Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255213 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Hilary Turner 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 has been registered since March 2003.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She lives with her husband, and two adult children. The home is situated in a residential area of Isleworth, in the London Borough of Hounslow. The premises are close to bus and tube services and there are parks and play facilities nearby.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A large through lounge is used for childminding and two bedroom upstairs for rest. A secure back garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has completed an NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Childcare.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years and currently five children attend for a variety of sessions.

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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 good. Children's good health is effectively promoted as the childminder has effective systems in place to ensure their well-being. All food is provided by the parents. Children enjoy healthy lunches such as pasta and fresh fruit. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating and works well with parents to ensure that foods are nutritious and well balanced and take account of their individual dietary needs. Children happily drink water throughout the day, helping themselves to their individual beakers as they become thirsty; and babies' individual routines are respected, for instance mid morning a baby snuggles into the lap of the childminder as they drink a bottle of formula milk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene as they are reminded to wipe their noses, and use wet wipes to wash their hands. Sound nappy changing routines also serve to minimise the risk of cross infection. Furthermore, each child has their own personal bedding and detailed procedures for caring for sick children are in place and shared with parents. Children are well cared for in the event of an accident or injury as the childminder has a well stocked first aid box and maintains a current first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily outings, which provide them with opportunities to exercise in the fresh air. They walk to and from school with the childminder and the garden is used in warmer weather. Regular trips to local parks, playgrounds provide children with opportunities to engage in robust physical play; and they also attend child focused groups regularly, where large physical equipment is available for them to climb, slide and balance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel safe and sound in the childminder's home. The environment is warm and welcoming. Toys and activities are set out attractively and safely for children, inviting them to play. Suitable and well maintained equipment is readily available to meet the children's individual needs, for example, suitable car restraints, travel cots, high chair and child size table and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Their safety is given good priority as the childminder has taken appropriate measures to reduce most potential hazards. For example, all cupboards are secured with child locks, fire blankets, smoke alarms and safety gates are in place. However, a small fridge storing drinks including alcohol is within access to children and not totally secure. Children are beginning to understand the importance of personal safety as they learn about crossing the roads safely and keeping to the inside of the pavement as they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues and she is very aware of her responsibility to put children first. She has suitable procedures in place which she would follow if she became concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. The children's feeling of being

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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 secure is enhanced, as the childminder provides familiar daily routines. She knows the children very well and meets the needs of the varying ages of children very effectively. For example, a baby new to the setting is given lots of cuddles and reassurance, babbling contently as they take in the new stimulating environment. Two other children involve the childminder in their play and they also enjoy cuddles with her as she reads them stories.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses the Birth to three framework to guide her in the planning of the activities and experiences she offers children. The broad range of activities organised for the children enable them to make progress in all areas of development, such as role play activities as they dress up in character costumes. They have lovely scrap books which show their time at the childminder's through lots of photographs and a selection of their own work. One child proudly shows off their scrap book, recalling previous happy experiences with friends at the childminder's. Older children have separate work boxes, which include literacy and numeracy materials. Children enjoy using these materials at designated times with the childminder, who provides good support to promote their learning. The activities offered to the children are fun and suitable for their ages and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive good individual care because their needs and circumstances are well known to the childminder. They are encouraged and supported to participate in all activities through the warm and positive language used.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain a positive image of themselves. They learn about the world in which they live as they play with a range of resources which reflect different cultures and gender. For example, dolls and books reflect positive images and are used by the children on a daily basis. The children learn through practical activities about festivals from a variety of world religions and cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are settled and comfortable in the care of the childminder. This is as a result of the positive relationships with parents and carers. The childminder ensures that parents know how their children are progressing and developing as she shares information with them verbally on a daily basis, and provides detailed daily diaries which parents also contribute to. She shares with the parents an informative folder with details of the service she offers and a selection of written policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and cooperative in the care of the childminder. They are well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries. She offers lots of praise, encouragement and recognition for their achievements and children are rewarded for their good behaviour by receiving stickers. This in turn reinforces the good behaviour and promotes their self-esteem. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder, who encourages children to be respectful, caring and considerate towards others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the time and attention the childminder is able to give them. She has good knowledge and understanding of the needs of children. She organises the day to include a good variety of interesting activities both indoors and by attending regular child focused groups. Here children have further opportunities to develop their social skills.

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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 The childminder is committed to delivering high quality care and learning and keen to keep up to date with current practice. She has attended training, including Birth to three matters framework, signing fun with baby and speech, language & communication difficulties. Children receive lots of warm, individual attention to promote their emotional well-being.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place and is shared with parents to keep them informed about the service provided and the child's daily activities. Written policies and procedures contribute to positive partnership with parents and carers, and underpins good practice carried out by the childminder. The record of attendance is appropriately documented and the certificate of registration is displayed for parents to see. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection three recommendations were raised to: obtain a copy of the government booklet about child protection procedures; obtain prior written permission from parents before administering medication or other treatment to children and obtain prior written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Detailed documents are now in place and appropriate consent forms have been implemented to ensure children remain safe and well protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • make sure the arrangements for storing alcohol are inaccessible to children.

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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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