Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY258490 Unique Reference Number 12 February 2008 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged six and three years and new born baby in a residential area of Ruislip in the borough of Hillingdon. All areas of the property are used for childminding, except the main bedroom. 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 four children under eight years. She is currently caring for two children aged five and three years on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a balanced diet and are offered regular drinks. The children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder in agreement with parents.

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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 For instance, snacks may include fruit or cereal bars and dinner consists of roast chicken and potatoes with fresh vegetables.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are happy in the warm and clean environment. The childminder has appropriate hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. For example, the children do not attend if they are unwell with infectious illnesses and children are reminded to wash their hands before eating meals. However, the childminder has allowed her first aid certificate to expire. As a result, children's health could be affected as the childminder has not kept up to date with current first aid practices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a selection of activities which contribute to their health and develop their physical skills. There are regular outdoor activities that take place. For example, children frequently walk to and from nursery and school, attend gymnastics and play in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's well-being is safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they had been harmed and the procedure to follow to report such concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an environment that is relatively safe and free from potential risks. The childminder has identified and minimised most hazards within the home, such as ensuring smoke alarms are in place and hazardous materials placed out of children's reach. Children are kept safe whilst being transported in the car as seat belts and car seats are used. However, the childminder has not requested written consent from parents for children to be transported in a vehicle. Also, the garden contains some hazards, such as a broken fence panel and hazardous plants.

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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 it is stored in shelving units which are easily reached by the children. Toys and resources are checked for damage regularly and if items are found to be damaged then they are disposed of. In addition, the childminder only purchases items from reputable sources and ensures they meet safety standards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable at the childminder's home, they are able to ask her for different resources in the knowledge that they are provided by her. Children are spoken to in a warm, positive and respectful manner by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming independent as they choose from a wide 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, the children play happily together and are particularly interested in using their imaginative skills whilst dressing up in different characters.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular trips to child friendly settings such as indoor adventure centres, gymnastics and music sessions. This provides many good learning experiences for them. They are making good progress in all areas of their development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works in partnership with parents and carers which contributes significantly to children's well-being. The childminder ensures that parents and carers know how their children are progressing. The daily exchange of information with the parents about their children's activities and achievements helps the children to receive consistent care. In addition, the childminder has devised an informative folder with the aims and objectives of the service she offers along with some written policies and procedures. This is shared with all new parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are provided with limited opportunities to access resources that promote positive images in order to develop their understanding of other peoples cultures and beliefs. This is due to the small selection of resources available that promote positive images of culture, gender, disability and ethnicity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are learning right from wrong and are generally well behaved. The childminder uses appropriate behaviour management strategies that are consistently applied. For instance, she talks to the children in a calm manner using language that is developmentally appropriate.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s well-being is supported as the childminder organises her time appropriately for the children, taking into account their routines and needs. This helps them to make progress and feel comfortable. Children are encouraged to make choices and self-select resources from low-level cupboards so that they are able to initiate their own play opportunities.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly communicates with parents and carers to keep them informed about their child. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder maintains most of the legally required records. However, she has not obtained written consent from parents to transport children in a vehicle and has allowed her first aid certificate to expire.

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Organisation

The childminder is appropriately warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. This means that children are comfortable and settled. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to increase her resources to meet the needs of a varying age group and to increase resources which reflect positive images. The childminder has increased the range of resources for the children, ensuring children are able to access a wide selection of toys and make choices in their play. However, she has not extended the resources which reflect positive images. Therefore, this has again been raised as a result of this inspection.

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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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Complaints 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

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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): • complete an approved first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure children are not exposed to hazards in the garden • provide children with more opportunities to access resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability • obtain written consent for transporting children in 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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