Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY268032 Unique Reference Number 13 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 11 year old child in Northolt, in the London borough of Ealing. The whole of the first floor flat is used for childminding and there is a communal garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. Two attend full time, and one part time.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has no pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder maintains her home to a high standard of cleanliness. The dirt-free flooring enables children to crawl around and play with no risk to their health. Children are learning good self-care skills as they wash their hands at appropriate

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 times during the day. However, their health could be compromised in the bathroom as they all share a towel.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and has effective procedures established to manage accidents and administer medication. Children have plenty of opportunities for physical play as they make good use of the communal garden and walk to local play centres.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the healthy food provided by the childminder. Although the parents supply their child's main meal each day, the childminder ensures that she offers healthy and nutritious snacks, such as fresh and dried fruit. She also ensures that she takes account of any special dietary needs a child may have.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being minded in a well-maintained and comfortable home. It is light, clean, and the children's posters help to make it welcoming and friendly. Children's independence is fostered as a good range of toys and play equipment are readily available for them to help themselves to in the lounge. The contents of the toy-boxes are regularly changed with other items stored elsewhere to provide variety and interest for the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Younger children eat and sleep in comfort and safety as a range of suitable furniture and equipment is available for use, including a travel cot. All toys, furniture and equipment are clean and in good condition to safeguard the wellbeing of the children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted as the childminder is safety conscious. She has taken steps to minimise all potential hazards in her home. For example, a stair gate is fitted across the kitchen door to prevent access by the children. In addition, an evacuation plan from the home has been devised, and is practised regularly with the children to ensure they leave quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further safeguarded as the childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues. She knows the signs a child may show that could indicate they were being harmed, and the procedure to follow to report such concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are given affection, warmth and kindness by the childminder, and consequently their self esteem and confidence are well-promoted. The children interact well together as they play co-operatively. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She encourages them to link sounds with letters and asks open-ended questions to make them think and respond appropriately. In addition, the wide variety of play equipment enjoyed by the children enables them to progress in all areas of learning.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. She involves herself in their play and so makes it fun for them. For example, home-made hand puppets are used to illustrate the 'Dear Zoo' story book. The children demonstrate great excitement as they wear the puppets and anticipate what comes next in the story. Another much loved activity is marching around the room singing along to a tape and shaking bells.

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 Children also enjoy visiting local pre-school groups where they have the opportunity to socialise with others. They are also regular visitors at the library where they are learning to value and appreciate books.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children profit from the good working partnership the childminder establishes with parents. The childminder makes sure she knows all about the children so that she is able to support them appropriately. She makes time each day to exchange relevant information with the parents to provide consistency of care. The childminder will also work closely with parents of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to make sure she is fully aware of the child's needs, and how to meet them effectively.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder has devised 'golden rules', such as no jumping on the furniture, which are known to the parents and children and applied consistently. Consequently, children are learning right and wrong in ways they understand. Knowing the boundaries of acceptable behaviour also enhances children's sense of security and wellbeing.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. Attention is given to each of them equally by the childminder. Children are learning about the world around them as they have access to a wide range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity, including disability.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children profit from being cared for in a well-organised environment. The family home is very clean and offers sufficient space for children to play freely and safely. The routine of the week is planned to ensure fun and stimulation for them, both indoors and out.

p.4

Organisation

Children's experiences with the childminder are regularly enhanced as she attends training courses and workshops on a variety of childcare related topics to build upon her skills and knowledge. Courses attended include behaviour management and Birth to three matters. She has also produced a folder containing her policies, procedures and other information about her business. This is shown to parents to ensure they are aware of the service that they and their child will receive. All polices and procedures are put into practice to ensure the children are well cared for. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder is efficient about maintaining all required records. Written information is detailed, and kept up-to-date to ensure accuracy. Consequently, 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 safety in the home. This has been achieved as she now ensures that children have no access to hazardous substances.

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.4

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 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.4

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): • improve hygiene standards in the bathroom to prevent the risk of cross-infection.

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