Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY271913 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Michele, Karen Beasley 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 mother who is also a registered childminder. They live in a maisonette in Westminster within walking distance of Edgware Road tube station and bus routes, also in easy reach of a market, shops, local primary school and community resources. The whole of the first and second floor is used for childminding. There is no garden available for outside play. The family have no pets.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. The childminder is currently minding one child aged one and a half years. The child is minded two days a week. The childminder holds a recognised qualification in childcare and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Written information is obtained from parents regarding children’s medical history, allergies and special dietary requirements ensuring their individual needs are fully met. The childminder has

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 a current first aid certificate and she is aware to record accidents and the administration of medication appropriately. Written permission has been gained for emergency medical treatment and children's hands are washed before snack times. Consequently, this ensures children's health and well-being.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Parents can supply their own child's meals; however, the childminder has a flexible approach to providing a range of snacks such as fresh fruit and meals such as chicken casseroles and mixed vegetables. She works closely with parents to ensure the children's individual needs are being met and the parents' wishes are being respected at all times, such as providing halal meat for a child with religious needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have ample opportunities to develop their physical skills, for example, practising kicking balls and climbing on large climbing apparatus in the local park. The range of equipment used such as baby swings provides ample challenges for the ages of the children who attend, helping to develop their self-confidence and muscle skills. The childminder ensures the children go out daily to reap the benefits of the fresh air and children enjoy their outings to local toddler groups and visits to the park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has an understanding of the potential dangers and hazards within her home, enabling children to move freely and safely around the premises. For example, stair gates are used to prevent children from accessing areas unsupervised. Children learn how to take care of themselves through daily routines, for example, learning to cross roads safety. Children feel safe and are settled due to the high levels of support and supervision provided by the childminder. A fire evacuation plan is in place, fire blankets are positioned throughout the property and fire drills are carried out with the children. This ensures children's safety in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. Children are able to access the resources freely, developing their independence fully. The well maintained toys and play materials are stored in the lounge and in an upstairs room. Children make their own choices throughout the day and the childminder supports and encourages them, promoting their self-esteem effectively.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with a varied selection of toys such as a musical mobile hanging at an easily accessible level. Children enjoy listening to the sounds that many of the toys make and there are opportunities to explore these toys thoroughly. They play with programmable toys that make sounds, and young children use all their senses as they taste the toys. Children particularly like tapping on a musical children's laptop. They bounce up and down as they hear the sounds, they are clearly enjoying themselves as they explore the toys thoroughly. Children are enthusiastic about singing and never tire of clapping hands with the childminder whilst listening to music tapes.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to walk and they practise their new skills as they are lavished with encouragement from the childminder. Children use the baby walker with great skill and they listen carefully to the instructions of when to turn the walker over and over again. They are

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 learning to be independent and they are learning good self-esteem. Children laugh as they hear the familiar squeaking of a favourite toy. They sit exploring a selection of natural, safe and interesting toys in a small and manageable box on the floor. They enjoy the praise the childminder gives them and they laugh as the childminder catches them and hugs them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit local playgroups on a regular basis where they have a wide range of sensory experiences such as playing with cornflour 'goop' and play dough. Children have good opportunities to explore paint and sticking and gluing. There is a broad range of activities to engage the children well at the playgroups and at other childminders' homes which is clearly evident from photographs of the children. Children learn to socialise with one other and they benefit from the wide variety of celebrations that are held within the group of children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident and self assured and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. Children’s behaviour is good and they show levels of self-esteem responding well to the praise and encouragement from the childminder. They are encouraged to say please and thank you and learn good manners as they ask for drinks. All children are valued as individuals and fully included into the setting because the childminder has a good knowledge of their individual interests and abilities and adapts the experiences she provides.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties and or disabilities are made very welcome in the childminder's home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. Children benefit from the experience that the childminder has with children of differing abilities. The childminder is sensitive to the children's needs and works with parents in a caring and sensitive manner. Excellent books are available on topics such as children who are adopted, children who have epilepsy, eczema and hearing loss. Innovative play figures are available to enable children to play out their fears and experience positive role play. This helps children to develop their confidence and self-esteem and helps children understand one another which promotes equality through their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good working relationships between the childminder and their parents. Registration and induction procedures help to ensure children settle well and develop a strong sense of self assurance and help to establish and maintain links between home and the setting. Parents are well informed about their child’s day through informal discussion about their day. Parents are encouraged to share concerns with the childminder, ensuring both themselves and their child are happy and reassured in the setting.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for children and she meets their care needs effectively. She is warm and affectionate towards the children, therefore they are relaxed and happy in her care.

p.4

Organisation

Children are happy and feel at home as they receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional well-being. They have space to move around freely and play with the different activities provided and have good access to toys and resources. The childminder organises the day to include a variety of play activities and physical exercise. This helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress.

p.4

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 of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place including accident and medication records. Documents are organised in a file and stored away to maintain confidentiality. Records of children's hours of attendance are precise, however parents signatures have not been obtained. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are consistently shared between parents and the childminder. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that all adult household members are appropriately vetted. All household members have been appropriately vetted. The childminder was also asked to obtain a separate daily register to record children's attendance. Children's attendance is being recorded in a separate daily register. This ensures children's safety and well-being.

p.5

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): • ensure the recording of parents signatures in the attendance register.

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