Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294754 Inspection date 19 January 2006 Inspector Maria Therese Conroy

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2004. She lives with her husband and their 3 children age 10, 7 and 4 years. The family live in a house in Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the house is accessible to the children with the exception of the garden. The main play area is on the ground floor. The childminder is registered to care for 2 children and she currently minds 1 child on a part time basis. The house is close to local shops, schools and transport links including a British Rail

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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 Station. The childminder can collect children from local schools. She can speak Urdu, Punjabi and English.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children's well being is not sufficiently safeguarded due to first aid procedures not meeting regulatory requirements. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate, has not kept the required records of medication administered and does not have consents in place to access emergency aid for children should it be required. The childminder has adequate hygiene procedures in place such as cleaning the area where the children play daily, which promotes children's health. Children benefit from a healthy diet and they have access to drinks throughout the day in appropriate cups provided by their parents. Children have limited opportunities to access both indoor and outdoor activities to promote their physical development and help them gain control of their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are able to move around and explore safely, freely and independently due to the childminder identifying and minimising risks for children in the home. For example, making hazards inaccessible to the children and covering all plug sockets. Children are able to rest and sleep in the travel cot available, however there is no suitable equipment to allow children to sit and eat comfortably. Children have access to age appropriate toys, however they are limited. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in relation to child protection however she is not secure in her knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse. Therefore, children's welfare is not safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. The range of toys and planned activities are limited. Children do not have regular opportunities to take part in variety of activities to encourage their all round development. This results in a lack of choice for children and the ability to explore their senses and develop their skills.

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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 The quality of experiences offered to children under three is poor. The childminder does not provide a sufficient range of interesting and stimulating opportunities for young children. Children feel safe and secure in their environment due to the childminder's warmth and affection towards them. They are given regular cuddles which they enjoy, as they snuggle into the childminder's neck. She sits on the floor with the children and gives them regular eye contact and speaks to them in affectionate manner. However, children have limited play opportunities throughout the day which in turn leads to a lack of stimulation.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs with the childminder. Children's routines and activities are shared with the parents daily. The childminder is not familiar with the new guidance in relation to complaints, therefore parents are not made aware of how they can make a complaint. Behaviour management strategies used by the childminder are age appropriate. The childminder speaks to children in a soft voice to make them feel secure, she regularly gives them praise when they do well. There are few resources or activities that promote positive images of diversity, which prevents children from learning more about the world in which we live.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has completed the introduction to childminding practice course which has made her more aware of her role as a childminder. However, she is not secure in her knowledge of the National Standards for Childminding, for example, the childminder failed to notify Ofsted of changes to household members as required. As a result not all of the regulations are being met. The childminder has some of the required records in place, however, procedures for medication and consent for emergency medical treatment and outings are not maintained. Therefore, children's well being is compromised. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children, for whom she provides care.

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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

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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 request. The complaints record may contain complaints 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • gain secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. • ensure that Ofsted are kept fully informed of changes to circumstances before the event if reasonably possible or if not within fourteen days of the event. • plan and provide a suitable range of toys, equipment and activities for children under 3, which are appropriate for their stage of development and based on their individual needs. • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are maintained, in particular a record of medications administered. • ensure familiarity with updated guidance particularly in relation to complaints. • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children. These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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