Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 161133 Inspection date 01 February 2006 Inspector Hilary Turner

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 2001. She lives with her husband, their two young children and the childminder's sister. The premises are situated in a residential area of Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon and within walking distance of Hayes and Harlington British Rail Station and various bus routes. The childminder can collect children from Cranford Park School. Children have access to the ground floor which includes a through lounge, kitchen, toilet and shower room with one bedroom available for sleeping purposes. There is no garden available for outdoor play because building works are currently being

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 undertaken. The childminder is registered to care for 3 children under 8 years. The childminder currently cares for 2 children under 5 years on a full time basis and 1 child before and after school. The family have no pets. The childminder speaks Punjabi and English.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children learn to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection when attending to children's personal needs and caring for them when they are ill. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals, which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. They sit and eat comfortably enjoying the social occasion as they chat happily to one another while they eat a snack of apples and bananas. Children are developing physically as they have regular opportunities to climb, run, jump and balance on outdoor equipment. Children are beginning to learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as the childminder talks to them about the importance of regular exercise and rest and how this affects their body, for instance, becoming

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder has good arrangements to protect children and keep them safe, for example, children are checked regularly and baby monitors used when children are sleeping. Children play with a range of good quality toys and resources. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choices of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For instance, she holds a first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of her role and responsibilities in child protection and the procedures to follow.

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled as the childminder knows the children well and the familiar daily routines help them feel secure in the home. The childminder makes good use of everyday situations to extend children's learning and thinking. For example, children are introduced to early counting skills through counting the number of plates and cups needed when laying the table. They are learning about the natural environment and changes in the seasons, for instance, as they enjoy collecting leaves when on outings and using these to do leaf rubbings. Children happily involve the childminder in their play, for instance, they have fun as they pretend to have a picnic. However, children would benefit from a greater selection of toys and resources which are freely available to them, so they can self select and make independent choices in their play. The childminder has good systems in place to monitor children' s progress and she

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

uses the information to plan activities and play experiences to help them make their next steps in their learning.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are secure and content as they are valued, respected and treated with equal concern. Children have equal access to the toys and resources. Their self esteem is fostered as the childminder provides an inclusive service. For example, the childminder speaks to children in their home language of Punjabi. However, although the childminder has a positive attitude towards equal opportunities and the home environment reflects this there are too few toys and resources that promote diversity. Children are generally well behaved as the childminder has effective strategies in place to manage children's behaviour positively, appropriate to their age and level of understanding. They are given praise and encouragement for wanted behaviour and children are beginning to learn to share and take turns. Children's needs are well met as the childminder gathers detailed information from parents at the beginning of the placement and an exchange of daily verbal

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

information keeps parents well informed. Children enjoy taking home their art work which they show off proudly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, well organised and child friendly environment. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children, which means their welfare, care and developmental needs are met very effectively. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and

p.4

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 happy in her care. Children benefit from regular outings to parks and pre-school groups, where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences. The childminder is keen to develop her skills and knowledge to benefit children, for example, by attending Birth To Three Matters Framework. Detailed, well organised and up to date information ensures children are well cared for. However, the childminder does not maintain a record of complaints. A verbal exchange of daily information keeps parents well informed about the service and their children's daily routines and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection two recommendations were raised: develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures; and ensure the shed is made inaccessible to the children, the paving slab is made safe and a second smoke alarm is fitted on the first floor. A second smoke alarm has now been fitted on the first floor and the childminder has developed a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The outdoor area is completely out of bounds as extensive building works are being undertaken, but overall children's welfare and safety has improved.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The complaint related to National Standard 2 Organisation. Ofsted carried out an investigation and no evidence was found that the National Standards had been breached. The provider remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint record may contain complaints other than those made by Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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.5

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): • increase the range of toys and resources which reflect positive images of diversity to help children understand about the wider world • implement a complaint log for the recording of any complaints made by parents relating to the National Standards • ensure the organisation of toys and resources provides children with opportunities to make independent choices in their play

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