Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277184 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2008 Inspection date Margaret Moffat 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her family in the Shepherd's Bush area of London. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor of the house for childminding. Young children use a cot for sleeping in a first floor bedroom. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding two children under five full-time. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy environment where they receive appropriate support to develop good personal hygiene. The clear hygiene procedures demonstrated by the childminder help protect children from cross infection, for example boxes of tissues are readily available for children to help themselves and paper towels are used to prevent cross infection.

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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 Visual displays around the home remind children to wash hands and to dispose of tissues in the dustbin. The childminder has considered appropriate procedures to ensure children's welfare whilst in her care. She has recently updated her first aid certificate and discusses her sick children policy with parents. However, the childminder is not fully aware of the notifiable diseases she needs to inform Ofsted about.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a good range of physical activities that include use of the garden and regular visits to the local park, ensuring they exercise and have fresh air within their daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder relates to babies and young children in a warm and affectionate manner. She works closely with parents to ensure their individual needs are met, for example with regard to sleeping routines and making up their bottles of milk. Parents prefer to provide packed lunches for their children, which the childminder stores appropriately and prepares for the children if required. The childminder provides children with snacks of fruit and ensures they have access to regular drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children stay safe because the childminder takes effective steps to identify risks. For example, cupboard and drawer locks are in place, dangerous substances are out of children's reach and a stair gate prevents unaccompanied access to the upstairs. She has an emergency evacuation procedure and smoke alarms on both levels of the property are in working order. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder talks to them about road safety and stranger danger. Although parents are aware their children travel in a vehicle, the childminder does not have their written permission for this.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of toys and resources suitable for their age and stage of development. These are stored appropriately and are easily accessible giving children the opportunity to make choices about what they would like to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates her commitment to safeguarding children and ensures parents are aware of her duty to do so as she shares her policy with them. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and has attended a recent training course ensuring the information is up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder shows the children warmth and affection. She talks to them in a friendly manner and engages with them in their play. For example, when children are playing with a wooden activity board the childminder names the shapes they are touching and the colours, she offers the children a cloth activity sheet with different textures and children squeeze these. Babies have fun as the childminder plays 'peek a boo' with them. They smile with delight as the childminder lifts up the cloth on their heads and says 'peek a boo'. The childminder responds to their sounds and gestures and as a result children are becoming skilful and confident communicators. The childminder offers a wide range of activities to promote children's learning. Creativity is promoted through singing, role play and art and craft activities such as play dough. Outings are undertaken daily, providing the children with opportunities to socialise with a wider

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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 group of children and become involved in the activities in the local community, for example, visits to the local fire station.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder shows an awareness of child development and talks about activities she provides to extend the children’s enjoyment and learning. The childminder plans a daily routine, which takes into account individual routines such as sleep and meal times. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs, she is aware when they are tired and puts them down to sleep and pushes the buggy as she gently sings to them. Children are happy and content.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. She ensures children develop an understanding of the wider world through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures. There is a good range of toys and resources that promote positive images and diversity, for example dolls, small world figures, books and puzzles. The childminder gets to know the children well by spending time individually, talking and listening to them. As a result, the children are treated with respect and equal concern.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has appropriate strategies in place to deal with behaviour issues. She talks about ways of managing children’s behaviour through distraction and simple explanations that are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops good relationships with parents. She discusses the children's individual needs with them and information is exchanged through verbal daily feedback. This two way flow of communication contributes to the overall well-being and continuity of care of the children. Parents report they are very satisfied with the service the childminder provides and their children are happy in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Play space is organised well to ensure children have ample space to move around and play comfortably, helping them to feel safe and secure. They receive good support from the childminder, who knows them well. Information kept about the children is relevant and all regulatory documentation is in place. However, not all consents are in place. The childminder continues her professional development and approach to childminding by attending regular training courses to further improve the service she offers to the children and their parents. 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 was asked to ensure that Ofsted is kept fully informed about changes to circumstances. The childminder demonstrated a good awareness of the significant changes she has to inform Ofsted about. This promotes children's safety and welfare.

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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 complaints 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): • develop awareness of notifiable diseases Ofsted must be informed of • ensure written parental permission is in place for children to travel in a vehicle.

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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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