrance hall, kitchen and dining rooms. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor use.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children. She is currently caring for six children under eight years and two children over eight years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder cares for children during school term times only.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to collect children from St. Swithunwells Roman Catholic School and Nursery.

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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 benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder. Meals are freshly prepared on a daily basis and include fresh vegetables and fruit, pasta with sauce and yoghurts. Special dietary requirements are taken into account to ensure children remain healthy. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating, as the childminder talks to them about why certain foods are good for them. Meal times are a social event, children sit together at the table and enjoy conversing with each other and the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children are protected from cross infection as a result of the childminder's clear procedures for dealing with sick children. Appropriate written consent, and accident and medication records are maintained. This ensures children receive appropriate care if there is an accident or if medication has to be administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy regular outdoor exercise and take part in activities in the garden. They are taken on regular outings by the childminder to child friendly settings. For example, they visit local parks, Odds Farm, go for walks and engage in keep fit sessions with the childminder. These activities help to improve the children's physical skills and are fun for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare and safety is promoted as the childminder has most of the required procedures and documents in place. For example, she holds a valid first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child's welfare. She is clear of the reporting procedures if abuse is suspected which is in line with the local safeguarding children procedures. However, she has not obtained written consent from parents for the transporting of children in a vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from playing in an environment that is suitably organised. This allows them to move around freely and play safely. The childminder has identified potential hazards and minimized these within the home. For example, hazardous materials are inaccessible to the children, smoke alarms are in place and a fire blanket available in the kitchen. She is clear of the routes that would need to be taken in the event of an emergency and has identified exit points. This ensures the childminder knows how to get out quickly and safely in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to independently access suitable play equipment as they are stored on the floor which are easily reached by the children. Toys and resources are checked for damage regularly and small parts are kept away from younger children. In addition, the childminder only purchases items from reputable sources and ensures they meet safety standards.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy because the childminder interacts with the children in a proactive and caring manner. It is evident from this positive interaction that she enjoys caring for them and the children are happy and relaxed. The childminder knows the children well and meets their needs appropriately, she is kind and considerate towards them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are developing their vocabulary, as the childminder asks them questions and encourages conversation. This also helps them to think and make sense of the world they live in. The children have many opportunities to practise their fine motor skills as they draw, write and colour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming independent as they choose from a range of resources that are well-organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning, are fun and are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. The children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in activities. For example, they particularly enjoy looking through their own photo albums and talking about the different activities that they and other children are involved in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's awareness of diversity is increasing, as they enjoy easy access to a selection of books and play materials promoting positive images of diversity. The children's emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them confidence and security due to childminder's understanding of their personal preferences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and according to their ages. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong as the childminder encourages the children to share, take turns and to be kind to one another. The children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has an adequate understanding of the needs of children with learning difficulties/and or disabilities, although no such children are in attendance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder develops close relationships with the parents. Children's individual needs are discussed prior to a child starting. Written records of younger children's routines are maintained if parents wish. Details such as how long they have slept, what they have played with and what they have eaten are recorded. In addition, the childminder talks to parents and carers at the beginning and end of the day as a means of exchanging information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder regularly communicates with parents and carers to keep them informed about their children. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder maintains almost all of the legally required documents. However, the childminder has not complied with her registered numbers in relation to the care of children under five years. This is a breach of regulation.

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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 The children feel at home and at ease in the environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 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 from parents for children to be transported in a 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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