Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY249328 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2006 Inspection date Helen Ann Woods Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since February 2003 and lives in a house with her husband and two children aged over eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The setting is situated in the London Borough of Hillingdon, within easy reach of Uxbridge and Cowley and is close to public transport links, local schools and amenities. There are currently three children on roll aged under five years and four when she is jointly minding with her sister.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the whole of the house for child minding purposes where there is access to an enclosed garden.

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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 are cared for in a clean healthy environment where procedures are in place to maintain good levels of hygiene through daily routines such as hand washing and nappy changing. Policies and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication ensuring they are well cared for. Children are protected from unnecessary illness as they do not attend if they are contagious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a healthy organic diet whenever possible that takes account of individual requirements and personal preferences such as home prepared vegetarian meals and variety in menu choices.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing well physically through daily opportunities to climb, balance and slide on outdoor play equipment in the well organised garden. Weekly outings to the park and local toddler group offer a wider range of physical activities and social interaction with peers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming home where children feel safe and secure. Space within the house and in the garden is well organised allowing children to move about safely and independently. Risks have been carefully identified and minimised, for example, radiators covered and rugs removed. The childminder uses a monitor for sleeping children in the spare room upstairs. Toys and resources are checked regularly to ensure that there are no broken parts to harm them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe such as what to do in case of fire however, an emergency escape plan has not been practised with the children to ensure they can be evacuated quickly from the premises, if necessary. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues with the relevant policies and procedures in place to ensure the children's safety. She has a secure understanding of child protection and her role in keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of activities, both indoors and out, which are fun and stimulating and aid their development. They have the opportunity for daily walks, nature trails in the garden and making tents where they pretend to camp. Children have the opportunity to make music, listen to older children playing guitar and flute accompanying their singing. Children learn to speak French with the childminder especially when some French children were recently attending.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through play, by singing number rhymes and taking part in creative and imaginary play. The childminder has a sound understanding of how young children learn and progress.

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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 However this could be developed further, for example, by using the Birth to three matters framework. They benefit from the childminder's sound understanding of learning and developmental stages that ensures they make good progress. Daily plans enable children to follow their established routines, such as sleeping and feeding patterns. Children are therefore happy and relaxed, benefiting from a caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's self-esteem is fostered through positive interaction with the childminder. They receive lots of praise and encouragement as she involves herself with their play; children feel valued and confident to try new experiences. Clear consistent house rules, based around safety and respect for property and people, are in place, which enable children to develop self-discipline. Children mix socially with others encouraging them to learn respect for differing cultures and abilities. The childminder's good understanding of children’s learning and developmental needs ensure she meets any child’s special needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents form a close working relationship that ensures continuity of care for children. Both fill in a daily diary to enable the exchange of necessary information. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures and all relevant recordings concerning their child. The childminder maintains confidentiality at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children use all available play space in and outside the home. The childminder keeps up-to-date with new childminding developments by attending regular training programmes in order to develop her skills and improve the service she provides to children and their families.

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Organisation

All documents are in place according to regulation. They are stored securely, made available for inspection and regularly shared with parents. The childminder keeps parents well informed about the care that is provided. The childminder meets the needs for the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to record the times of the children's attendance in the register. The attendance register now records the exact times that the children are present.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint relating to Standard 1 and 7. The complaint related to an incident with one of the minded children and recording of accidents and incidents. Following investigation by Ofsted, the provider was asked to ensure that she

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Complaints 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 does not exceed her registered numbers and keeps a record that is signed by parents. The childminder completed the actions above and notified Ofsted in writing. The childminder remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise and practice an emergency evacuation procedure. • enhance provision for younger children, for example, through the use of the Birth to three matters framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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