Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY261076 Unique Reference Number 20 November 2007 Inspection date Kim Mundy 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 6 and 12 years, in a ground floor maisonette in Northolt in the London borough of Ealing. All areas of the premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family do not have pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. She attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy nutritious snacks and meals such as fresh fruits, hot pot and macaroni cheese. They also enjoy participating in cooking activities and using the scales to weigh ingredients when making cakes. Children help themselves to their drinks and they show caring attitudes to each other as they offer their peers their individual cups. Children sit comfortably at the

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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 child size table and chairs, a high chair is available for babies. Babies are fed in a warm and relaxing atmosphere as the childminder talks softly to them, therefore, they are happy and content.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning good hygiene practices as they wash their hands and observe the childminder's thorough hygiene routines, for example, when changing nappies. Children's health is supported by the good policies and procedures in place for accidents and medication administration. They receive suitable emergency treatment as the childminder maintains her first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily fresh air and exercise as they experience regular outings to the park and local pre-school settings, where a wider range of physical activities are available. When playing in the garden children play with a variety of toys such as push and pull-a-long toys, balls, the slide and stilts, which provide challenges for them. Very young babies lie comfortably on a blanket while looking around their stimulating environment. Children take great delight riding on the local community bus with the childminder to feed the ducks at the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Overall, children's safety is promoted as the childminder has taken steps to minimise hazards, for example, smoke alarms and a fire blanket are provided. However, low level glass in the front door compromises children's safety. The childminder has a suitable fire evacuation procedure, which is practised with the children every month. When out and about in the community, the childminder teaches children about road safety and she talks about and brings their attention to possible dangers, for example, nettles at the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has knowledge of possible signs and symptoms of child abuse. The childminder is aware of the necessary action to take if concerns arise and this information is included in her policy, which is available to parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of nursery furniture and equipment to meet the needs of babies and children, for example, travel cot, high chair, rocker, buggy, changing mat, child-size table and chairs. The childminder is very organised and toy boxes are clearly labelled for easy access. Throughout the day the childminder offers different toys and activities, children are able to make choices and help themselves from the toy boxes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are having a wonderful time. They have close relationships with the childminder who ensures that play and learning are fun. There is an excellent range of good quality toys and resources to meet the needs of the ages of children attending. There is a colourful selection of toys for babies such as an activity gym, interactive and musical toys. Babies are happy and relaxed as the childminder speaks constantly to them in a soft voice. They make good eye contact and enjoy the sound of the rattle, which the childminder helps them to shake. Treasure baskets provide opportunities for children to explore many items while using their senses, for example, pine cones, textured bath gloves, a mirror and scented bags. This helps children to develop their senses.

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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 The childminder refers to the Birth to three framework in her work with children under three years old. A lovely activity with the children demonstrates their delight at playing instruments and joining in action songs, such as 'row your boat' and 'incy wincy spider'. The childminder encourages children's early communication by providing an environment rich in conversation. Children enjoy story time with the use of puppets to capture their attention and imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing their problem solving skills as they count, name colours and shapes through interaction with the childminder during everyday routines. They develop their hand and eye coordination as they play with small world toys and fit puzzles and stickle bricks together. Children have great fun as they squeeze water bottles in the garden. The childminder values children's creations, displaying them attractively on the garden wall and includes them in her scrapbook with accompanying photographs. They have fun making picture frames and stockings for Christmas. Children are developing early writing skills as they paint with their fingers and draw with chalks outdoors on the ground. Children enjoy sand play and digging in the vegetable patch. They have planted and grown their own vegetables. On a nature walk, children collect leaves which the childminder laminates for them to take home. Babies and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

young children are having tremendous fun and they are able to make excellent progress with the caring and encouraging support that the childminder provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well cared for as the childminder knows them really well and she meets their varying individual needs as they arise. Children are learning about the world in which they live as they celebrate festivals, for example, making cards for St. Patrick's day and Christmas. There is a selection of toys and resources which promotes children's understanding of diversity, for instance, dolls, dressing up, books and puzzles. The childminder has attended Disability Discrimination Act training.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's different behaviours sensitively, according to their age and level of understanding. Continued praise is given to all children, their achievements are celebrated and shared. This encourages the children to develop a positive self image, promotes their confidence and self-esteem. Children are very kind to one another as they spontaneously stroke and cuddle babies, and offer each other toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares her policies and procedures with parents so that they are clear about the service she offers. Information about their children’s individual needs, interests and experiences are sought at the outset of childminding arrangements. However, some necessary details are not actually recorded. The gradual settling-in procedure ensures children's emotional well-being is met. Parents receive written feedback each day about their children's routine. The childminder also seeks parent permission to take photos of the children whilst in her care. The childminder is attentive to children's needs and as a result, they are very happy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home. The childminder is extremely affectionate and caring towards the children, who are relaxed and happy in her care. Through flexible routines, she meets the children's individual needs in a most effective way. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills, for example, by attending Birth to three matters, Child Protection and Disability Discrimination Act training.

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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 All paperwork is well-organised and consistently maintained. The childminder's written policies and procedures underpin the good practice in place. This contributes to the safe and efficient management of the childminding provision and promotes the care, learning and welfare of the children. Above all, the childminder ensures that the children are having fun 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 suitable sleeping arrangements are provided so that children are comfortable. This has been achieved. The childminder has acquired a travel cot and bed, which means that children are able to sleep comfortably.

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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.

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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): • make low level glass safe • develop the children's information forms to include necessary details.

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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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