Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147693 Inspection date 12 October 2005 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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 1989. She lives with her partner and adult children in North Harrow in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local childminder support group. The family has no pets.

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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 good. Children's health is promoted as the childminder sustains a high standard of cleanliness throughout her home. They are developing good self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. However, hygiene standards need to be improved in the bathroom to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Although the parents supply their child's lunch each day, the childminder encourages the children to enjoy their food, and talks to them about healthy diets. The nutritious snacks that she provides, such as melon and grapes, helps to reinforce the message that eating well is linked to staying well. Children sit at the dining table for meal. They eat in a relaxed and social atmosphere, which promotes their social skills and manners. The children have good daily opportunities for outdoor exercise. The childminder helps the children to develop their understanding of the importance of being active

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Helping children to be healthy

and having regular exercise. For example, they walk to local parks and shops instead of going by car. Children also enjoy playing in the large back garden. All these activities contribute towards their physical and emotional development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The safety of children is given high priority by the childminder. She makes sure that all obvious hazards are eliminated from her home and garden. This ensures that children are able to move around the spacious room and garden unhindered and independently. Children also benefit from being in a home that is very clean and welcoming. The range of available childcare equipment means that all children can eat and sleep in comfort using appropriate furniture for their age. In addition, all the furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition, to ensure children are not harmed. An understanding of keeping themselves safe on outings is developing because the childminder makes sure children listen to her when they are out, and follow her instructions. For example, stopping at the kerb and waiting until it is safe before crossing the road. The childminders knowledge of first aid and sound understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

matters both help to ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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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 Children have fun as they play enthusiastically with a wide range of toys and resources. The day is planned to provide a balance of active and quiet play to meet the needs of all the children. Children are also able to self-select what they wish to do, which increases their independence. They particularly enjoy imaginative play and dancing along with favourite television programmes. Vocabulary is being extended through regular story-times and by asking open-ended questions to make them think and respond. Counting and identifying different colours is also encouraged in daily activities. Children play happily with each other as they learn to take turns and share. The Birth to three matters framework used by the childminder supports children's learning in their earliest years. Children have the opportunity to socialise regularly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

with others at a childminder support group. Children are happy and content in the care of the childminder. They laugh and have fun as they relate well to her and her family. The interaction is warm and affectionate, so that children are becoming confident to express their needs and wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are given appropriate praise and encouragement to enhance self-esteem and develop a good self-image. They also enjoy being with a familiar and trusted adult within a family environment. As children are engaged in meaningful play, their behaviour is good. The childminder uses age-appropriate and positive strategies to manage any difficulties that may arise. Children are well settled and comfortable in the home, as the childminder understands how working in partnership with parents is very important to their well-being. She makes time to talk to parents each day about how their child has spent their time, and makes sure she shares all relevant information with them. This ensures children experience consistency of care. Children have access to a satisfactory range of resources that enable them to learn about the similarities and differences between groups of people in the community

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and wider society. For example, books that reflect positive images of different cultures and races. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and consequently is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The health, safety and well-being of the children are promoted by the childminder as she maintains accurate and up-to-date records. However, some lack the necessary detail. The childminder organises the day to include quiet times indoors and physical

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 exercise outdoors. This helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress. Children benefit from a well-organised, safe and clean environment. It allows them to make good use of space, such as playing doctors and nurses under the dining room table. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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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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): • improve hygiene standards in the bathroom • ensure the surnames of the children are entered in the attendance register and accident book • ensure the details of any first aid administered to children is entered in the accident book.

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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:

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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 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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