Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347838 Unique Reference Number 07 August 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 12 and two in Hillingdon, in the London borough of Hillingdon. The ground floor of the house is mainly 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks or drives 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's health is promoted as the childminder maintains her home to a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness. Each child has an individual colour-coded cup, flannel and other personal items to prevent the risk of cross-infection between them. The childminder holds a

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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 current first aid certificate and implements effective systems to manage accidents and administer medication. Children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times of the day, including when they have been playing with the kitten.

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Helping children to be healthy

Healthy and nutritious lunches and snacks are served for the children to enjoy. They take account of their individual dietary needs and include fresh fruit, eggs and yogurts, with milk to drink. Children sit comfortably for their meals at the dining table using booster-type seats firmly attached to the dining chairs. A healthy lifestyle is further promoted as children have good opportunities to play in the open air, either in the back garden or local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable family home. There is ample space for them to play on the floor and fully explore the play equipment unhindered. Wall friezes depicting the alphabet and numbers are displayed in the kitchen/diner and add to the welcoming and relaxed environment. Children benefit from the wide variety of play materials available for them to enjoy. A selection of age appropriate resources is set out in the lounge each day. Many more are stored in drawer units in the kitchen/diner and children can requests items of their choice to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is safety conscious and ensures that all potential hazards that may arise in her home are quickly identified and minimised to reduce the risk of harm. An evacuation plan from the home has been devised and is regularly practised with the children to ensure they leave the home quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Children are also learning how to keep themselves safe on the roads. They follow the childminder's instructions about when to stop, and waiting for the 'green man' to show before crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder understands the importance of reporting any concerns she may have in relation to child abuse. She knows the signs to watch out for, and the procedure to follow to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and content in the childminder's care. She gives them warm affection and kindness which contributes towards their sense of belonging and security. The childminder promotes younger children's learning in all areas by sitting with them and supporting them as they count and begin to recognise and name colours. Their speech is also fostered as the childminder asks open ended questions to extend vocabulary and thinking. Children's language is further promoted as the childminder encourages them to enjoy books. They regularly visit the library for story-time and also enjoy snuggling-up to her on the settee at home to look at a good book. Children squeal and growl with anticipation as she reads one of their favourites; 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children also benefit from outdoor activities as they routinely swing and slide in the park. In addition, they are beginning to learn about the natural world as they enjoy observing and feeding the birds in the back garden.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and valued as individuals. Their needs, such as diet and sleep patterns, are discussed with parents and incorporated effectively into the daily routine by the childminder. She works closely with parents and provides written and verbal feedback about how their child has spent their day. This ensures children experience consistent care and parents are kept well informed. Children have limited access to resources that reflect a positive image of themselves and others to enable them to develop an understanding of diversity within society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are welcome in the childminder’s home as she has a positive attitude towards this area of childcare. She understands the importance of gaining as much information as possible about the child's needs to ensure a good outcome is achieved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well as the childminder gives plenty of praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour. Children respect the "house rules", such as not bouncing on the settee and sharing toys. They learn to appreciate that they are there to keep them safe and create a harmonious environment for everyone. Positive and age appropriate strategies are used to manage any unacceptable behaviour that may arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and happy at the childminder's home and receive lots of attention to promote their emotional wellbeing. They also benefit from the childminder's good organisational skills. She has established an effective routine to ensure she is able to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. This includes providing a range of play experiences both indoors and out that the children enjoy. Furthermore, the childminder's good working relationship with parents also helps to ensure the children's overall developmental progress.

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Organisation

Children's health, safety and well-being are promoted as the childminder maintains accurate and up-to-date records. They include all the required details and are readily available for inspection. As a result, 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

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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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

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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): • provide resources that enable children to learn about diversity within society

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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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