Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362591 Unique Reference Number 18 June 2008 Inspection date Lesley Boyle 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 lives with her partner and three children aged ten, 17 and 19 years in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a bathroom and bedroom upstairs for babies to sleep in is available. 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 currently has two children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local toddler groups. The childminder supports children with English as an additional language and can support those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of an approved childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for if they have an accident or become ill and there are good procedures in place to protect them from illness and infection. For example, the sickness policy clearly states that children will not be cared for if they are contagious. Appropriate measures, such as, the childminder's maintenance of a valid first aid qualification, and sufficient medical supplies

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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 to administer emergency aid contribute to maintaining children's health care needs. However, the childminder has not yet obtained permissions from parents for the administration of medicine which could affect children's health should they become ill in her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good hygiene practices, such as, using gloves while changing nappies and she encourages children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Even very young children are learning how to keep themselves healthy, for example, they are helped to blow their noses and taught how to hygienically dispose of the tissues.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from having good opportunities to enjoy exercise and fresh air as they access the safe and secure garden on a regular basis. The childminder plans daily excursions where the children walk around the local neighbourhood and frequently visit local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular drinks to ensure that they do not become dehydrated as well as nutritious meals and snacks which include a variety of fruit and vegetables. Children's individual dietary requirements are met as the childminder obtains the information from parents during their initial visit and these are recorded in the children's records.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe, homely environment in which they are at ease. Toddler toys are within easy reach and this ensures a child focused approach. Rooms are well ventilated and appropriate temperature is maintained to ensure children remain comfortable. A good range of toys and equipment are easily accessible to children and meet their individual needs. All resources are of good quality and are regularly cleaned and replaced when needed. Sleeping children are safe from harm as they sleep on the sofa downstairs or in a travel cot in the bedroom where the childminder uses a baby monitor and checks on them regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good safety measures, such as, plug sockets, cupboard locks, window locks and stair gates are implemented which means children benefit from a safe and secure environment. Children are protected on outings because the childminder is vigilant about their safety, for example, younger children are strapped securely in buggies. Older children are beginning to take responsibility for their own safety as they follow road safety procedures which are routinely reinforced by the childminder. Children also have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire because the childminder uses creative ways of involving the children in the fire evacuation plan and making the fire drills fun as well as a learning opportunity.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern and understands her role in protecting children. However, she has not yet obtained the local safeguarding children's board contact details which could cause a delay in obtaining support or advice should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very secure and are building positive relationships with the childminder. They are obviously happy and contented in her care because the childminder actively engages with them and acts as a good role model. She plays on their level, follows their interests and is highly skilled at keeping children motivated and interested. The children are always purposefully and happily engaged because the childminder joins in with all activities and asks relevant questions

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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 to extend the children's enjoyment and learning. For example, during a drawing activity, she asks younger children to point to the colours they want to use and uses this to reinforce their knowledge of colours by repeating these back to the children. Children quickly develop high levels of confidence and self-esteem because the childminder gives them choices and opportunities to talk, take part and be independent within a clear written routine for each day. She is flexible and attune to children's individual needs and allows the activities of the day to be led by their interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's interest and learning is stimulated as the childminder provides a range of activities which encourages their overall development. For example, children do many different craft activities, such as, making fish tanks, junk modelling, cutting and sticking and hand printing. The childminder also organises a range of outings like trips to the library, local farms and parks. The childminder's personal knowledge of each child's likes and dislikes as well as relevant information is obtained from parents this means that she has a good understanding of the children's emotional and intellectual needs. She has also begun making relevant observations of the children in order to highlight the next steps in their learning. Her ongoing assessments of the children show the progress they have made, and demonstrates the very good understanding of the milestones in children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and discussions with parents ensure that their individual needs are recognised and met. The childminder is skilled in finding ways to develop children's appreciation of their own language and culture as well as disseminating this throughout her practice so that all children develop an appreciation of diversity. The childminder makes good use of the local library to show children books about different religions and she uses the children's interests to develop their knowledge about different countries of the world. For example, she uses children's interest in trains to look at train journeys in other countries and children also enjoy various national food dishes, such as, West Indian meals. Children learn about the local community through everyday activities and experiences, such as, visiting the local shops, parks and the library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model and has a good understanding of appropriate managing strategies taking into account children's age and stage of development. Positive behaviour is encouraged in a calm and consistent manner and regular discussion with parents ensures a consistent approach is maintained. Children have built good relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual personalities. The childminder shows an understanding and willingness to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and would undergo any further training to ensure children are well cared for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the constructive partnership that exists between their parents and the childminder. When children start, the childminder ensures that she has a full discussion regarding their needs so she is able to meet these properly. She follows the children's individual routine and works closely with parents to ensure continuity of care, like with potty training. Furthermore, parents are given a great deal of useful written information about the practice which gives them a greater understanding. Children's scrapbooks and assessments are shared with parents on a regular basis and the good relationships that exists between parents and the childminder ensures that information about the children is shared on a daily basis.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by a motivated and dedicated childminder who effectively organises her day in order to provide a good balance of activities both inside and outside. They benefit from regular routines which helps them feel confident and secure. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with a good balance of interesting activities. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with these and the details of her registration.

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Organisation

A clear register is maintained and all required documentation is in place to support the health and welfare of children at the setting. The childminder has developed comprehensive policies and procedures which include the required information to support her registration. All children's details are stored securely and confidentially and the childminder ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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): • update safeguarding children policy to include local safeguarding board numbers • obtain written permissions for the administrations of medicine.

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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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