Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252415 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Kerryn Matthews 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 in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is adult and one aged 14 years, in Hayes in the London borough of Hillingdon. The ground floor 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 six children at any one time. She is currently minding three children under five and three children over five before and/or after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat, a rat, rabbits and guinea pigs as pets.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well kept home. Their general health is promoted, as the childminder maintains suitable levels of hygiene, for example, by encouraging children to wash their hands after using the toilet. Clear procedures are in place for recording accidents and the administration of medication, which ensures that children are well cared for and their needs met. Although her first aid qualification expired recently, the childminder is booked on a course to renew her certificate in the near future.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy packed lunches provided by their parents and the childminder provides healthy snacks such as fresh fruit. Children are able to access drinks throughout the day, enabling them to quench their thirst as required. The childminder sits with the children during mealtimes, when children talk about their morning, toys that they have played with and what they are eating for lunch.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular opportunities to be physically active. They benefit from playing outside and walks to school and the park. They are learning to take responsibility for their own safety when outdoors, as the childminder talks to them about road safety and encourages them to hold on to the buggy, or hold hands, when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. There is plenty of space available for them to play and move around freely, and they are able to explore their surroundings safely. Children use good quality toys and resources that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. These are arranged in a variety of ways to ensure that they are readily available. Children are able to choose additional toys to play with from the storage cupboard in the dining area. Children know where toys belong and tidy up enthusiastically before lunchtime.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant about safety and makes sure that her home and garden are safe and secure. She has a clear written fire evacuation procedure in place though this is not yet practised with the children. The childminder has identified risks in her home and taken appropriate steps to minimise these, for example, electrical sockets are covered and hazardous substances are kept out of children's reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is able to safeguard children's welfare as she has a sound understanding of child protection and has written information available for reference. However, the childminder's knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Children could be updated.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care, and, as a result, their confidence is developing. The children have formed close, warm relationships with the childminder, who interacts with them in a nurturing and enabling way. The childminder gives the children lots of positive attention and is proactive in responding to their requests and needs. As a result,

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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 children feel able to explore and develop their independence as they choose from a wide range of suitable play equipment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children and their individual needs well. Children's routines and interests are taken into account when planning daily activities. The childminder provides a variety of toys and activities which encourage progress as well as being fun. Children have time for free play, when they enjoy playing with the cars and garage or completing chosen puzzles. They also have planned activities. They enjoy painting their own designs on pottery, which they can take home once finished.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well together, sharing and taking turns. Older children are developing caring attitudes towards their peers, for example, assisting another child to wipe up a spillage at lunchtime. The children are very secure in the childminder's care. They felt able to involve the inspector in their play and discussions during the inspection, and also asked her to read them a story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children spend their time purposefully. They experience a wide range of activities both in the home and in the company of other childminders and their children, where they become part of a larger group and socialise with peers. The childminder extends the children's knowledge, for example, by encouraging them to count, or recognise numbers and colours, when sharing a book together. Children gather excitedly round the childminder to share stories, comfortable in each other's presence. They listen and take turns to share ideas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved. They respond well to the consistent praise and encouragement that they receive during their time with the childminder. The childminder has clear rules about what is expected, and sets consistent boundaries which are appropriate to children of different ages. The childminder gently reminds children of right and wrong, and encourages them to share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very settled and confident in the childminder's care because they are valued as individuals. Children are not currently involved in activities or discussions around differing festivals and celebrations. This is an area of care that the childminder could improve. Children are beginning to learn about themselves and others as they use toys and resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built strong professional relationships with parents. Relevant information is contained on the children's record forms, which ensures that the childminder is aware of the children's needs and parents wishes. Parents are kept fully informed of their child's day, and any issues that may have arisen, through daily verbal communication with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is comfortable and organised to meet children's needs. As a result, children are very happy and settled in the childminder's home. The childminder builds positive relationships with parents and ensures that they are kept well informed. Policies and procedures are shared verbally. The childminder displays her certificate of registration.

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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 childminder has identified training that she is keen to attend, enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the regulations and good practice of being a childminder. Her experience of caring for her own children has given her a strong foundation in promoting the all round development of the children in her care.

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Organisation

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 childminder was required to ensure all accidents are recorded, and to make sure that potential hazards in the home and garden are made safe. The childminder's home and garden are now free of hazards, and any accidents are recorded in the childminder's National Childminding Association (NCMA) Accident and Incident record book. These improvements ensure that children's safety and welfare are maintained.

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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): • enhance the children's knowledge and understanding of festivals and celebrations from differing cultures and religions • update knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Children

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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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