Childminder in Hammersmith and FulhamOfsted inspection, 27 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 143660 Inspection date 27 January 2006 Inspector Shan Gwendoline Jones

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and 1 child aged 16 years in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The whole of the flat is used for childminding. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 5 all day. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of the

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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 National Childminding Association The family has a budgie and two tropical fish aquariums.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a range of healthy and nutritious food that takes account of their individual dietary needs. Drinks are readily available and younger children are reminded to drink regularly to ensure they have a sufficient amount of fluid throughout the day. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home environment where they learn about good hygiene such as hand washing after using the toilet and before eating their meals. Children are protected from unnecessary infections due to the toys and equipment being cleaned regularly. The children's welfare is promoted by the childminders knowledge of dealing with accidents, however her current first aid certificate is not up to date, this additional knowledge would further assist her to safe guard the children. The childminder's good understanding of how younger children develop enables her to provide appropriate activities and levels of support to give them confidence to try

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Helping children to be healthy

out new skills. She encourages them to gain control of their bodies by playing games to help them balance and walk. Each day there are outdoor activities to help children develop their physical skills. Organised outings to the local toddler group and park help to support their development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is clean, well maintained and secure. The childminder demonstrated a strong 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. She makes clear assessments on the safety of her home, in relation to the age and maturity of the children in her care. Appropriate action is taken where necessary to ensure any risks to children are minimised, for example, smoke alarm and fire blanket are in place. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment which are clean and in good condition. She monitors and supervises the choices the younger children make to ensure that they are appropriate and safe, younger children benefit from the varied range of activities and are occupied and content. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and awareness

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of the signs an procedures to follow if there are concerns about a child, this

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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 safeguards the children cared for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are absorbed in a wide range of stimulating toys and well planned activities which fully support and promote their learning. They enjoy a secure, warm and loving relationship with the childminder. She spends plenty of quality time talking and responding extremely well to the children's individual needs. As a result, children are happy and confident, as they socialise with each other during their play. The daily routine ensures that children have a familiar and consistent environment, which enhances their feeling of security. Children are excited and enjoy being able to self-select a good range of easily accessible toys such as dolls and books which encourages them to be confident and independent. Younger children have fun and laugh with delight as the childminder pretends the dolls can dance. Children enjoy regular outings to child-friendly settings such as parent toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This gives them opportunities to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with the other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning to be kind and respectful towards each other because the childminder acts as a good role model. Good manners are encouraged and children are valued as individuals. They are developing a sense of belonging within a family environment. Children gain a positive self-image and they learn about the world they live in as the childminder provides suitable toys and resources. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their family and others. As a result, children gain self-assurance and confidence. Children are valued as individuals and treated with respect to encourage and promote good self-esteem. Their needs are met well as they follow routines which are known and discussed with their parents. The childminder establishes good working relationships with parents to ensure the well-being of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are very happy and settled as the home has been adapted to ensure they can freely select resources in a warm and safe environment. The home is well organised. Indoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children.

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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 Children are motivated and interested to learn and are confident to extend their own learning and play. Documentation and record keeping has been effectively developed and is of a good standard, most of the required policies are in place, however written consent for emergency medical treatment has not been obtained from the parents. The childminder is committed to improving her practice, for example she intends to put her name forward for the next 'Birth to Three Matters' course. The childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was required to ensure a range of activities and resources are readily available to promote children's overall development. Resources are prepared in advance of the children arriving, there is a very good range that promotes all areas of the children's development. The childminder has improved her record keeping, children's arrival and departure times are accurately recorded, she was also required to seek written consent for emergency medical treatment, however this area is still outstanding. The childminder has improved her knowledge of child protection procedures to safeguard the children's safety, she is fully aware of the lines of recording and reporting any concerns. Her first aid certificate has expired, however the childminder is on the waiting list for the next available course.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report 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 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):

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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 • obtain written parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment. • complete an appropriate first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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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