Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 147828 Inspection date 01 February 2006 Inspector Julie Biddle

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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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband and 2 children in the London Borough of Harrow. Children have use of a room set aside for childminding purposes only, children can access a bathroom on the same floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder can care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. There are currently 7 children on roll cared for part-time and on a full-time basis.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, washing their hands before meals and covering their mouths when they cough. Children are protected from cross-infection because the childminder informs parents of any illness in the setting. Children are well looked after in emergencies due to the childminder having effective documents in place for first aid, accidents and medication. Children enjoy opportunities for physical exercise as they enjoy regular trips to the local park where they have opportunities to slide, swing and run around. Organised outings to the local toddler groups mean children can socialise and use large indoor equipment. The childminder however does not make good use of her own garden area. Children enjoy a balanced healthy diet, where their individual dietary needs and any allergies are considered. The childminder cooks fresh food on a daily basis, for

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Helping children to be healthy

example, pasta and fresh soup. She provides healthy snacks during the day, for example, fruit and yogurts, and children are offered regular drinks during the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is welcoming for children. The children have plenty of space to explore freely and play with confidence as the childminder has made the premises safe. They are able to feel relaxed and at home as space has been organised to meet their individual needs, for example, they are able to play comfortably in a room set aside for childminding purposes. Suitable and well-maintained equipment is readily available to meet the children's individual needs, such as, a high chair, low table, chairs and nappy changing facilities. Children benefit from a range of developmentally suitable resources that are attractively set out in clear boxes to allow children to see what they want. The childminder demonstrated a commitment to keeping children safe. She has a good awareness of hazards; positive steps have been taken to promote the safety of children in the home and on outings. For example, all emergency contact numbers

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are stored in a mobile phone. The childminder encourages children to learn about protecting themselves, for example, crossing the road safely and being aware of the dangers of running near a road. Children's welfare is further promoted by the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child protection matters. She also holds a first aid certificate.

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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 The provision is good. Children are having lots of fun as they play together. They are able to choose from a varied range of resources that are age and developmentally appropriate, for example, floor puzzles, books and toy cars. Children are well supported by the childminder as they make choices about the activities they want to play with. The childminder encourages the children to listen to stories and join in with singing at the local play group. Children have a sense of pride as some of their creative work is displayed. The daily routine ensures that children have a familiar and consistent environment, which enhances their feeling of security. Children enjoy opportunities to explore the local area as the childminder plans outings to the local park. Children are developing physical skills as they run, climb and slide. The childminder has

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developed good relationships with the children. Interaction between the children and childminder is constant and effectively builds the children's confidence as she praises and encourages. The childminder is keen to further develop her understanding of how to meet the developmental needs of younger children by implementing the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to learn about themselves and others through sharing books that include positive images and examples of how people live. The wide range of well planned activities positively promotes children's independence and children are developing their confidence. They clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. The childminder knows the children well and is able to ensure their needs are met. Firm consistent boundaries encourage the children to know what is expected of them and helps to keep them safe. Children play well together and are encouraged to share and care for each other. For example, the childminder explains when behaviour is unacceptable and encourages the children to say sorry and hug each other. Children are cared for as parents wish because the childminder listens to parents and works well with them. Parents are encouraged to use a gradual settling in time and to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

come and see their children play. Daily discussions take place, meaning parents are kept informed about their children's activities and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder’s home. Children benefit from a well organised environment, and a daily routine which helps them to feel comfortable and at home. They have easy access to resources and can extend their own play and learning. The childminder is warm and attentive to children who are relaxed and happy in her care. This helps children to feel confident and self assured. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted as the childminder keeps all required records to maintain a safe and effective provision, for example, accident and medication records. The childminder is committed to her own self-development which

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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 benefits all the children who attend as her practice is continually improved. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to increase her range of resources that promote positive images of culture, gender, religion and disability. This has now been done, meaning children are learning to value themselves and each other. The resources are helping children learn about the local community and the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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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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): • use the Birth to Three matters framework to enhance practice with younger children • make better use of own garden throughout the year

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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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