Childminder in Brent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298225 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Beverley Jarrett

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her daughter aged 6, in the London Borough of Brent. The whole flat 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 under eight at any one time and is currently minding two children under five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted, as the childminder maintains good levels of hygiene throughout her home. Children are developing an awareness of the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before meals. They are protected from unnecessary illness and are well cared for in emergency situations as the childminder has thorough procedures in place for accidents. Children are fed in warm relaxed surroundings where they are able to sit and eat comfortably while chatting to the childminder. They were observed enjoying a freshly prepared chicken, vegetable and rice dish, followed by yoghurt. Drinks were available to them throughout their meal. Children's care needs are well met. For example, the routine is flexible, to meet their individual needs for rest and play. Children are happy, relaxed, confident and very much at home. They have good opportunities for fresh air and exercise which helps

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Helping children to be healthy

them to develop their physical skills while learning about their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is very welcoming for children. Toys and resources are set out attractively and are easily accessible to them, enabling them to make choices and grow in independence. Children are secure and safe on the premises as risks are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. On outings to local parks the childminder ensures that play areas are free of hazards, however, the childminder has not obtained parents written consent to take children on such outings. The home is large enough to accommodate all the necessary equipment to support the care needs of young children. Children are able to use equipment and toys that are clean and in good working order. Their needs are met by the well designed equipment that is appropriate for their ages and stages of development. The childminder has completed child protection training and understands her role and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibilities in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children's welfare will be safeguarded as a result.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have lots of fun as they play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and

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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 resources, which fully promotes their learning. They are developing their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks questions and encourages them to talk. Children have a secure, warm and loving relationship with the childminder. As a result, they are happy, confident and motivated to learn. They have ample opportunities to practise their writing skills when drawing and painting and are proud and delighted when showing their completed works. Children are developing good self-help skills, as they choose their own toys and resources independently. They enjoy visits to local parks, the library and pre-school groups. This provides many good learning experiences for the children. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development as the childminder has a very

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement. They enjoy close and loving relationships with the childminder and they clearly enjoy the time they spend together. Children make themselves at home and are developing self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions in their play. Children are beginning to learn about other people, as the childminder raises their awareness of cultural differences. However, there are few resources reflecting diversity and which reflect boys and girls and men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs. This on the whole will hinder children from fully developing a positive understanding or image of other groups in society. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

developmental progress and activities are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare, care and development needs are met very effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is organised, warm and nurturing towards the children who are relaxed and very happy in her care. The home is warm, comfortable and welcoming to the children. The areas for play, rest and eating are well organised and help children to feel secure and at ease. Children play with a range of stimulating resources and activities which promote their independence and are fun. Effective policies and procedures are in place and regularly shared with parents. The childminder continues to update these to ensure parents are kept fully informed about the service she provides. She has a clear understanding of her role and

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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 responsibilities. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 that parents written consent is obtained for taking children on outings • provide play materials that reflect diversity such as, books and puzzles which show positive images of boys and girls, men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs

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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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