Childminder in Ealing

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 117897 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Deborah Wilkinson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1998. She lives with her partner and two school aged children. They live in a terraced house which is situated in a residential area of Acton. Local transport, parks and shops are all within walking distance. To the rear of the premises is a good sized enclosed garden There is a designated ground floor play room available for childminding, with the upstairs being used for children attending the bathroom.

p.2

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 currently have two cats, and goldfish which are kept in a fish tank, safely located in the front room. The childminder currently has four minded children on roll who attend for different sessions during the week. At the time of the inspection three of the minded children were present. The childminder makes use of local resources within the area including parent and toddler groups, parks and childminder's drop-in groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy and well looked after. They are cared for in a clean, well organised environment with good measures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Their welfare is safeguarded by the recording of information about their medical needs. The childminder does not have a current first aid certificate as this expired recently, however, she has made arrangements to attend a certified course next month. Children are active and their physical skills are developing well. They have regular walks when they go to catch the bus to playgroup and there is a local park where they use the large play equipment. Children have a well balanced diet. Meals are freshly prepared and the childminder keeps records of dietary requirements to ensure the children are given food they like. They have access to drinks throughout the day and regular snacks are provided. In good weather, children enjoy going on picnics.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The older children sit together at a small table to eat their meals. During the inspection, the baby, who is comfortable in his high chair and is starting to feed himself, is delighted when he manages to pick a piece of pasta up on his fork. Parents are informed of what their child has eaten when they talk to the childminder at the end of each day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable and well organised environment. They play mainly in a bright, well-equipped playroom, however, we go upstairs to look at photos on the computer and children go into the kitchen when they fetch the cutlery for lunch. The children use the space with confidence because the childminder has identified and minimised the risks in the home and garden. Facilities

p.3

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 are available for rest with either a travel cot or the sofa being used, although sometimes children fall asleep in the buggy while they are out. Children have access to a good selection of resources which are well maintained, appropriate and suitable for their ages. Much of the equipment is stored on low shelves enabling the children to reach it easily. Children are kept safe when out as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place which include holding hands when crossing the road and talking to the children about road safety. There is a fire evacuation procedure which the children practice regularly. However, no record is kept of these fire drills. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has completed child protection training and fully understands her role and responsibilities with regard to keeping

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children safe. She is aware of possible signs of abuse and knows the procedures to follow

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are happy and comfortable in the home which is organised to provide them with space to play and move around freely. They choose what they want to play with and regular trips to the playgroup enables them to experience large physical play in the purpose built soft play area. Children are building their confidence and self-esteem as they are frequently praised by the childminder. They enjoy looking at photographs of places they have visited and talk about the things they did such as grooming the horse or sitting on the tractor. They have opportunities to ride on the bus when they go to the playgroup and enjoy visits to the shop to buy fruit for their lunch. The children and the childminder have very warm and loving relationships. They share stories, cuddles and tickles and the children respond well to this interaction, clearly enjoying the very positive attention they receive from the childminder.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The younger children particularly will benefit as the childminder starts to use the 'Birth to Three Matters' document.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and content because the childminder meets their individual needs effectively, helped by her sound knowledge of the children and the written records kept for each of them. They benefit from the good information shared between their parents and the childminder regarding routines, activities and achievements and observe positive relationships when the childminder talks to their parents and gives them feedback about the daily routine. The children talk with the childminder about their lives at home, their families and the friends they meet when they are out.

p.4

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 Policies are shared with parents when they are given the information file to read and there is a notice board in the hall where information, including menus, is displayed. Children have regular opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds when they attend the playgroup and the childminder recognises the value of living in a diverse, multicultural community. Children are developing their independence skills when they help set the table for lunch, pay the bus fares, order their snacks in the cafe and select fruit in the green grocers. Children choose their own equipment which is accessible in low storage boxes or displayed on shelves and the childminder supports them in their activities by giving practical help and making suggestions. The childminder has a positive attitude to caring for children with special needs and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

has had previous practical experience in this area. The children are learning to share and consider the others. They are helped by the childminder who uses positive language and gives them praise and encouragement. Children are confident to come to her for help to find a toy or for a cuddle when feeling a little weary.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a commitment to updating her knowledge of childcare issues by attending training courses whenever possible and uses her knowledge and understanding to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The written procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed about their child and this contributes to continuity in the children's care. The children are happy and confident in the home which is arranged to provide them with space to play safely and move around freely. The childminder is well organised and the routines in place ensure children have regular outings and opportunities to meet other people. Comprehensive information, which is regularly updated, is recorded about each child, however for one the permission for outings is not available. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend well.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her care of the children as she has discussed with parents the possibility that their child may fall asleep in the buggy while on outings. She has written agreement from parents that should this happen the child may be left to sleep in the buggy when they reach home.

p.5

Improvements 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 The safety of the children has also been improved as the childminder has signed parental consent to obtain medical treatment in an emergency.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • keep a written record of fire drills. • ensure all the required records are available on the premises

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6