Childminder in Westminster

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296806 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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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 lives with her husband and three children aged 10, 14 and 18 years old. The family live in a three bedroom, first floor flat in the Harrow Road area of the London Borough of Westminster. No pets are kept on the premises. The areas used for childminding consists of the living room and one bedroom. Outdoor play takes place at local parks and drop-in groups. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time

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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 and currently has three children on roll, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She speaks English and Portuguese.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean childminding home. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene practice through regular hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. Children's welfare in the event of an accident or sudden illness is ensured by the childminder, who follows good procedures. For instance, children who are infectious do not attend. Children have sufficient opportunities for physical exercise on a daily basis as they walk to and from local shops, schools and parks. They also have access to a range of outdoor equipment, such as balls, bikes and climbing apparatus, at local parks and drop-in groups. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy living because the childminder provides them with a healthy and balanced range of snacks and meals. These consist of fresh fruit, yogurt and occasionally biscuits for snacks and meals, such as rice, chicken and vegetables, for lunch. Each child's particular dietary needs and

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences are provided for well because the childminder ensures parental wishes are taken into account when planning the menu. Younger children help themselves to water from their beakers and older children have free access to a water filter machine, which is stored in the main play area. This promotes children's independence and self help skills and ensures children do not become thirsty or dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious effectively organised childminding home where there are suitable areas for children to rest and play. Children independently select toys and equipment, which conform to safety standards. This means that they have access to safe equipment and are provided with opportunities to make choices for themselves. Children are safe and protected from accidents in the home as the childminder has fitted a good range of safety equipment, for example a safety gate to prevent children from gaining access to the kitchen; and the childminder ensures she supervises children closely at all times. Children are familiar with the fire drill procedure as the childminder ensures that it is practised with children on a regular basis. Children are safe when taken on outings and walks. Younger children are always strapped in the pushchair and older children learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

discusses and practises road safety and the importance of holding onto the pushchair when walking.

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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's welfare and safety from harm is assured because the childminder's knowledge of child protection is good. The childminder is clear about the local child protection procedures and has all documentation available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from daily outings to parent and toddler groups and local parks where they can mix and socialise with other children. The childminder attends the parent and toddler groups with children and, whilst there, ensures that children participate in a good range of activities and experiences that are stimulating and well balanced. Children are developing their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks questions and encourages them to talk. Children enjoy taking part in activities that promote their mathematical learning through number and colour songs, puzzles and practical every day activities, such as identifying colours in their clothing. Children feel secure, settled and happy with the childminder, who communicates and engages well with them. They enjoy comfortable routines that are structured by the childminder around their individual and developing needs. Children are developing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good self-help skills as they independently choose from a good range of toys and resources that helps to promote their learning and development in all areas. Children are making good progress in all areas of their development as the childminder has a good understanding of how children learn and develop through play and having fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the world around them through outings to local drop-in groups and parks. The childminder has worked very effectively to ensure that she has a good understanding of children's individual, cultural and language needs. Children have access to a satisfactory range of activities and resources that reflect diversity and positive images. But resources that reflect positive images of disability and religion are limited. Children with special needs do not currently attend, although the aim is for inclusion. But this will depend on the specific circumstances and take into account the impact on other children attending. Children's confidence and self esteem is fully promoted by the childminder, who uses positive praise and encouragement to build on children's good behaviour. Children's behaviour is managed well by the childminder through distraction and simple explanations that are appropriate to their age and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

stage of development. Children's needs are well met through the sharing of good written information about the provision and children. For example, a detailed service information document, a daily diary and a photographic journal is kept, which ensures parents are well informed about their child's care, welfare and developmental needs. The childminder also ensures that she works effectively with parents through the daily verbal

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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 exchange of information and through maintaining a friendly but professional relationship.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is meeting the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards for Childminding and of the outcomes for children. She incorporates this into all aspects of her organisation, for instance by making good use of space and resources to meet children's needs effectively. Children receive good support for their care, learning and welfare needs. This is because the childminder has sought to update her knowledge and understanding of childcare and has attended numerous trainings in, for example, child protection, equipment for equality and on the Birth to Three Matters framework. The required documentation, including written policies and procedures contained in a service document, is in place to promote the safe management of the provision and the good care of children. All paperwork is accurately maintained to a good standard.

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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):

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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 • improve fire safety precautions by drawing up a written emergency escape plan and recording fire drills practised with children. • ensure children have good opportunities to learn about the wider community by using more resources that positively portray people of different religions and with disabilities.

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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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