Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY276561 Unique Reference Number 14 March 2008 Inspection date Catherine Greenwood 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 in house in Bedfont, Hounslow, Middlesex, with her partner and two children aged 15 and six years. The premises are situated close to local amenities and good public transport links. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is currently minding three children under eight years.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to a through lounge and a bathroom. A bedroom is used for sleeping purposes only. There is a secure enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet dog and some fish. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification level three in childcare.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have healthy meals and snacks which include lots of fresh fruit. They eat well, because the childminder allows children to choose what they would like for lunch the next day. Children's

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 scrapbooks show evidence of them learning about healthy eating, through cutting and sticking pictures of fruit and vegetables.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from the risk of cross infection because the childminder follows good hygiene practice, ensures they wash their hands at appropriate times, and checks the garden before children use it. The childminder has a good knowledge of children's allergies and medication needs, and holds a current first aid certificate.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes children on regular visits to parks where they use climbing equipment, and to toddler groups, where they can run freely in an adjacent field. In addition, children occasionally visit a play gym where they learn to climb, and use sensory equipment. Children have access to the childminders garden all year round where they use wheeled toys, balls, hoops and take part in games, such as sack races. In Summer, the childminder sets up a ball pool in her garden. Consequently, children have good opportunities to develop their physical co-ordination and gross motor skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. There is a good range of safe and well maintained play equipment. Consequently, children show good confidence with choosing their own toys, for example, as they tip out boxes to find their favourite resources.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken most necessary action to ensure children's safety. For example, the trampoline has a safety net, there are locks on all the open plan kitchen cupboards, electrical sockets are covered, there are safety gates on the top and bottom of the stairs, and the fire is not used during childminding hours. The childminder teaches children how to be kind to animals, and to understand when it appropriate to handle and stroke the family pet dog. Although the childminder supervises the children at all times, the side gate in the garden has a low level bolt that they could reach. This means the premises are not fully secure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the event of a fire, the risks to children's safety are minimised, because the childminder has a clear evacuation procedure, which includes how to get out of the premises from the first floor. In addition, there is a fire blanket in the kitchen, and working smoke alarms on each level of the home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well supervised and kept safe on outings, because the childminder uses buggies, has appropriate car seats, and ensures children who are walking stay close to her at all times, when they are in areas that are not enclosed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow if she is concerned about a child. There is a system in place to record details and current child protection guidance is available.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of what individual children like to do, such as painting and role play activities. This is evident as young children happily pretend to change the dolls nappies, and push them around in their buggies. Children ask for favourite stories to be read, and enjoy joining in familiar nursery rhymes and action songs such as ' sleeping bunnies'. They

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 are well occupied and motivated within their play because the childminder sets up favourite toys such as ' Deborah the zebra'.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Photographs show children developing their senses as they handle angel delight and semolina, and having fun as they chase balloons around the childminders sitting room. During the school holidays the childminder takes children on visits to adventure parks and farms, where they stroke the animals, see the lambs being bottle fed, and watch sheep shearing. As well as taking part in creative activities at the toddler groups, children have the opportunity to do finger painting, drawing, cutting and gluing in the childminders home. Consequently, children are provided with a good range of experiences.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from regular visits to toddler groups, where they take part in activities related to the seasons and different festivals, make telephones from yogurt pots and string, and plant cress gardens. Consequently, children have good opportunities to socialise with others, and take part in large group activities that prepare them for going to school, such as sports days, and end of term parties. The childminder says she sees children improving their self confidence, as they talk freely with other adults, and take an active part in the activities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled. This is because the childminder actively responds to their individual needs, such as flexible sleep times, and gives them help with using the resources when needed. The childminder forms good relationships with parents. She invites them into her home at the end of the day and shares information about food, activities, outings and behaviour. Consequently, children see how adults form positive relationships and work together to meet their individual needs. The childminder is not currently looking after children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, she feels confident to talk to parents about any concerns and suggest referral if necessary.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved, play together co-operatively, and form close relationships with each other, because the childminder encourages them to share the toys and take turns. This is evident as children spontaneously offer blankets to each other, whilst playing with the dolls. She encourages good manners and aims to set a good example herself.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about differences as they meet children from other cultures and racial origin at toddler groups and take part in activities related to festivals and celebrations. At the childminders home, they make clay Diwali candle holders, and use books, dolls, puzzles, and finger puppets that reflect positive images. However, these resources and activities to do not currently promote disability.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The environment is well organised, and set up so there is enough space for children to move around freely and choose their own toys. In addition, there are small tables and chairs which children use for snack times, as well as a large table in the conservatory for creative activities.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder has recently completed a level three childcare qualification and has used this knowledge to refresh her understanding of child protection, and children's development. For example, she has introduced written observations and planning to help children make 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 Documentation is well presented, and all record keeping systems are used appropriately and kept up to date. For example, the childminder gives parents a handbook which includes comprehensive details of her policies and procedures, and uses these in practice to promote children's safety, welfare and learning. 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 agreed to make all cleaning fluids inaccessible to children. Washing powder and bath salts have now been made inaccessible. This means that children's safety has been improved.

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. 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

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): • make the lock on one of the garden gates inaccessible to children • obtain resources that reflect positive images of disability

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