Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY359356 Unique Reference Number 16 April 2008 Inspection date Victoria Vasiliadis 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 good. 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 husband and two children in Ruislip in the borough of Hillingdon. The area of the bungalow used for childminding purposes includes the living room, conservatory and toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years and is currently minding eight children, some of whom attend on an as and when basis and some on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children over eight years.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder records information on their needs and preferences. Children enjoy the food that is prepared for them and benefit from nutritious meals offered such as chicken casseroles, vegetables and fruit. The meals provided

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 take into account special dietary requirements to ensure children remain healthy. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices so they have a well balanced diet.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children's personal needs are well met as the childminder has written policies in place to support them. For example, children do not attend if they are unwell with infectious illnesses. Clear accident and medication records are maintained along with the appropriate levels of parental consent. The childminder also holds a valid first aid certificate. This ensures children receive appropriate care if there is an accident or if medication has to be administered.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise as the childminder takes the children out for regular walks, they visit local parks and go swimming. In addition, the back garden gives the children an opportunity to have fun in the open air within a secure environment, which also helps to develop the children's large motor skills and to be healthy.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can eat, rest and play in comfort using furniture and equipment appropriate for their age, which is provided by the childminder. For example, a high chair is available which allows children to eat in comfort. In addition, furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition. The childminder regularly checks her equipment to ensure children are not harmed and only purchases if they comply with safety standards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from possible abuse or neglect as the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities if abuse is suspected. In addition, the childminder has recently attended a child protection course and has devised a written statement based on the local safeguarding children procedures. Theses are shared with parents to keep them informed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Overall, the children are kept safe and secure on the premises. Positive steps have been taken to make the environment safe to ensure the children's well-being. For example, the childminder has written fire evacuation procedures in place, a fire blanket and smoke alarm to ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of a fire. The children are learning to take responsibility of keeping safe indoors, as well as on the regular outings. However, medication is stored in a low-level cupboard with only a loose piece of cloth type string preventing children from accessing.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are becoming independent as they choose from an excellent range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the children. The children are engaged in purposeful play and are eager to join in activities. The children particularly enjoy play in the garden and the large alphabet floor puzzle.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children thoroughly enjoy taking 'Travelling Ted' on their holidays and to places that they visit. This activity involves the children with the help of their parents, taking photos of them with the teddy wherever they have visited and keeping a journal of what activities the teddy has done. When the children and the teddy return the childminder uses this as an opportunity for discussions about different countries. To date the teddy has been to Cyprus, America and Euro Disney.

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 Children are making good progress in all areas of their development, as the childminder has a sound understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun. The childminder has in place written long term plans for children aged from birth to three years using the Early Years Foundation Stage document to guide her practice. In addition to this, the childminder has in place written weekly plans which are shared with the parents.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy regular trips to interesting and child friendly settings such as the theatre, Earls Court Centre to see the Dr Who exhibition, London Zoo, the aquarium, RAF Hendon, Ruislip Lido, Odds farm, local parks and until recently Swallows.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children's awareness of diversity is increasing, as they enjoy easy access to a selection of books and play materials promoting positive images of diversity. The children's emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them confidence and security due to the childminder's good understanding of their personal preferences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are learning right from wrong and they are well behaved, as the childminder uses age appropriate management behaviour strategies which are consistently applied. They are encouraged to share and to have regard for one another. The children are learning what is and is not acceptable, and the parents are well informed about the childminder's written behaviour management policy.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are settled and comfortable in the care of the childminder. She recognises the importance to the children of working in partnership with parents and carers. The childminder provides good information for parents about her provision. She shares her written statements with them, uses communication books with the under fours to record how the child's day has been and what activities they have taken part in, and talks to the parents at the beginning and end of each session.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and development needs are met effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is well organised, warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. Children enjoy a wide variety of outings where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences.

p.4

Organisation

Children observe good relationships between their parents and the childminder. As a result, children feel safe and secure. The childminder has comprehensive policies and procedures in place that are consistently applied. Good record keeping that is regularly reviewed contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder has in place all of the required records pertaining to childminding and has devised many more to improve her practice.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder is committed to her own professional development and has attend relevant training courses in order to keep up-to-date with childcare issues. This is valuable to all children who attend the provision as her practice is continually enhanced and developed. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.4

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

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.5

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.5

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 good. 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): • ensure medication is not accessible to children.

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