Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347301 Unique Reference Number 12 August 2008 Inspection date Christine Bonnett 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 registered in 2007. She lives with one son, aged 15, and her young adult son and daughter in Acton, in the London Borough of Ealing. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding and there is a fully 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five, and two children over five. All attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's home is very clean and allows children to play on the floor with no risk to their health. Children are encouraged to adopt suitable personal hygiene practices, such as

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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 washing their hands before mealtimes, and understand why it is important to do so. Children's health is further promoted as the childminder has a valid first aid certificate which enables her to give appropriate treatment in the event of an accident. The childminder understands the importance of not minding children when they are ill or infectious to prevent the risk of cross-infection. However, she does not have a policy in place to ensure parents are aware of why their child might be excluded from her care, and for how long.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder recognises the value of providing children with a healthy and nutritious diet. She is aware of the likes and dislikes of the children in her care and always offers a variety of fresh fruit. Children have routine opportunities for physical exercise in the open air as they play on the decking in the back garden, or in the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe environment as the childminder has taken precautions to minimise any hazards. The space within the comfortable family home is organised to meet children's needs, enabling them to move around freely. Toys and play resources are stored on open fronted shelving to allow children to access them easily and make choices about their play. Resources are safe and suitable for the age and stage of development of each child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supervises children's play to ensure their overall safety is maintained at all times. As well as ensuring children's safety indoors, the childminder encourages them to learn how to keep safe on the roads. They understand the importance of stopping and looking out for cars before crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is aware of the signs that could indicate a child is being abused. She also has the appropriate procedure to follow to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's care. They have a large variety of play resources that they enjoy using. In addition to those belonging to the childminder, they regularly loan more from the toy library to broaden their play experiences. Art and craft activities are routinely enjoyed, and another favourite activity is cooking cakes. Children are well supervised as they break the eggs into the bowl and count the number of spoonfuls of water required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During holiday periods the childminder takes the children to local places of interest, such as Gunnersbury Park where they have fun feeding the birds on the lake.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is very supportive to children and gives them warm and affectionate care. She listens to and values what they say. The interaction between the children and the childminder's own child is also caring and positive. This enables children to feel secure and confidently express their views and needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's behaviour is good as the variety of play opportunities available each day ensures they are kept busy and interested. The childminder manages any unwanted behaviour sensitively

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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 and calmly, according to each child's age and level of understanding. The childminder has had some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She recognises the importance of working closely with parents and other agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and children have worked together to produce a map of the world that indicates where each child's cultural heritage comes from. A photograph of each child has been placed on the appropriate country. The older children point out their peers and are able to name their locations on the map. Consequently, children are learning about their own culture and those of others in a meaningful and fun way.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children profit from the good working partnership the childminder has with parents. As she only minds children attending part-time, she recognises the importance of making sure all relevant information is shared each day the child is with her to ensure consistent care is provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has good organisational skills which enable her to meet the individual needs of all the children she cares for. Each day she provides a variety of fun and stimulating activities for them, both indoors and out. The organisation of space and resources also benefits the children as they move around freely and safely as they play.

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Organisation

Children's individual care and learning needs are also well supported to help to ensure their all-round developmental progress. They are happy, confident and feel at home as they receive lots of individual attention to promote their well-being.

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Organisation

All the required documentation that contributes towards children's safety and welfare is in place. In addition, the effective working relationship the childminder has with parents also has a positive impact upon the children. Therefore, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

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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): • devise a policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious to ensure parents are aware of why their child may be excluded, and for how long.

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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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