Childminder in Hammersmith and Fulham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306772 Inspection date 16 December 2005 Inspector Christine Goode

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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 satisfactory. 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 family of three children. One age 13 at secondary school and two aged 17 and 19 who are working. They live in a terraced house set back from the main road in the residential area of North Fulham in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Children are cared for in the lounge and kitchen/dining rooms on the ground floor. Toilet facilities are located on the ground floor. One bedroom on the first floor is used for children to rest. There is a safe and secure garden at the rear of the house available for outside play.

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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 have a cat. The childminder is currently minding a baby of 10 months and a 5 year old who attends school locally. The childminder takes and collects children from school. The childminder uses all local facilities, parks, libraries and the children's centre.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean well maintained home, providing them with a safe and hygienic environment. They follow consistent hygiene practices and know they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating. They are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals. Nappy changing routines are appropriate. Children visit the park and enjoy varied and popular outings; they go to toddler groups and the local library. School aged children walk to and from school. This helps them to understand the need for regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. They gain physical skills appropriate to their stage of development, as the childminder ensures children have access to a variety of indoor and outdoor play. Children develop healthy eating habits as the childminder provides choices, which she monitors to ensure they are healthy. For example, children are encouraged to

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Helping children to be healthy

eat a variety of sandwiches for tea. The children can have fresh cooked food for their meals, such as tuna pasta and chicken stew all with vegetables. Children are encouraged to sit at the table to eat, which encourages good habits and sociable conversation. They can ask for a drink whenever they need one and the childminder ensures they drink plenty. Food complies to children's dietary needs, children's preferences and parents wishes are adhered to. The children are safeguarded by consents obtained from parents. This protects children and good practice prevents the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are made to feel welcome through the provision of toys in the room they access. Children enjoy playing with others and also the resources. Children benefit from playing in a clean, tidy and well organised environment with easy access to a lounge, open plan kitchen and accessible garden. Children move around freely and discuss what toys they wish to play with. They benefit from a range of sufficient, safe toys, resources and equipment. Children are able to access age appropriate resources which are suitable and which interest them,

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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 such as the building materials. However, there are limited resources and equipment currently available for outside play. Toys and resources are clean and checked regularly, to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. The childminder has ensured that steps have been taken to minimise most risks. However, kitchen knives are easily accessible to children and a large glass fronted cabinet has not been made safe. Children are encouraged to learn about safety when on outings or going to and from school. Children learn about road safety and they learn to stay close. They are safeguarded by the record of written consent to go on outings. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has sufficient understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident in their play. They approach the childminder for support, for example when they want a particular activity. This indicates good relationships are built between the child and the childminder. Children feel comfortable and happy because the childminder is warm and relaxed towards them: she responds to their requests. They feel valued because the childminder listens to them and takes time to help them put their ideas into practice, such as making animals out of the balloons. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder who provides appropriate support. Children enjoy a range of activities. They access a range of suitable resources such as, building equipment and creative materials which develop their abilities. They enjoy a regular range of outings such as going to the local toddler groups and library for story time. Children benefit from opportunities to socialise with other children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

when they attend the toddler groups on a regular basis The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves and gives support. This enables children to develop their independence. Children benefit from the childminders experience of caring for children of varied ages and the support she offers for their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's self esteem is promoted as the childminder encourages children to develop their self confidence. Children's individual needs and interests are clearly recognised through play activities. For example, the childminder allows children to make their own choices of toys and resources. Children select their own favourite activities, such as building with the bricks. The daily routine is organised around the children's differing needs, such as organising time for school pick ups, visits to the park and outings to the toddler groups. Children are happy and settled in response to

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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 the positive interaction they are shown from the childminder. There are a few resources available to the children which reflect the wider world and diversity within society. The childminder has limited experience of caring for children with special needs although she is aware of how to obtain information and training to ensure that the special needs of any child she agreed to mind would be provided for. Appropriate procedures are in place to manage behaviour. Children enjoy positive responses from the childminder and suitable individual attention. Children receive support to suit their individual needs, as the childminder discusses and agrees how to provide consistent care for children with parents. The childminder develops a successful partnership with parents that promotes the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

welfare of children. She gathers relevant information when children are placed in her care. For example, children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of their food likes and dislikes. Parents are welcomed into the home and praise the care the childminder gives children. For example, gaining more confidence. Parents have access to a file of information about the service provided. For example they can see the policies and documents about insurance and have access to a complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good organisation of the childminding service. Children benefit from the homely environment and enjoy frequent access to outings. Children access a variety of safe and clean resources as well as appropriate activities, which are well supported. The environment is well managed to ensure the effective supervision of the children. The documentation is well organised, secure and used well so that parents are kept informed and children protected. For example, there is a valid insurance policy to cover any liabilities that could result from unseen accidents. Children's welfare is promoted by the childminder's understanding and experience of working with children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on

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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 request. The complaints record may contain complaints other 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 satisfactory. 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 a suitable range of outside toys and equipment • make sure that sharp kitchen knives are inaccessible to children • make sure that low-level glass panels are safe and secure.

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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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