Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315509 Inspection date 26 April 2006 Inspector Kim Mundy

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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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her 5 children aged from 9 to 25 years old in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a cat and 2 guinea pigs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 years. There were no children present during the inspection. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder ensures that children experience fresh air and exercise every day as they are taken to the park and toddler group. There is a good range of equipment available to help children to develop their physical skills, such as push and pull-a-long toys, balls and tricycles. The childminder provides an attractive and suitable digging area for children in the garden. Children's health and wellbeing is positively promoted as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene in her home. Good policies and procedures are in place for sickness, accidents and medication which ensures that children are well cared for. The childminder is keen to obtain a first aid certificate. From discussions and menu samples, the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of healthy eating, including the need to have drinking water accessible at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. The childminder has suitable furniture and equipment to meet their care needs, for example a cot, a high chair, a potty and a toilet seat. Therefore, children are able to rest, eat and play comfortably. The childminder has made her home safe and secure, although further steps are required to promote fire safety. Secure safety procedures are in place for outings. The childminder has suitable car seats and she ensures that she is able to contact parents in an emergency situation. The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. As a result, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of how children learn and develop. She introduces new activities to extend children's learning, for example play dough and painting. The childminder talks about encouraging children's language through chatting, reading stories and singing songs. She knows the children well and provides their favourite toys, for example puzzles, cars and building bricks. Children have access to a good range of age-appropriate toys and activities. The childminder helps children to develop their imagination as they play with small world

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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 toys, such as animals and cars. She also provides attractive and colourful activity centres, pull-a-long toys and stacking cups. The childminder talks about helping young children to recognise shapes and colours as they play with the shape sorter. The childminder continues to develop her skills and knowledge to benefit the children, for example by obtaining information about the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that children have equal access to all of the toys and resources and their individual interests are promoted. However, there are too few resources to help children to develop an understanding of other people's cultures and beliefs. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations. She has a suitable written behaviour management policy which is shared with parents. Children's welfare and development is promoted because the childminder ensures that parents share information about their child's routine and interests. The childminder provides verbal feedback about the children's daily routine, activities and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and child-friendly home. Space has been organised to meet children's needs and play resources are organised in a manner which helps to promote children's free choice. Most of the required paperwork is maintained and well organised. However, the childminder is required to update the system for recording complaints in line with new childminding guidance to the National Standards 2005. The childminder ensures that she carries out parents' wishes while providing suitable care of their children. The evidence suggests that the needs of all children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain a first aid certificate for infants and young children • install the fire blanket following the manufacturers instructions • continue to build on toys and resources to promote equal opportunities • update the system for recording complaints in line with new childminding guidance to the National Standards 2005 in order to share this information with parents.

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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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