Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY285166 Unique Reference Number 15 February 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Ann Farenden 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 2004. She lives with her husband and one child aged six years in Pimlico in the London Borough of Westminster. The whole of the childminder's flat is used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years on a full time and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to the library, toddler groups and local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very clean environment in which the childminder ensures that a high standard of hygiene is maintained in her home. She carries out daily cleaning routines and good procedures to prevent the risk of cross infection. For example, she wears gloves when changing nappies and cleans surfaces regularly with anti-bacterial spray. Children develop excellent

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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 personal care routines, as they enthusiastically wash their hands with soap before meals. A plastic step aids younger children in learning to wash their hands independently. Children are protected from cross infection as they all have individual coloured towels. They have a good awareness of the use of tissues after they have sneezed and to wipe their faces with after meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is very well safeguarded because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a extremely well stocked first aid box and also takes a small one with her on outings. This ensures minor injuries can be attended to appropriately. The childminder has requested parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. This safeguards children in the event of a serious accident or medical emergency. The sharing of accident records with parents enables them to watch for any further symptoms should they occur. Parents give prior consent to administer medication, which ensures children receive the correct dosage. Parents are informed through the sickness policy that when their child is unwell they must be cared for at home. They are also given details on the exclusion periods for contagious illnesses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have very good opportunities to develop their physical skills and a healthy lifestyle. They regularly go for walks and enjoy using play apparatus in various parks. Children extend their physical activity, as they visit play centres were they are able to ride wheeled toys

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from very nutritious meals and snacks, which include proteins, fruit, cooked and raw vegetables. This encourages them to develop healthy eating practices. Children are also provided with a range of different cultural and international foods, which provides them with a variety of tastes. The childminder provides a menu for meals provided each week, which is displayed for the parents to view. She obtains information about children’s specific dietary needs and is happy to provide for individual requirements. Drinking water is easily available to children in appropriate cups, which prevents them from becoming thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very safe environment, where risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses thorough risk assessments to reduce risk of any accidents. She has taken steps to protect children from danger, such as ensuring the gate is across the kitchen door way at all times, socket covers are in place and cupboards which containing potential hazards are kept locked. Children are effectively supervised because of the layout of the home in which the childminder can observe and hear them at all times. They are also protected outside of the home as young children sit in buggies and when walking wear reins. The childminder uses the green cross code to help children learn about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well safeguarded because of fire fighting equipment in place and the smoke is in working order. The childminder practises the written the fire escape plan a monthly basis, which ensures she is able to evacuate the premises quickly and children become aware of how to leave the premises quickly and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in a warm and welcoming home in which the access a good range of clean, quality, stimulating toys and play resources. The childminder ensures they are safe and suitable for children’s age and development.

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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 The childminder has attended training on safeguarding children and has good knowledge of child the signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows what action to take if there are concerns about a child. This gives priority to children’s welfare and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and at ease within the childminder’s home. They enthusiastically

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

explore and play with the toys which are set out at their level. They use their imaginations well as they put soft toys to bed and pretend a trolley bag is a car. The childminder is kind and caring towards the children and shows great interest in what they say and do and regularly joins in with their play. Children enjoy doing puzzles, playing with musical toys and investigating various wooden, plastic and metal objects from a treasure bag. Whilst children are playing there is a constant dialogue between the childminder and the children. She constantly asks them questions and talks to children about colours and numbers as they play and generally. This results in young children being able to confidently count up to ten in sequence and name a number of colours.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy sitting on the childminder’s lap and singing songs with her. She often reads children stories which they enjoy and books are always accessible to them. Their interest in books is enhanced as they visit the library for story time and join in art activities there, such as making paper pancakes. This develops children’s language and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s creativity is encouraged through a good range of activities, such as various painting activities, which includes painting with brushes, making hand prints and sponge painting. They visit parks which have large sand pits in which they enjoy playing with buckets and spades. They also like playing in paddling pools in the park. They get pleasure in playing musical instruments and shakers that make different sounds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have plenty of opportunities to develop their interests and knowledge through regular outing. They go on trips to a city farm were they are able to see and stroke real animals and enjoy going to the science museum. Children’s social skills are encouraged through regular visits to toddler groups and were they also access an outdoor area and further play resources. They get great pleasure from attending weekly sessions were they dance and sing to music.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends time planning activities which are appropriate for children’s age and stage of develop, which ensures they are continually stimulated and challenged whilst in her in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and are made to feel good about themselves through constant praise and encouragement. Children behave well because the childminder uses effective ways to manage behaviour, which take into account their stage of development and understanding. For example, distraction with younger children and lots of explanations with older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has with the parents. She has devised an excellent portfolio about the childminding service she provides and her polices, which all parents are given a copy of when their child first start starts. The childminder

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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 implements a settling in policy to enable the child to separate from their parents gradually. This also gives her a good opportunity to get to know each child, whilst the parent is present. The childminder keeps parents well informed about their child’s time with her through daily verbal feedback. She also provides additional information for the parents in a well presented manner on the wall in the entrance hall, such as menus, a list of when fire drills took place, the daily routine and activities taking place. Parents are provided with a written policy on how to make a complaint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about the local and wider community through regular outings. The childminder provides some toys and books which promote positive images of culture, race, gender and ability. This helps children to acknowledge similarities and accept differences. There are no children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities currently on role. Through discussion the childminder demonstrated a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs and would work closely with the parents to find out about the child’s needs. She would spend further time finding out about the child’s condition through society’s relating to it and from attending training courses.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a home which the childminder makes into welcoming a child centred environment when they are in attendance. Displays of children’s art work in the lounge and hallway make them feel it is valued. The indoor environment is organised to make the best use of space for children’s play and care needs. Children receive the childminders full attention, as she dedicates her time to them when they are present.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is up to date and very well presented and includes polices and procedures. This contributes to children’s health safety and welfare. The childminder’s first aid and registration certificate are prominently displayed for the parents to view. The childminder undertakes training to enhance her knowledge, enabling her to provide high quality childcare. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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

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 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): • further extend the range of play resources which promote diversity

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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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