Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY243185 Unique Reference Number 13 June 2006 Inspection date Bharti Vakil 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 2002. She lives with her two school aged children. They live in Rayners Lane, in the London Borough of Harrow.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for minding purposes. One bedroom upstairs is available for children's rest time. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. There are currently two children under five years on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 promoted as the childminder sustains a high standard of cleanliness throughout her home, for example, outdoor shoes are not allowed in children's play areas. The floor is covered with blankets for babies to play on. This means young children can play comfortably on the floor without risk to their health. The good hygiene practices, such as hand washing routines before and after nappy changes and before handling food, protect young children from cross infection. Children are developing good self-care skills as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Children are well protected from the sun as parents are required to provide sun cream and hats.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s well-being is safeguarded by the childminder's understanding of emergency first aid. Good policies and procedures are in place for accidents and medication, which ensures children are well cared for. Children do not attend if they are un-well or suffering from infections. As a result, this minimises the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular outdoor exercise as they thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden. Older children walk to and from school. Younger children have regular opportunities to visit the local toddler groups. They enjoy playing with sit and ride, and pull and push along toys and explore a wider range of physical activities. These activities provide opportunities to promote children's overall physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual dietary requirements are well met as the childminder obtains detailed information from the parents. Children are well nourished with a healthy and nutritious diet. Drinks and food provided by parents are stored appropriately. Children are fed in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Children's care needs are well met as the routine is flexible to meet their individual needs for rest and sleep. Their emotional well-being is supported effectively, giving them security and confidence to express their needs and requests and therefore, they are happy and content.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled in their environment as the childminder's home is warm, welcoming and child focused. They are able to move around happily as the space has been organised to meet their individual needs. The designated areas for rest and meal times are comfortable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to sleep and eat in comfort and safety as suitable and well-maintained equipment is available to meet their individual needs, for example, a cot, highchair and buggy. The vast range of good quality toys and resources are attractively arranged and are at low levels promoting children's independence as they self select and make choices in their play.

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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 Children are able to move around the premises safely and independently because the childminder has identified and minimised potential risks in the home and the garden. Children are well supervised and are always in sight and hearing of the childminder. Young children are well protected when sleeping as the childminder is vigilant in monitoring and checking children who are sleeping. The childminder gives high priority to making sure children will be safe in an emergency. She has devised and practised an escape plan from the home to be followed, should the need arise. Children are developing an understanding of keeping themselves safe on outings as the childminder makes sure they listen to her and follow her instructions, for example, holding hands when crossing the road and not running too far away in the park. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

encourages children to join the Traffic Club and receive useful information about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is also safeguarded by the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. She is aware of possible signs and symptoms a child may exhibit that could indicate they were being harmed and the procedure to follow to report such concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with a range of good quality toys and resources that are suitable for their age and promote their learning, for example, books, art activities and dough. The play equipment is well presented and inviting for children to explore. Children self-select what they wish to play with and in doing so develop independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of how children develop and provides a good balance of quiet and physical activities. She also uses the Birth to three matters framework to support children's learning in their earliest years. Babies have an interesting range of resources including interactive and tactile resources which help them to explore and build on their natural curiosity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children develop their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks them questions and encourages conversation. This also helps them to think and make sense of the world they live in. They have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills as they draw, paint and chalk. They learn about shape and space as they play with shape sorters and fit puzzles. This enables children to develop their early mathematical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy regular trips to child friendly settings such as libraries and toddler groups. This gives them opportunities to explore new activities and enjoy relationships with other children. Children are relaxed and happy in the care of the childminder as they relate well to her. The interaction is warm and affectionate and children are becoming confident to express their needs and wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and content as the childminder knows the children well and meets their individual needs effectively. The young children turn to the childminder for both comfort and

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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 play. They confidently voice their pleasures and needs. The childminder is in tune with children's needs and meets them affectionately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's awareness of diversity is increasing as they have access to a range of toys and activities. This contributes to children developing a positive image of others and experiencing a welcoming environment. For example, through practical activities they enjoy learning about New York city and festivals from a variety of world religions and cultures, such as Diwali, Chinese New Year and Christmas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is willing and committed towards working with children with special needs. She has a sound understanding of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and is aware of her responsibilities as a service provider.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing their confidence as the childminder consistently praises their efforts. The childminder has a sound understanding of using age-appropriate management behaviour strategies. This encourages children to try out new experiences in a supportive environment. The childminder is warm and attentive towards children who clearly enjoy the time they spend with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's sense of security and belonging is fostered well through the very good information which is shared between parents and the childminder regarding their routine, activities and achievements. This results in children forming a close and trusting relationship with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease and are content in the well organised environment. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards them and the children are happy and relaxed in her care. Children benefit from a variety of outings to child friendly settings. Suitable steps have been taken to make the home safer for children's well-being.

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Organisation

Children benefit by the childminder's enthusiasm to update her knowledge and understanding of child care. This means their welfare, care and developmental needs are met effectively. The childminder has good record keeping systems in place to maintain this good quality of child care. Although, the childminder has not updated the system for recording complaints in line with revised childminding regulations.

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Organisation

Children's overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared between parents and the childminder. As a result they are happy and content. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has implemented suitable fire safety precautions for children's safety.

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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 Children's welfare is protected because the childminder now maintains the required records to seek medical treatment in an emergency.

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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

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): • update the system for recording complaints in line with childminding regulations 2005. • further enhance the quality of care and learning for children by continuing to undertake suitable training.

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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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