Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292098 Inspection date 25 January 2006 Inspector Bharti Vakil

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 3 years and 2 years in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole premises, except the small bedroom, are available for childminding. The toilet and rest facilities are located on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time. Currently there are 2 children on roll. One child under 5 years old was present during the inspection. The childminder does not provide overnight care. The childminder walks to local pre-school to take and collect children. She 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 no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children's good health is well promoted, as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene. They learn about the importance of covering their mouths when coughing, washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet. The children are protected from unnecessary illness, as they do not attend if they have an infection. Their welfare is protected, because the childminder has implemented sound procedures for accidents and medication. The children benefit from regular outdoor exercise, as they enjoy playing in the garden. For example, they thoroughly enjoy playing with pull and push along toys and riding tricycles, which helps improve their physical skills. They have fun at the gym and toddler groups, as they have opportunities to explore a wider range of physical activities. This helps the children to gain control over their bodies and develop balance. The children enjoy a range of freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced snacks and

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Helping children to be healthy

meals, which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. They are fed in warm and relaxed surroundings, where they are able to sit and eat comfortably. The children are able to access drinking water at any time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are secure and settled in this bright, warm and welcoming home. They move around freely, as the space has been organised to meet their individual needs. The designated areas for rest and meal times are comfortable. Suitable furniture, a good range of equipment and resources create a safe and stimulating environment. Toys and play materials are set out attractively. The children happily use the developmentally appropriate resources. Overall, the children are kept safe and secure on the premises. The babies are well protected when sleeping, as the childminder is vigilant in monitoring and checking sleeping children. Positive steps have been taken to make the environment safer for the children's well-being. For example, fire fighting equipment is readily available. The childminder offers clear explanations about keeping safe. The children are learning to take responsibility of keeping safe indoors, as well as on the regular

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outings. However, a potential hazard is accessible to the children. The childminder has the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder has a

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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 sound understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child, in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy a very warm and secure relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. They are very curious and play enthusiastically with the wide range of activities offered. The childminder is aware of the children's likes and dislikes and spends plenty of quality time talking and responding extremely well to the children's individual needs. The children are developing their vocabulary, as the childminder asks them questions and encourages conversation. This also helps them to think and make sense of the world they live in. The children enjoy listening to a range of stories and they have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills, when colouring and painting. The children learn about shape and space as they play with shape sorters and fit puzzles. They compare their height amongst themselves. This enables the children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop their mathematical skills. The children enjoy regular trips to child friendly settings such as the library, local parks and toddler groups. This provides many good learning experiences for them. They are making good progress in all areas of their development, as the childminder has a sound understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun. The children involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of warm, individual attention. This enables them to successfully extend their learning experiences, in a supportive stimulating environment. The babies have an interesting range of resources, including interactive and tactile materials, which helps them to explore and build on their natural curiosity. The children's feeling of being secure is enhanced, as the childminder provides the daily routine that is familiar. This provides a stable environment that helps the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are very comfortable and content, because they are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder meets the needs of the children, by seeking information from the children and their parents about the child's likes and dislikes and getting to know the child. The daily exchange of information with the parents about their children's routine, activities and achievements ensures to help the children receive consistent care and make progress. There is no system in place to maintain a complaints record in line with the revised criteria to the National Standards for Childminding. The children's awareness of diversity is increasing, as they enjoy easy access to a

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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 good selection of books and play materials promoting positive images of diversity. The children's emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them confidence and security due to childminder's good understanding of their personal preferences. The children are learning right from wrong and they are well behaved, as the childminder uses age appropriate management behaviour strategies which are consistently applied. They are encouraged to share and to have regard for one another. The children are learning what is and is not acceptable and the parents are well informed about the childminder's written behaviour management policy.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised, warm and affectionate towards the children, who are relaxed and very happy in her care. She has gained qualifications in Childminding Practice. She appropriately uses the knowledge gained from training and written guidance to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She is keen to further develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children, for example by attending Birth to Three Matters Framework training. All relevant paperwork is maintained. The children's overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared between the parents and the childminder. As a result, they are happy and feel safe and secure. 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 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 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 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

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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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): • ensure all hazards including glass mirrors are safe or inaccessible to children • include a system for recording complaints in line with the childminding guidance to the National Standards October 2005.

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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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