Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359125 Unique Reference Number 21 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 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged one year and seven years in Acton, in the London borough of Ealing. The whole house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 three children under five years. All children attend 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. She attends local pre-school groups. The family has a pet cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s promotion of healthy eating. She cooks fresh, nutritious meals every day that take account of children's individual dietary needs. Fruit and vegetables are routinely served to ensure a balanced diet is enjoyed. In addition, posters are displayed to

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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 enable children to see the wealth of fresh produce that can be obtained and to encourage them to understand that eating healthily is linked to staying well. School-age children sit around a dining table to eat, or when weather permits, they enjoy picnics in the park on the way home from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children spend their time in a home that is clean and hygienic. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, and has an effective system in place to manage any accidents that occur. She also has an effective and hygienic nappy-changing routine to prevent the risk of cross-infection between children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for physical exercise outdoors. The well-maintained back garden provides a secure environment for children to run around or use the outdoor equipment, such as a water play tray. They also routinely walk to the local school and visit the park to further develop a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted by the childminder. She carries out detailed risk assessments on all activities and areas of the home to ensure that any potential hazards are minimised. Safety in the event of a fire is given priority, and advice from a fire officer has been sought to ensure there are no obvious dangers within the home. The emergency escape plan is practised monthly with the children to ensure they are able to leave the home safely and quickly in the event of an emergency. In addition, children are learning how to keep themselves safe on the roads as the childminder helps them to learn how and where to cross roads safely, and to always to listen and follow her instructions when they are out together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's home is welcoming and friendly. The lounge is very large and provides ample space for children to play unhindered. Younger children can eat and sleep in comfort and safety as the childminder has highchairs and a travel cot. A large variety of play equipment is available for the children. The childminder uses different rooms and different areas of the lounge to store the toys. This enables the children to rediscover favourite items in different locations to keep them interested and amused.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection matters. She understands that any concerns she may have about the well-being of a child must be reported using the appropriate procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and settled in the care of the childminder. She knows them well, and gives warm and affectionate care to enable them to feel valued and secure. Children's independence is promoted as the play equipment is accessible for the children to help themselves. The wide variety of play resources ensures children have fun and stimulating experiences while in the childminder’s care. Activities are planned, and enable children to make progress in all areas of development. Play-dough and drawing are thoroughly enjoyed by the younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to develop an appreciation of books as the family has a large number of good quality story and reference books. Older children are encouraged to use these resources to support their school project work.

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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 Younger children have the opportunity to socialise with others through regular trips to pre-school groups. During the school holidays children are taken to places of interest, such as the Natural History Museum, to broaden their experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children profit from the good working partnership the childminder establishes with parents. Business contracts are used, and all necessary information is gained from the parents to enable the childminder to provide continuity of care for the child. Daily verbal up-dates are given to keep parents well informed about the progress their child is making. A complaints procedure is in place, as well as a system for recording any complaints made by parents. However, the procedure does not include how to contact Ofsted should a parent have concerns about the care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about diversity within society as the childminder has a range of multicultural play materials. In addition, she also has items that reflect positive images of disability. The childminder has a positive attitude towards working with children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She understands that to ensure the best outcome for the child, it is important to work closely with the child's parents and attend appropriate training, if available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Younger children are learning how to share and show consideration for others. The childminder uses gentle and age-appropriate methods to enable children to begin to understand the importance of respecting the needs of others. Lots of praise and encouragement to given for achievement to enable children to develop good self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her routine effectively to enable children to enjoy their play in a clean environment. Children make good use of the available play space as they spread out and explore the play equipment in safety.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety and well-being are promoted as the childminder maintains all the required records. They contain accurate details, and are readily available for inspection. Children's individual care, play and learning needs are well supported in the childminder's care. In addition, the effective working relationship the childminder has with parents also adds to the children's sense of well-being and contentment.

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Organisation

The childminder recognises the value of attending appropriate courses and workshops to keep her practice up-to-date and build upon her skills for the benefit of the children in her care. Therefore, 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

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 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): • ensure the complaints procedure includes 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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