Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY236434 Unique Reference Number 12 October 2007 Inspection date Daphne Prescott 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2003. She lives with her adult child in Harlesden in the London borough of Brent. Part of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and one child after nursery school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children’s welfare is compromised in the event of an accident as the childminder does not have a current first aid certificate. Written parental permission has not been requested for the seeking

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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 of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for the wellbeing of children. However, the childminder's hygiene practices and procedures reduce the risk of cross infection within the home and to the children. For example, children do not attend if they are ill; she encourages children to wash their hands and she uses appropriate hygiene practices when changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and their choices to provide meals and snacks. She discusses all dietary needs with parents, which means that all children's individual needs are taken into account. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day so that they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted according to their ages and stages of development. They enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their health as they have opportunities to enjoy outings to the local parks and parent and toddler groups. Children have access to a garden where they are able to run around freely and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and happy at the childminder's home. They have space to move around safely because the childminder has taken steps to minimise potential risks in her home. For example, a safety gate is positioned to prevent children playing unsupervised outside the living room area. Children are able to self select toys as they are arranged at their level and in boxes which encourages their independence. The childminder checks the children’s toys and equipment regularly to ensure they remain safe for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures children are safe in her home and garden by eliminating any potential hazards. The childminder gives attention to making sure children will be safe in an emergency. She has devised written evacuation procedures which are practised with the children. The childminder also safeguards children's welfare on outings by making sure they listen to her and follow her instructions as they look for the green man before they cross the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities in safeguarding children. She understands the possible signs of abuse and the procedures to take, if concerned. This promotes the welfare of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The interaction between the childminder and the children is very warm and gentle and they receive lots of individual attention and cuddles. This positive interaction helps children to develop their confidence and a feeling of wellbeing. The childminder shows interest in the children and responds quickly to their sounds and gestures. Consequently, they are very content in their environment. The childminder is beginning to work with the Birth to three matters framework to plan a varied range of activities to enhance children's development. She records children's achievements and written observations in children's individual files which are shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They enjoy playing with a range of resources that are suitable for their age and promote their learning. For example, children enjoy sitting with the childminder completing a puzzle helping to increase their manipulative skills as they piece the puzzles together. They beam with delight when the childminder praises them and gives them a big hug for doing well. They have a lovely

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 time together at story time as they snuggle up with the childminder as she sits and reads to them. The childminder also chats to the children about their activity responding with lots of praise as they show her the final results of their drawing activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They regularly go on outings to local parks, parent and toddler groups and other places of interest, such as the science museum, to broaden their experiences. At the parent and toddler groups they have opportunities to explore different activities and enjoy relationships with the other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is inadequate. Children's individual needs are not sufficiently met as their welfare is compromised in the event of an emergency as the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate. There is no written information on parent's wishes regarding seeking emergency advice or treatment for the wellbeing of children. However, their needs, such as diet and sleep patterns are discussed with parents and incorporated into the daily routine by the childminder. This ensures children have consistent care between home and childminding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

They are beginning to learn about diversity and other people with varying needs within society, as the childminder raises their awareness of different cultures and varying needs by providing a selection of toys and activities. Children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. The childminder understands the appropriate strategies to use when managing children's behaviour, such as offering praise and encouraging the children to share and say sorry to each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the close working relationship the childminder enjoys with parents. She gives verbal feedback each day about how the child has spent their day. This ensures children experience consistency of care and parents are kept well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The health and welfare of children is undermined by the childminder, as she does not have a current first aid certificate. However, children feel comfortable and at ease within the family home. She 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. They receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional wellbeing.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps most of the required records that contribute to children's wellbeing, which are shared with parents. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between the childminder and parents. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and facilities which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; ensure that written parental permission for emergency treatment is requested and that written permission for outings is obtained from parents.

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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 The childminder has in place an adequate selection of toys and resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. This helps towards children beginning to learn and have an understanding of other people. She has obtained written permission for outings from parents, ensuring their safety and welfare. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental permission for emergency treatment and therefore this comprises children's health and wellbeing.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure that written parental permission is requested to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future • attend an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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