Childminder in Brent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299602 Inspection date 27 January 2006 Inspector Beverley Jarrett

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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 2005. She works with assistance from her daughter. She lives with her three adult children in the London Borough of Brent. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted, as the childminder maintains good levels of hygiene. They do not attend if they have an infection or feel unwell. As a result, they are protected from unnecessary illness. Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has implemented sound procedures for accidents and medication. Children enjoy freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced meals and snacks which meet their individual dietary requirements. Children are fed in warm relaxed surroundings where they are able to sit and eat comfortably. The childminder's good understanding of physical development helps children to gain confidence and reach new successes. For example, the childminder and her assistant helped the baby to a standing position and let him bounce on their knees to develop strength and self-assurance in standing. Older children have access to the garden to enjoy physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is very welcoming for children. Toys and resources are set out attractively and safely before children arrive, inviting and enticing them to play. Children are secure and safe on the premises as risks are identified and minimised. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. On outings to local parks, the childminder ensures that play areas are free of objects which could be hazardous to children. The home is large enough to accommodate all the necessary equipment to support the care needs of young children. Children are able to use equipment and toys that are clean and in good working order. Their needs are met by the well designed equipment that is appropriate for their ages and stage of development. Toys and activities are easily available so children can make choices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have easy access to a good range of suitable toys and activities which promote their learning and development. The baby is learning to link words with actions and responds as the childminder and her assistant chat to him warmly as he wakes up, while changing his nappy and while feeding him. The baby enjoys listening to the childminder talking to him and responds to the sounds she makes. He is interested in the toys which are available to him such as the activity centres, rattles, soft toys and pop-up books. This helps him to make

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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 sense of and respond to what he sees, hears, feels and touches. Children enjoy a warm and secure relationship with the childminder and her assistant, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. The childminder spends good quality time talking and responding well to the children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy close and loving relationships with the childminder and they clearly enjoy the time they spend together. Children make themselves at home and are developing self-esteem and confidence as they make choices and decisions in their play. Children are beginning to learn about other people. However, there are few resources reflecting diversity and which reflect boys and girls and men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs. This on the whole will hinder children from fully developing a positive understanding of other groups in society. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child's individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children's routines, developmental progress and activities are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare, care and development needs are met effectively as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of caring for young children. She is well-organised, warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and very happy in her care. Children enjoy a variety of outings to the park and pre-school groups where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their play experiences. Comprehensive planning systems are monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children. For example, she recently completed training in NVQ level 2 in childcare. Policies and procedures are in place and regularly shared with parents, however some documents need to be reviewed and up-dated. Parents are kept fully informed about

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Organisation

the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide play materials that reflect diversity such as, books and puzzles which show positive images of boys and girls, men and women from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs • ensure that children's departure times are recorded in the attendance register • ensure that parents consent is obtained to seek medical treatment in an emergency.

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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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