Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY359470 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2008 Inspection date Christine Bonnett 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her child, aged five, in Shepherds Bush, in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Most of the basement flat is used for childminding. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local pre-school groups. She has one pet cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to ensuring there is no risk to their health in her home. For example, although she has a cat, the carpets are clean and enable young

p.2

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 children to crawl and play on the floor without risk of contamination. In addition, all children have their own toothbrush, and good hygiene practices are used for nappy changing.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Although the childminder has previously held a first aid certificate, and therefore has experience in managing accidents, this has now expired. She has made attempts to attend further training, and is on a waiting list for a place. Consequently, children's health could be jeopardised as the childminder does not know up-to-date first aid techniques to deal with injuries.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet. The childminder prepares and serves fresh, homemade meals that take account of their individual dietary needs. These include couscous, trout and lasagne. A selection of fresh fruit is offered at snack time. A healthy lifestyle is also promoted as walks in the open air are routine, and a local baby gym is visited regularly for more strenuous physical exercise.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The displays of children's artwork on the walls, and the comfortable rugs and cushions on the floor, help to create a welcoming environment for children. Ample space is available for younger children to crawl unhindered on the floor to explore the play materials. Toys and books are appealingly set out to attract their attention and promote their all-round development. A travel cot and highchair are available to enable younger children to sleep and eat in comfort and safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The welfare of children is generally well promoted by the childminder. She is aware of the signs children may exhibit that could indicate they were being abused. She also understands that children's well-being is paramount, and that consequently any child protection concerns she may have must be reported. However, her knowledge of the procedure to report concerns is less sound, which might have a negative impact on a child's welfare.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is important to the childminder. She ensures that there are no obvious hazards in the home. For example, unused electrical sockets are covered, and stair gates are used to prevent children accessing certain areas. In addition, an escape plan from the basement flat has been devised and practised with the children to ensure they know how to leave the home quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and content in the care of the childminder. She gives them warmth and affection to enable them to develop a sense of trust and belonging. Younger children enjoy having a cuddle on the childminder's lap and gurgle with pleasure as she gently talks to them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Each day is planned to provide a variety of activities indoors, and entertaining experiences outdoors. For example, children have great fun playing in the ball pool inside and also visit the library regularly for 'song, rhyme and story time'. Other particular favourites enjoyed by the children include regular visits to Wacky Warehouse and Bunny Park to look at the animals. The childminder involves herself in the children's play by giving them lots of attention and extending their learning, such as by encouraging them to count and recognise colours. The variety of play equipment available is stimulating and challenging for children.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder ensures she works in partnership with their parents. She maintains written information about the daily routine to keep parents well informed about what their child has done each day. The childminder recognises the positive impact that establishing an effective working relationship with parents has on children. However, there is no system in place for logging complaints made by parents, or ensuring that details can be made available on request.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder helps children begin to learn about diversity within society by providing access to a suitable range of appropriate resources, such as multicultural books. In addition, she ensures she has resources that promote the specific cultural background of children in her care. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of working closely with the parents and any other parties involved with the care and education of the child to ensure the best possible outcome is achieved. Suitable and age-appropriate methods are used to manage any behavioural difficulties that may arise, so that children learn right from wrong in ways they understand.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of space and resources enables children to move around freely as they choose toys, play and rest comfortably. The warm and comfortable home is welcoming for children. They are happy, confident and feel at home, as they receive lots of individual attention and care.

p.4

Organisation

Children's well-being is generally well promoted in all areas. However, their health could be jeopardised as she does not hold a current first aid certificate, and their welfare could also be endangered because of her lack of knowledge about the local authority safeguarding procedures.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder supplies parents with a 'welcome pack', which gives them important information about her business and the care their child will receive. She is also dedicated to building upon her childcare skills by attending further training in a variety of subjects. With the exception of the complaints record, all documentation is maintained and readily available for inspection. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.4

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

p.4

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 satisfactory. 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): • attend first aid training that includes first aid for infants and young children • gain knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children by obtaining a copy of the local authority safeguarding children policy and procedure • gain knowledge and understanding of the requirements for managing complaints and maintaining a record of them.

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.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

p.5