Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283405 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2007 Inspection date Susan Elizabeth Tovey 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 child aged eight years in Hillingdon, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with toilet and sleeping facilities upstairs. There is a enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children some attending part time. Local parks, shops and schools are within walking distance. The family have no pets

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, friendly and clean home. The childminder has good hygiene procedures in place that enable children to be cared for in an environment that reduces the risk of infection. Children are protected from unnecessary illness and do not attend if they are contagious. Children are learning the routines for good hygiene practices as they wash their

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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 hands before meals and after using the toilet. Effective systems are in place for managing accidents and administering medication. In addition, the childminder has a valid first aid certificate to enable her to effectively treat children in an emergency, should the need arise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a varied range of nutritious and healthy snacks and meals, as the childminder understands the importance of providing a healthy diet to maintain their growth and development. They sit together at the table to eat and younger children are given appropriate support to enable them to feed themselves. The childminder seeks information from parents about children's dietary needs and menus are planned accordingly. Children are offered and are able to access drinking water independently at any time so that they are not thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to spend time outside in the fresh air, to be active and develop their physical skills. They play in the garden and explore the varied range of outdoor play equipment available. This caters for children of different ages and stages of development. The childminder regularly takes children out for walks to local parks and soft play areas to enable them to climb and use a range of physical play resources. This helps to develop their coordination and physical abilities. Children are able to rest and sleep as they need to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a friendly and welcoming home. They use all available space well and can access the toys and equipment with ease. There is a range of suitable and well maintained furniture readily available to meet the children's needs. The childminder gives high priority to checking the toys to ensure they remain safe for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has taken the necessary steps to minimise potential hazards within the home. She has devised a detailed emergency evacuation plan, however, this has not been practised with children to ensure they can be evacuated quickly from the premises, if necessary. Also the fire blanket is not installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, to further promote children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe when in the presence of people who have not been vetted because the childminder does not leave them unattended. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection. She is clear about the signs and symptoms to look out for and who to contact if she has a concern. This helps her to safeguard children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of child development which enables her to offer flexible, high quality care, which is suited to each child's individual needs. Children enjoy an extensive range of activities, which contributes to their creativity and imagination, being pirates, cooking in the play kitchen and growing cress in egg shells. All activities are planned in advance, especially in the school holidays.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children display high levels of confidence in their daily activities and are developing very good independence skills, as they busy themselves and become absorbed in their activities. Their communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality interaction with the childminder. Older children enjoy playing Twister and interactive computer games whilst younger children enjoy the trucks on the roadway and looking at picture books. The childminder organises

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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 many outings during the holidays, Willow Tree and Odds Farm to feed the animals, Beckonscot Model Village to see the trains and bug hunting in the local parks. Children make positive relationships, they play exceptionally well together and are encouraged to consider younger children as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is skilful in encouraging children to make very good progress in all areas of development. The children participate in a wide range of activities which extend their knowledge. For example, the childminder made a video of a shopping trip to the local supermarket. The children had enormous fun finding the different fruit and vegetables on the shopping list. They help each other count the correct amount of carrots and apples, then take turns to hold the bag open for each other. Children are able to demonstrate what they know as the childminder uses skilful questioning to make them think. The childminder finds out about the children's interests, needs and builds on this information effectively to help children to fulfil their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and with respect. They develop a sense of belonging as the childminder gets to know them individually. Children access a good range of resources that reflect positive images and diversity. They have opportunities to learn about their local community through routine outings and walks in the fields and local parks. Children have opportunities to socialise with other children as they attend activities in the local area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy each other's company and behave well. They benefit from the childminder's calm approach to behaviour management. She remains patient in all her dealings with children and her good use of praise and encouragement effectively fosters their self-esteem and confidence. Basic house rules are consistently applied and children are learning valuable social skills, such as sharing and good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and content because the childminder has a very good relationship with the parents. They work together to meet the child's individual care and developmental needs. Children's routines and activities are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel very comfortable within the childminder's home environment. She organises the day to include a good variety of indoor and outdoor play activities. This helps to ensure the progress of children's individual development and learning. They receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional well being.

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Organisation

Documentation, to ensure the welfare and care of the children, is stored securely and made available for inspection. The childminder regularly shares these documents with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care that is provided. However, some procedures need to be updated to reflect childcare practises.

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Organisation

Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder as she has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for children; she meets their welfare and care needs effectively. Children receive continuity of care as their routines and achievements are shared between parents and the childminder. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Also, to ensure that the window in the bathroom is made safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A variety of multicultural activities and resources are available which enhances children's knowledge and understanding of the wider world we live in. The bathroom window is kept locked at all times which ensures that children's safety is protected.

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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

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): • improve fire safety precautions • update policies and procedures to reflect childcare practise

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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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