Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364354 Unique Reference Number 08 May 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 satisfactory. 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 2007. She lives with her three children aged 10, six and under one year in North Acton, in the London borough of Ealing. The whole house is used for childminding. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park and nearby play area.

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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 one child aged under five years on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks 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 satisfactory. Children spend their time in a home that is clean and hygienic. They are able to play on the floor with no risk to their health. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and has appropriate systems in place to manage any accidents and administer medication. However,

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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 children’s health could be jeopardised as permission is not obtained from parents to seek medical advice or treatment in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a healthy and nutritious diet. The childminder makes sure she is aware of any individual dietary needs, and provides home-cooked meals that always include fresh vegetables. Fresh fruit is given at snack time, and children's independence is promoted as they help to prepare it. Drinking water is available for them throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the chance to benefit from outdoor exercise even though a back garden is not available for use. They routinely play in a quiet area by the side of the home, and walk to the park and library as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection matters. She understands that any concerns she might have about the well-being of a child must be reported, and has the appropriate procedures to follow to help safeguard them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is important to the childminder. She has minimised any potential hazards in her home to protect them. For example, smoke alarms are in place and a gate is fitted across the stairs to prevent access by children. The childminder has also devised an escape plan from the home to use in the event of an emergency. However, it has not been practised with children to ensure their rapid and safe evacuation, if necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's home is welcoming and comfortable for children. A range of play materials is attractively set-out each day to appeal to them and promote their progress in all areas of development. The available play space enables children to enjoy their play unhindered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children receive warm and affectionate care from the childminder. They enjoy being with her as they have fun with the play resources and are treated with kindness. The childminder knows the children well, and what interests them. She also understands how children learn and uses this knowledge to keep them interested and motivated to learn. For example, she sets out a good selection of books because she knows they are particularly enjoyed. When a child selects one to look at, she will sit with them and discuss the pictures and ask open-ended questions to promote language development. Counting, shape and colour recognition are also promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are relaxed in the home and are developing a sense of belonging as they interact well with the childminder and her own children. The children also gain self confidence and feel comfortable to approach the childminder to express their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated fairly and equally by the childminder. Appropriate attention is given to them all. A variety of world faith festivals is acknowledged by the childminder, and a range of multicultural resources are available, such as African artefacts. Therefore children are gaining a positive view of diversity within society.

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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 The childminder understands the importance of meeting the needs of all children in her care, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Having learnt all about the child's individual needs from the parents, she would work with other adults involved with the care and education of the child to give the appropriate support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

To ensure continuity of care for the children the childminder establishes effective working partnerships with parents. She understands the positive impact that this has on a child. Consequently, all relevant information is shared with parents each day. She keeps them informed of their child's daily routine and discusses future plans with them to make sure the arrangement runs smoothly. However, a system is not in place for recording and investigating any complaints made by parents, or for having it available for all parents on request.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children begin to learn the boundaries of acceptable behaviour as the childminder has 'house rules' which are applied consistently to enable them to understand right and wrong. The rules include no jumping, respecting each other, and no smacking. Age-appropriate behaviour management methods, such as distracting the child, are used to manage younger children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable and at ease within a family home environment. The house is clean and offers sufficient space for children to play freely and safely. The health, safety and well-being of the children are generally promoted by the childminder as she is safety conscious, and maintains accurate and up-to-date records.

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Organisation

As well as attending the Introduction to Childcare Practice course, the childminder has other childcare qualifications, and uses her knowledge of child development to ensure children make good overall developmental progress in her care. She organises the day well to include a balance of quiet times indoors and physical exercise outdoors. In addition, the effective working relationship she has with parents also adds to the children's sense of well-being and contentment. Consequently, 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain permission from parents at the beginning of an arrangement to seek medical advice or treatment for their child in the event of an emergency • practise the emergency escape plan with children • establish a system for recording complaints made by parents that contains up-to-date contact details for Ofsted.

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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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