Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY264633 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2007 Inspection date Christine Bonnett 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband, two adult children and one child of 15 years, in West Ealing, in the London borough of Ealing. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 two children under five years, full time.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local pre-school group. The family has a pet rabbit.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder's home is maintained to a good standard of cleanliness. Although the pet rabbit has a hutch in the lounge, it is cleaned each day and consequently poses no risk to children’s health. Children are learning the importance of good

p.2

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 personal hygiene regimes as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. However, children's health could be compromised as the childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the nutritious snacks supplied by the childminder. Fresh fruit, biscuits and milk are given routinely. Children's individual dietary needs are fully discussed with the parents, who provide their child's main meal. The dining table is used for meals and snacks so that children can sit comfortably to eat. Children have good opportunities to benefit from physical exercise as they have access to a well-maintained back garden, and regularly walk to the local park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have ample space in the welcoming family home in which to play comfortably and explore the toys and equipment. Play materials are displayed attractively in the lounge and upstairs playroom. Children are able to help themselves to items stored in toy boxes and baskets. The available range of materials enables children to progress in all areas of development.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is important to the childminder, and she has taken steps to minimise all potential hazards in her home and garden. Safety in the event of an emergency is also given priority. A fire blanket, extinguisher and smoke alarms are all appropriately located. An evacuation plan from the home has been devised and is practised with the children to ensure they leave quickly in an emergency situation. However the dates of the drills are not recorded.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is further safeguarded as the childminder has the local authority child protection procedures, and the booklet published by the government entitled "What to do if you're worried a child is being abused" to refer to, if necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and content in the care of the childminder. Warm and gentle care is given to enable children to develop confidence and good self-esteem. The childminder provides a variety of positive experiences each week for the children to enjoy.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a wide range of play equipment that they explore happily. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to support children's learning in their earliest years. She extends their play, and develops their vocabulary and understanding by asking questions to make them think and respond appropriately. Children are also beginning to recognise numbers and letters as the childminder sits with them and gives appropriate support.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also enjoy weekly trips to the local library for story-time, where they begin to develop pleasure in reading and handling books. Regular visits to the pre-school group enable children to socialise with others. In addition a particular favourite activity is a trip to the pet shop to buy food for Bobby the rabbit.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about wider society as they have access to a range of resources that enable them to begin to understand about diversity. Multicultural books are available, and those that reflect positive images of disability. All children are valued and respected as individuals by the childminder, who ensures that she is fully aware of all their needs and how they are best met.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the duties it imposes upon service providers. She understands the importance of liaising regularly with the parents and all professionals working with a child with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to promote the child's welfare. The childminder also understands the positive impact on the child of working in partnership with all parents. Good relationships are established, and all relevant information is exchanged between them on a daily basis to ensure consistent care is given.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children also benefit from the positive strategies the childminder uses to promote good behaviour. The rules of the house are applied consistently, and the well established routine of the day ensures that children develop a sense of security and belonging within known boundaries.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children profit from the childminder’s good organisational skills. She plans the week to give the children fun, stimulation and variety. She also organises her home to ensure there is adequate play space to enable children to play unhindered.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has produced a file to show the parents, this contains a range of information about her business and daily routine. She also keeps up-to date with current good practice and attends relevant conferences, when possible.

p.4

Organisation

Children's health, safety and well-being are promoted by the childminder as she maintains all the required records. The effective working relationship she enjoys with parents also adds to the children's sense of well-being and contentment. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was required to improve the safety of children by increasing her knowledge of child protection issues. She understands the importance of reporting any concerns about the wellbeing of a child to Social Services, and the signs that may indicate a child was being abused.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Safety in the kitchen has also been enhanced to prevent accidents since the last inspection. Safety catches have now been fitted to cupboards and drawers containing hazardous materials.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was also required to promote the health of children by obtaining written consent form parents to seek medical treatment for their child in the event of an emergency. This is now routinely obtained from all parents.

p.4

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

p.4

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): • attend first aid training that includes first aid for infants and young children • ensure the dates when the emergency escape plan is practised are recorded.

p.5

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

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.5