Childminder in Brent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

504476 Unique Reference Number 25 February 2008 Inspection date Katie Dempster Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. They live in a house on a residential road in Wembley. Schools, park and shops are within walking distance. Bus services run nearby.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A dedicated playroom, kitchen and upstairs bedroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have no pets.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA), and holds a current first aid certificate.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than six children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and friendly environment. They are learning good hygiene practises as they learn to wash their hands regularly and clean their teeth after meals with their individual toothbrushes. The childminder takes opportunities to talk to the children about germs and the importance of good personal hygiene. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs, for example, by using gloves and a clean changing mat.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from unnecessary illnesses as appropriate measures are taken when they are ill. The sick child policy indicates children do not attend the childminder's home if they are unwell with an infectious illness. Appropriate written consent, accident and medication records are maintained. This ensures children receive appropriate care if there is an accident or if medication has to be administered.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise and they are developing their physical skills as they engage in a range of garden activities, for example, using the slide, see-saw, tunnels and bouncy castle. These activities help children learn to how to manoeuvre their bodies and become spatially aware. The childminder takes children on regular outings to local shops, trips to the park and other child friendly settings.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy balanced diet. The childminder has weekly menus including snacks and dinners such as pies, chicken, pasta and vegetables. Meals are provided in agreement with parents, taking into account of children's dietary or religious requirements. Parents provide meals for children up to 18 months which the childminder stores and prepares appropriately.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a clean and well organised environment. There is ample space for children to move around and explore their environment. Toys and resources provided are age and stage appropriate for the children attending and are set out attractively to create an accessible and stimulating environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In order for children to move around safely, the childminder has taken positive steps to promote safety within the home, minimising possible hazards. For example, safety gates have been fitted to areas of the home where children are not allowed unsupervised, and harmful materials such as cleaning products are not kept in the toilet facility used by the children. Smoke alarms have been fitted to each level of the home and a clear fire evacuation procedure has been devised and practised. The childminder also has a fire blanket, however this has not been installed in order for it's correct use. Children are safe on outings, they are supervised at all times and the childminder talks to the children about how to cross the road safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and is aware of possible signs a child may exhibit, that may indicate they are being harmed. The childminder is aware of the correct procedure to follow in recording and reporting concerns and all polices are inline with Local Safeguarding Children Board legislation.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and learning in the care of the childminder. She provides attention and challenges for the children and is aware of how they develop. The childminder plans activities to include free play and also structured activities such as arts and creative play. Planning remains flexible to ensure the needs and enjoyment of all children are met. The childminder has devised individual progress reports for children's achievements. She tracks children's development in different areas, such as fine motor skills, where she will look at children's ability to hold different objects, or their social and emotional skills where she will look at children's ability to express their emotions.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a dedicated play room, with bright displays, lots of interesting posters and photos and a good selection of toys and resources are available. A range of activities are set out to allow children to choose what they wish to play with, this helps to develop their independence skills. Children enjoy a warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder, and they often include her in their play as they offer her games and other toys. Children are very well supported as they are continually praised and encouraged for their achievements. Younger children respond with giggles and squeals to the childminder making funny, entertaining gestures.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and activities include, board games, puzzles, push and pull along toys, colourful books and interactive toys. There are good opportunities for children to be creative and use their imagination as they paint, experiment with play dough and have access to the play kitchen. Lots of soft toys, shape sorters and floor games are provided for the younger children. The childminder plays music and nursery rhymes and encourages children to join in with the songs. This creates a fun and playful environment for the children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive approach to difference promoted by the childminder. The childminder takes steps to promote awareness of the wider community by providing a selection of toys and resources portraying different cultures, religions and other positive images. Children have made a collage together displaying a wide range of images from children with disabilities to positive images such as fire-fighters and dentists. Children enjoy celebrating various festivals and other occasions as they do activities around Diwali, make celebratory cards and visit the library to join stories about different festivals.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as the childminder offers lots of praise and encouragement during positive behaviour and maintains consistency with boundaries. Parents are consulted when children display both positive or negative behaviour. Keeping parents informed further supports consistency for children. When managing negative behaviour, the childminder uses a positive approach to maintain a calm atmosphere.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership that has been established between parents and the childminder. Parents are involved in the care of their children whilst with the childminder as they discuss children's needs prior to starting and receive daily feedback with regards to the daily routines, activities, nap times and other relevant issues. This information is also kept in individual diary books if parents request it. They have access to information about how to contact Ofsted, along with a clear complaints procedure. This good working relationship supports

p.4

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's individual needs, ensures children receive consistent care, and helps them feel a sense of security and belonging.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises herself and the home well. As a result, children are happy and confident in a secure and stimulating environment that has been dedicated to their care and development. The childminder recently completed a quality assurance accreditation through the NCMA. This has recognised her good level of care as a childminder.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has good knowledge of the requirements for documentation and regularly liaises with her NCMA coordinator to update her knowledge on current legislation. All documents are stored securely and made available for inspection. Relevant information is regularly shared with parents, maintaining a good relationship and contributing to the continuity of care.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was made, to improve fire safety by ensuring that smoke alarms are provided at every level of the house and are maintained in working order. The childminder has fitted fire alarms to both levels of the home, which are maintained and in working order. Children are made safe as the childminder and other adults in the home are immediately alerted to a potential fire.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the fire blanket is installed correctly on the wall.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6