Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147775 Inspection date 02 December 2005 Inspector Zelda Fay Parker

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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 registered in 1999. She lives with her three daughters aged 13, 14, and 15 in Wealdstone in the London Borough of Harrow. Part of the 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 three children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five all day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The children benefit from a clean and well maintained environment where the childminders excellent routines ensure they are kept well and free from risk of cross infection. The children develop high levels of independence in managing their personal hygiene needs. For example, good potty training procedures support the children in learning to take care of their own personal hygiene. The childminder is proactive in taking account of individual children's preferences and shows very good understanding of their individual levels of development. Her excellent understanding of each child's stage of development means the youngest child is confident to try out new skills, gesture or ask for help when needed. The children's health is enhanced by the childminder's exceptional procedures to protect them from illness, which are discussed with parents. For example they do not attend when they are ill. The childminder ensures toys and the equipment are very

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Helping children to be healthy

clean and well maintained. Comprehensive records ensure children only receive appropriate medication in conjunction with the parent's wishes. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, thereby ensuring children are well cared for and emergency treatment can be sought in the best interests of the children. The children's dietary requirements are very well met. They are provided with healthy drinks and snacks. The childminder takes excellent account of parent's wishes and works closely with the parents to ensure the children receive a balanced diet. The children enjoy a very good range of physical activities, such as using equipment at the local park, going for walks and regularly using the wide range of play equipment in the garden. In addition, they regularly visit local leisure centre indoor soft play areas where they can climb, jump and gain confidence in using larger play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is comfortably furnished and equipped enabling the children to make good use of the space that is well organised and child focussed. The children are able to relax and feel at home as the space is organised to meet their individual needs. They are able to explore independently and to rest, eat and play comfortably. The children use all available space well. The children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment which are appropriate for their age and stage of development; they access the toys and activities independently. The childminder ensures the children’s toys are checked and cleaned regularly to ensure they remain safe and free from germs for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where steps have been taken to ensure that hazards are reduced and appropriate safety equipment is in place. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home, resulting in the children being able to move around safely and independently. The young children are kept safe whilst asleep as the childminder checks regularly as well as using a listening monitor. The children’s welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and confidence to follow correct procedures to protect them from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are becoming independent as they choose from a good range of resources that are well organised and easily accessible to them. Resources promote learning and are enjoyed by the young children. The toddler is engaged in purposeful play and eager to join in with the activities. The toddler particularly enjoyed the music made by the musical drum and playing with the interactive keyboard. Resources are suitable for the ages and development of the children cared for. Close and caring relationships increase the children's sense of trust and help them to develop a strong sense of self. The children achieve well due to the childminder's understanding of each child's stage of development. Encouraging and praising the toddler when she walks and encouraging participation in the activities such as singing and dancing, for example. A close and caring relationship with the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

increase children's confidence and communication skills. The children enjoy their time with the childminder and achieve well because she is highly skilled and has good understanding of the early years development. She has an understanding of the Birth to three framework and make's use of this to plan and offer activities and appropriate support when caring for the younger children. The children are provided with good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have daily outings to the park, toddler groups and participate in garden games which promote their physical development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are respected and valued as individuals. Their requirements, such as diet and sleep patterns are discussed with parents and incorporated effectively into the daily routine by the childminder. The children develop confidence and a strong sense of self through positive interaction with the childminder. They make themselves at home and can independently select toys because they are placed at a low level within their reach. The childminder shows good understanding of equal opportunities and inclusion which further ensures that children are valued highly and their individual needs are met well. However, the childminder has limited knowledge of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and her responsibility as a service provider.

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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 children become aware of the wider world and increase their understanding of others as the childminder ensures they have free access to a meaningful range of books, dolls and puzzles. Good use is made of local resources to build the children's sense of community. Walks to the local shops and outings to feed the reindeers, for example. The childminder has a calm manner, which encourages positive behaviour in children. The children are given meaningful praise that helps them to recognise their abilities and develop their self-confidence. Good information that is shared daily between parents and the childminder ensures that the children's care is consistent. Parents are well informed about the childminder's policies and practice through discussion and e-mail.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel at home in the well-organised environment provided by the childminder. This means that children are confident, comfortable and settled enough to initiate their own play and learning. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children, which means their welfare, care and development needs are met very effectively. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care. The children's individual needs and requirements are discussed with parents and carers prior to their child starting which enables specific care to be offered. The childminder has obtained parental consent for aspects of her care, the children benefit from a very good range of activities and meet their developmental and individual needs. Varied play experiences provided give them opportunities to extend their learning potential.

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Organisation

Excellent record keeping that is regularly reviewed contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being. Good relationships between parents and the childminder, ensures that information about children is shared well and kept up to date. Records are stored securely with contact details easily accessible. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend..

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to provide resources that promote positive images of disability, toys promoting disability awareness have been purchased. This will help children appreciate and value each other's similarities and differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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): • gain knowledge and understanding of the disability Discrimination Act 1995

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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: 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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