Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY289766 Unique Reference Number 04 March 2008 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 satisfactory. 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 has been a registered since 2004. She lives with her partner in Northolt in the London Borough of Ealing. They live close to local amenities, parks and library. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom upstairs are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminding is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under eight years old during the day and one child over the age of eight years old before and after school. The childminder walks to the local school to collect children. At particular times, the childminder also cares for her grandchildren.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to learn sound hygiene routines whilst in the care of the childminder. For example children understand to wash their hands before meals or snacks; after touching the dog; after messy play or coming in from outside play; and after using the toilet. Children use liquid soap for washing hands and minded children have their own towel which helps to stop the spread of germs. The childminder ensures to clean changing mats after nappy changes. Parents supply nappies and wipes. The childminder works with parents when small children are being potty trained and offers children encouragement and praise. Parents are asked to keep children at home if they are sick or have a contagious disease. Sleeping babies are provided with a travel cot and are checked often.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of the procedures to document any accidents that occur, or a medication that needs to be administered to children whilst they are under her care. The childminder has completed her first aid training; however this is due to expire shortly. The childminder is aware that she needs to update her knowledge of paediatric first aid as required. Consent forms for parents to give permission to the childminder to seek emergency treatment or advice are not signed by parents. Children's welfare in an emergency therefore is placed at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to go outside to play in the garden and often visit the local park. Children always walk to school and make trips out with the childminder to the shops and library. Children therefore receive plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has two large dogs. Parents are told this and advised that children are never left unsupervised. The dogs are well looked after and the childminder takes the appropriate steps to ensure that children's health and well-being is not affected whilst being around the dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide their children with nutritious lunches. Likewise, the childminder provides healthy snacks such as toast and fruit when children arrive home from school. The childminder ensures that she is aware of children's dietary needs and any allergies. Children have access to drinking water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to the whole of the downstairs of the childminder's home, which is clean and welcoming. Children also use the bathroom which is upstairs. The childminder ensure that all the resources and equipment she uses are in good condition and are maintained well. Toys are easily accessible to children. The childminder has a cleaning rota and checks toys often, which ensures children's safety and well-being are cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's home is made safe for children in that she keeps doors locked during the day with keys accessible to her; windows are locked open in a ventilated position; cleaning materials are stored in cupboards in the kitchen and children do not have unsupervised access here; socket covers are in place and heating is controlled thermostatically. A stair gate is in place and the bathroom door cannot be locked which ensures children do not accidentally lock themselves in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 practice the fire evacuation plan, which is set in place and displayed in the kitchen every six weeks. Therefore, children's safety is increased as children are well aware of what to do in an emergency situation. The childminder has two smoke detectors, one upstairs and one downstairs. She tests these regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Out in the garden the childminder makes certain that no poisonous plants are growing. The garden is secured with fencing and the shed is kept locked. Children have play equipment which is maintained well. The childminder does not drive so when out and about children walk alongside the childminder or are in pushchairs. Children are taught an understanding of safe crossing procedures which helps prepare them to cross roads safely as they grow older. Rules are in place for when in the park. For instance staying in view at all times. The childminder takes children's emergency contacts with her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse, but is not fully aware of child protection procedures. Children are therefore placed potentially at risk. The childminder is aware to increase her knowledge of safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder and have formed warm relationships. Children include the childminder in their play, for example at being hairdressers, doctors and nurses. Children delight in their imaginative roles which aids their development personally, socially and morally.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can access their toys easily and these include dolls and prams, Hama Beads, a first aid medical box, jigsaws, Lego, animal figures, a large Police car and cars for example. Babies are provided with a wide range of resources too which include shape sorters, rattles, baby walkers, soft play, small construction and musical toys for instance. Older children, on returning from school have board games, such as Connect Four, Operation and Monopoly; and have a small time to relax watching television or playing the computer games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to use the wide variety of art and craft materials set out for them. Children enjoy making pictures and collages by cutting out of old magazines, recycling old boxes and cardboard, sticking and gluing with materials and paper. Art and craft activities are child led and children learn to become independent in their play; however the childminder is on hand if children need a little advice and sits talking to them as they play, asking about the colours and what they are making. Other messy play includes painting, sand play, play dough and cooking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are taken out to trips to the local library where they can choose books; make trips to the park on the way to and from school/nursery; and attend local toddler/carer groups. In the garden children have a range of toys, a large play house, baby swing, sit on rides, a sand pit, bats and balls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have been introduced to diversity and are therefore more aware of the positive images of society around them, in particular reference to culture and disability. The childminder takes time to get to know the children and is aware of their individuality which in turn enables children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to feel valued. The childminder passes on important information to parents and works with parent's wishes if a child has a particular need, adapting her approach to make sure all children are able to take part in activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well together and learn right from wrong. Children are encouraged to share and are given lots of praise when they achieve or do a particularly kind act. If children do not act so appropriately the childminder sits down with them to explain. If the behaviour persists 'time out' is given appropriate to their understanding and age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has solid relationships with the parents of the children she cares for. New parents visit the childminder and she goes through the care she offers; and policy in regard to sickness, medication and accidents for example. A trial period and settling in time is offered. At the end of the day the childminder feeds back to parents about their child's well-being. Parents know they can contact her during the day if they have any concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder has a warm and caring approach. She is booked to commence training for the Early Years Foundation Stage later in the year. Her paediatric first aid qualification is about to expire however the childminder is aware this needs to be updated.

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Organisation

Children's records are stored confidentially and detail preferences, dietary needs and allergies. Written consents are in place for outings, sun protection and photographs; however, permissions are not sought to give the childminder permission to seek emergency treatment/advice which could place children's welfare at risk. The childminder has medication and accident books in place but has not needed to use these to date. She is however knowledgeable of the procedures to follow should she have to. Registers record children's arrival and departure times as required. The childminder displays her certificate of registration.

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Organisation

The childminder's own grandchildren are looked after by the childminder on some occasions. The childminder is conscious to include these ratios when minding other children.

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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 was given just one recommendation. This was to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has met this recommendation in full as she has provided children with a range of books and jigsaws which relate to positive images of society in relation to culture and ethnicity, disability and age. Children are therefore made more aware of the diverse world in which they live.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require Ofsted or the provider to take action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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.

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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

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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 satisfactory. 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 written consent with parental signature is gained for childminder to seek emergency treatment/advice • ensure relevant first aid training is updated as required • update child protection training in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board.

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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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