Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY230717 Unique Reference Number 03 March 2008 Inspection date Katie Dempster 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 has been registered since October 2002. She lives with her husband and three school aged children.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family live in a house in Ruislip Gardens, Middlesex, there is a safely enclosed garden.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The premises are convenient to local schools and public transport systems to London and the surrounding area. The childminder currently takes children to and from Ruislip Gardens Primary school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight, she is currently caring for three children.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health and welfare is promoted by the childminder. Soap, toilet steps and individual hand towels are provided meaning children can wash their hands independently and take responsibility for their personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, after playing in the garden and before eating, which helps children remember to do this as part of their daily routine. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, for example, children that are unwell with an infectious illness do not attend, as stated in the sick child policy. The childminder follows a good nappy changing procedure where she ensures she washes her hands before and after changing children's nappies. This further prevents the spread of infection. All written consents for medication are in place and the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy fresh air and exercise as they have fun playing in the garden. A trampoline, basketball net and other garden toys are provided. The childminder sets up obstacle courses where children must dribble footballs around cones, these activities help develop children's physical skills and co-ordination. Regular trips to the park, toddler groups and other child friendly settings vary children's day, offering wider learning experiences.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Some parents provide meals for their children, which the childminder makes suitable arrangements for, to store and prepare. For example, parents provide a packed lunch which the childminder stores in a separate compartment in the fridge. Meals and snacks provided by the childminder includes fruit for snacks and pasta and spaghetti bolognaise for main meals. The childminder provides meals in agreement with parents, ensuring all dietary needs are met.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. There is sufficient space for children to play and rest in comfort, and a large kitchen diner provides a social space for children to enjoy their lunch or dinner. Good quality toys and equipment are regularly checked for damages or missing parts and are stored to allow children to access them independently.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised a fire evacuation plan which identifies exits and assembly points. She has practised this with the children and spoken to them about the importance of fire safety. There are smoke alarms fitted to both levels of the home and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen, however, it has not been fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions, for its quick and effective use. The childminder has identified potential hazards in and around the home and garden; for example, to avoid children falling on the stairs, safety gates are available and in the garden the shed is kept locked at all times. The trampoline in the garden has safety net enclosure all the way around, however, parents are not asked to give written permission for their children to play on the trampoline.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection and the signs to look for in identifying any forms of abuse. She is aware of the importance of accurately recording any signs of abuse and the correct procedure to follow in reporting concerns.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder. She spends all her time playing with the children and asking them questions to encourage conversation and learning. Children are completely engaged whilst playing with the childminder, pretending to be a vet. They enjoy playing with the soft animals, using stethoscopes and toy injections. The childminder supports children's play as she asks, 'do you think he's feeling better now?'. They talk about medicine and how it makes people and animals better. Children enjoy playing with puzzles and keep the childminder involved in their play as they ask her where the puzzle pieces go. As they play with a farm puzzle, the childminder asks what noises the animals make and what they like to eat. Children are learning and developing through their play.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a good range of toys and resources to interest children of all ages. A large cabinet stores a range of arts and crafts materials, for example, paints, colouring, stickers and glitter. Children enjoy making posters together about healthy eating, the childminder takes this opportunity to talk about the importance of fruit and vegetables. There is a range of dressing up clothes that both boys and girls enjoy wearing, and a games console is available, although there is a policy in place that limits the amount of time children can play with it.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and how to implement it into her care. Children benefit from the positive approach to difference promoted by the childminder. She encourages them to gain good knowledge and understanding of the traditions and customs of other cultures and religions by practical activities, such as making cards for Eid. Children will visit the library to learn about the festival together. There is a good selection of resources that reflect positive images, for example, dressing up clothes, including cowboy, fairy and knight costumes. Children are encouraged to try new experiences and use available resources regardless of gender.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good range of books to help children look at physical differences. For example, a book named 'Don't call me special', looks at the label children with disabilities are given and how everyone is unique in there own individual way. This is to the benefit of all children as they learn to respect the right of others to be treated as individuals and valued for themselves.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are kept busy with the range of activities and toys, therefore display good behaviour. The childminder's policy on behaviour management is shared with parents from the outset, where they can then discuss possible strategies together. Children's positive behaviour is reinforced effectively through lots of praise and encouragement for all their efforts and achievements, great or small. The childminder encourages children to think about the feelings of others when they display unwanted behaviour, and explains the outcome of their actions.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A good mutual relationship between parents and the childminder has been established. They receive copies of all the policies and procedures practised by the childminder, in order for good communication in the future. The childminder actively seeks parents' opinions about her service and is keen to ensure children's individual needs are continually met. A clear complaints procedure is in place, that includes information about how to contact Ofsted. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time and home well, and children are comfortable and content in her care. The environment is set out to encourage children's independence and play opportunities to promote their learning.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a good knowledge of the National Standards and the requirements of regulations. All records and documentation are in place and stored securely. The minimum adult to child ratios are maintained and the registration certificate is clearly on display. The childminder has attended various courses to secure her knowledge and standards of care, and is keen to continue to develop her knowledge through short courses, in particular, in caring for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, children's care, learning and welfare needs are promoted. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made relating to the recording of children's attendance and providing resources that reflect positive images. The childminder keeps a register of children's attendance which includes the time they arrive and leave the childminder's home, this ensures children are accounted for at all times. Children have access to a large range of toys and resources that reflect positive images, for example, many books, puzzles and dolls. Seeing these positive images on a daily basis secures children's understanding of differences within our society.

p.5

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.

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.

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): • seek parental consent for children to play on the trampoline

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 • ensure the fire blanket is fitted appropriately, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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.6

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.6