Childminder in Brent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 153302 Inspection date 07 October 2005 Inspector Bharti Vakil

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2001. She lives with her husband and three children who are 13, 12 and 11 years old in the London Borough of Harrow. For childminding purposes, mainly the ground floor of the home is used. The first floor is used with close supervision. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and good use is made of the local park and the library. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time. Currently there are 7 children on roll. Three children under five years old were present during the inspection.

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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 The childminder does not provide overnight care. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted as the childminder sustains very good levels of hygiene. There are good hand washing routines in place before handling food, after nappy changes. Separate bedding and face cloth are available for each child. As a result, this protects children from cross infections. They learn about the importance of washing their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after touching the dog. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they have an infection. Their welfare is protected because the childminder has implemented sound procedures for accidents and medication and she holds a current first aid certificate. Children enjoy a range of freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced snacks and breakfasts, which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. Parents provide the main meals for their children, which are appropriately stored and

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Helping children to be healthy

re-heated. Children are fed in warm and relaxed surroundings where they are able to sit and eat comfortably. Children are able to access drinking water at any time. Children benefit from regular outdoor exercise as they enjoy playing in the garden. For example, they enjoy sit and ride toys, sliding, playing on the climbing frame, riding the bikes. They have fun at the local park and toddler groups as they have opportunities to explore a wider range of physical activities. This helps children to gain control over their bodies and develop balance. Children's emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them confidence and security due to childminder's good understanding of their personal preferences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and happily settled in their environment as the childminder's home is warm, welcoming and child focused. The designated areas for rest and meal times are comfortable. Babies are well protected when sleeping as the childminder is vigilant in monitoring and checking sleeping children. Children are able to move around safely and explore because the childminder has minimised potential risks. Although, school aged children can access the front door handle. Children are learning to take responsibility of keeping safe on the regular outings. For example, green cross code when crossing roads, holding hands, keeping close. Children independently select from a wide range of toys and resources, which are

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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 well organised and stored at low level. This encourages children's interest to play and learn. Children have suitable access to furniture and equipment to meet their care needs. For example, bean bags are available for relaxing, a travel cot is provided if a young child needs a rest and at meal times a high chair is available for use. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and content as the childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs effectively. They have lots of fun and play enthusiastically with a very good range of toys and activities, which promotes their learning and development. Children are developing their speech and language as the childminder asks them questions and encourages them to chat; this also helps them make sense of the world they live in. Children enjoy listening to a range of stories and they have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills when drawing, colouring and painting. Younger children have an interesting range of resources including interactive and tactile resources which help them to explore and build on their natural curiosity. Books are used as a further point of discussion with very young children and older children have access to early reading books. All children are using their senses to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

explore, learn and develop. For example they enjoy singing a range of songs, action rhymes, playing musical instruments, constructing with bricks, play dough, water play, cutting and sticking. Children's feeling of being secure is enhanced as the childminder provides a daily routine that is familiar. This provides a stable environment and helps children to look forward to their day. They involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of attention which enables them to extend their learning. Children get pleasure from outings to child-friendly settings such as toddler groups. This gives them a chance to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing independence and self-esteem as they are given the freedom to explore and experiment during their play. Children have time to be active and relax when reading books and cuddling up for a story. They build positive images of the world they live in as the childminder provides suitable activities and resources. Their understanding about the wider world is extended by regular outings to toddler groups, the library and parks. The childminder understands the importance of helping

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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 them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. As a result, children gain self-assurance and confidence. Children are learning to take turns and share. They are well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries, explains clearly what is not acceptable and offers lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder knows the children well and encourages their individual interests. They enjoy close relationships with the childminder and they learn to be respectful, caring and considerate towards each other. Children are happy and comfortable because parents share their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines and activities are shared with parents daily by the childminder. The two-way-flow of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information and joint approach help children receive consistent care and make progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and development are very well met as the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is well organised, warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and very happy in her care. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children, for example by attending Birth to three matters training. All relevant paperwork is maintained. The childminder did not inform the regulator, Ofsted of significant change in her premises within the required timescale. Although, suitable precautions were put in place for children's safety. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place, which are followed in practice. Children's overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder. As a result they are happy and feel safe and secure.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The childminder 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): • take further steps to ensure children's safety, this should include the front door • develop greater knowledge and understanding of the Birth to Three Matters Framework to further enhance the quality of care and learning for children. • notify Ofsted of significant changes and events within the required timescale.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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