Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345205 Unique Reference Number 17 July 2008 Inspection date Jennifer Devine 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives with one adult child and one child aged nine years in Harlesden, in the London borough of Brent. The childminder uses the living room, kitchen and bathroom for childminding purposes. The garden is not used for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight years at any one time. There are currently no children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

When a provider does not have children on roll at the time of the inspection, inspection judgements are based on evidence gathered from discussions with the provider and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

As there are no children on roll, the quality of the provision cannot be judged better than satisfactory because there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children.

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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 satisfactory. The environment is clean and welcoming. The childminder showed a sound knowledge of how to promote children's good health. For example, she ensures the main play area in the lounge is a 'no shoe zone' which enables young children to crawl freely around the floor with no risk to their health. The childminder describes how she teaches children about the importance of washing their hands at appropriate times during the day. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has appropriate systems in place for recording accidents and medication administration.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder shows a clear understanding of the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. In discussion the childminder demonstrated that she would provide snacks of fruit and home cooked foods with no added sugar or salt. In consultation with parents she would either provide meals or parents may provide if they wish. The childminder is aware of taking into account any individual dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrated a clear awareness of the importance of promoting physical play for children. She organises daily routines so that children have time to walk to school everyday and visit local parks, libraries or play centres.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure risks in her home have been minimised. For example, she has a safety gate to use to prevent access to the kitchen if minding young children. She has a written evacuation procedure to follow in the event of an emergency occurring and discussed how she would practise this with children to enable them to gain an awareness of leaving the home quickly and safely. Smoke alarms are fitted and checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrated that she understands about organising space within the home to enable children to move around freely. Toys and play materials are stored so that children can reach them easily, which would enable them to make choices about their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse but is less secure in knowing the correct procedures to follow if concerned about a child. This compromises children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder recognises the importance of planning activities for each child's individual learning needs. She demonstrated a clear understanding of observing children's development, making notes and providing suitable play activities to encourage children's progress and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a range of suitable toys and play materials such as books for varying ages, dressing up clothes, construction toys and puzzles. She also provides creative activities to encourage children to explore and experiment with different media.

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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 The childminder described how she interacts with children by playing directly with them to encourage learning and enjoys spending quiet times looking at books to help develop children's speech and language development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of treating all children as individuals and with equal concern. She has some resources, such as books and dressing up clothes, that reflect positive images of different cultures which children can freely access.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents to ensure children's needs are fully met. She demonstrated an understanding of ensuring parents are kept verbally informed about their child's day and also provides written information which is shared with parents as required. Although the childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she is very willing to provide support and care as required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a sound understanding of behaviour management. She demonstrated that she is aware of using methods dependant on each child's age and stage of development. She fully understands the importance of positive praise and would use stickers and rewards for praising children's achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that she has an organised approach to her childminding role. She shows that she supports children's individual needs by observing their development and planning according to their needs and interests. The use of the available space has been considered to allow children to explore the environment and toys safely and comfortably.

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Organisation

Evidence shows that the childminder maintains all the required documentation to support children's health, welfare and safety. The childminder has a complaints procedure in place should a parent raise a concern about the care provided.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly attends further training to keep herself up to date with current legislation and new ideas. She has recently attended workshops to gain an understanding of the new Early Years Foundation Stage framework due to be implemented.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the child protection procedures to follow if concerned about a child.

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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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