Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271940 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Julie Biddle 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 was registered in 2003, she lives with her husband and two children in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor is used for childminding purposes, a bathroom is accessed on the same floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently two children on roll.

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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 good. Children's health and welfare are fully promoted. They are learning the importance of cleanliness through the clear explanations given by the childminder and the regular daily routines that have been established. She has a first aid certificate and a first aid box in place, which means that she has the knowledge to deal with any minor accidents that may happen to the children whilst they are in her care. There are good systems in place to gather information from 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 regarding medical needs, dietary requirements and allergies. As a result, children would be well protected from infection and well cared for if they become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals currently provided by the parents, which they eat sitting comfortably and safely in appropriate high chairs or at low tables. Drinking water is always freely accessible to all children and this ensures that they do not become dehydrated or thirsty. The childminder is very keen to ensure any food she does provide is healthy and nutritious for example, she makes her own fruit juices, bread and soups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. For example, children play in the garden, walk to and from school and visit the park. They are developing well physically because they have regular opportunities to climb, balance and slide on outdoor play equipment when visiting the park. Children enjoy collecting leaves and acorns to make into a collage on their return home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a child friendly environment. Children are able to explore freely and enthusiastically as the childminder has made the premises very safe and secure. For example, socket covers and smoke alarms are in place. Good procedures are in place to protect children whilst on outings. Children follow simple guidelines to ensure that they are aware of the dangers of the road and what they must do to secure their safety. They know for example, that the red man means stop and the green man means go.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are of good quality, they are suitable for the ages of the children being cared for and organised to ensure that children can access them independently and safely. The childminder has a extensive range of creative materials giving children wonderful opportunities to express themselves through art.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended child protection training and is aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. Children's welfare is safeguarded because of her good knowledge of child protection issues and understanding of the reporting procedures to follow if concerned about child abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder and the children have formed close, warm relationships. Interaction is very good, the childminder is proactive in responding to the children's needs and requests. As a result children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. Children enjoy looking at soft interactive books as they snuggle on the childminder's knee.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development both inside and outside of the home. Children enjoy regular opportunities for creative play such as making book marks, and decorating candles. Children have fun as they cook pizzas and little cakes. The childminder is always on hand to support experiences by supplying appropriate equipment and resources to develop their independent play. The childminder knows the children very well and plans her routine to meet their needs to enable children to get the most from being in her care.

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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 good. Children learn about the world they live in as the childminder provides suitable toys, activities and resources. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. As a result, children gain self-assurance and confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound understanding of the children's individual needs, this means that children enjoy a flexible routine that allows them good opportunities to play, learn and develop at their own pace. Children are well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement when they do something well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the very strong relationships the childminder builds with their parents. She works closely with parents which helps to provide continuity for the children. Parents are given extensive daily verbal feedback along with written information to keep them well informed about their child's progress. The childminder has a good knowledge of the procedure to be followed where a parent has a complaint about the service provided, however parents are not made aware of how to contact the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel relaxed and at home in the well-organised environment. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for young children which means their welfare, care and development needs are met effectively. Their close relationship with the childminder helps them to feel safe and secure.

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Organisation

The childminder provides the children with a varied routine, giving them time to play in the home and times for them to socialise. The childminder gives her time and attention freely to the children, she is kind and interested in what they are doing. The childminder takes a keen interest in furthering her knowledge of childcare and has attended relevant courses. This enables her to ensure she has the knowledge to provide a positive child care service for children and their parents.

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Organisation

The childminder has good systems in place for keeping records. The required paperwork is in place, which ensures that the care and welfare of the children is fully maintained.

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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 agreed to ensure drains are inaccessible to children, this has been completed meaning children can play in the garden safely. The childminder was also asked to obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment as necessary, she now has appropriate paper work meaning children are protected if they become ill.

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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

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 complaint 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): • ensure parents are enabled to contact the regulator

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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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