Childminder in Hammersmith and Fulham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309437 Inspection date 24 March 2006 Inspector Linda Close

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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 lives with her husband and family in a basement flat in the Fulham area of southwest London. There are 2 children in the family 1 of whom attends secondary school and 1 is at primary school. The childminder has been registered since 2005. She is a fluent speaker of English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Areas of the flat used for childminding include 2 bedrooms for sleeping, 1 bedroom for play, the corridor in the flat and the living room and children have supervised access to the kitchen. There is no outdoor area but children are frequently taken to local parks and local

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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 children centres. Children are also taken to the public library and theatres. The childminder will collect children from schools in the local area. The family has a pet budgie. The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's Association. The local authority is Hammersmith and Fulham. The childminder is currently caring for 4 children under 5 years all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene with the childminder. They sing a special hand washing song together to make this an enjoyable experience and at the same time learn why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Each child has a special facecloth and towel which prevents cross-infection. The children are safeguarded from the unnecessary spread of infection because the childminder agrees with parents at registration that children should stay at home if they are unwell. The childminder is well informed about first aid for children. Children enjoy frequent drinks and healthy snacks. They are well nourished because the childminder has a good knowledge of healthy eating. She either gives children food that their parents have provided or prepares tasty meals using fresh ingredients. The childminder sensitively extends children's knowledge of different tastes. There is

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Helping children to be healthy

no outdoor area at the childminder's home but she compensates well for this by taking children out frequently. Children take healthy exercise at the playgroup. They walk there with the childminder and often visit the park and local play areas to use large equipment including slides and see-saws.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a very clean, tidy home environment where they have sufficient space for play and rest. They have a good range of toys, books and games that are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Toys and games are stored at a low level in the living room and a child's bedroom so that children can access them easily and make choices. Their toys are frequently checked, cleaned and maintained in good condition so that they can play with them safely. Children can play and eat in comfort at a low table. Older children sleep comfortably in the main bedroom. Younger children who have just joined the childminder can sleep in a child's bedroom although there is no suitable cot for their use at present. A floor level bed is available but this is not suitable for mobile babies. Children are safe in the childminder's home in most respects because daily risk

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

assessments are carried out and most hazards are minimised. For example, smoke alarms and electric socket covers are in place and a baby gate prevents unsupervised access to the kitchen. However, a low cabinet in the bathroom is not

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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 secure and mirror doors on a wardrobe have not been made completely safe. Children's welfare is supported well in relation to child protection issues because the childminder is well informed. She knows what signs or symptoms suggest ill-treatment and knows what steps to take if she has concerns for the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their free play and a worthwhile range of planned activities at the childminder's home. They can make independent choices and decisions because the toys and resources are arranged for them to access easily. They play happily with a train set which is a great favourite and helps children learn how to fit things together and to find out about the properties of magnets. Children benefit from regular outings to local playgroups for energetic play and to enable them to develop their social skills. They enjoy the company of other children and play with wheeled toys. Children take part in a good range of multi-cultural activities at the playgroup and at the childminder's home. They listen to music, enjoy dressing up and learn about diverse customs and festivities. Children enjoy stories and puppet play with the childminder which nurtures their imagination. They also visit the library for story time

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and to choose books. Children learn about the world around them on their regular walks to the park. They learn to count aloud in play and they also use numbers and counting in real life situations such as counting ducks on the pond when out walking with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the good working relationship that has been established between the childminder and their parents and carers. Children can gain confidence and feel secure in their new surroundings because the childminder has a sensible settling-in procedure in place. Children have their special toys to keep them company when they sleep and they eat only food that suits them because the childminder takes heed of useful information provided by their parents. Children's progress is shared so that parents and the childminder can celebrate achievements and work together to help children make further progress. Children learn to understand and respect diversity through their multi-cultural activities and through play with appropriate toys and resources. They interact with a wide range of adults and children at the playgroup. The childminder has not minded a child with special needs. However, she has a positive attitude towards caring for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children with special needs and would liaise closely with parents to ensure that individual needs are met. Children respond well to the childminder's calm, sensible strategies for managing

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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 their behaviour. They are gently distracted if their behaviour is unwelcome. They feel secure because they know what is expected of them in relation to basic house rules such as not running in the house to avoid accidents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has attended relevant training to support her in her work. She plans to attend further courses to enrich her work with the children. The childminder and her husband were checked for suitability at the time of registration. Children are cared for in a pleasant home environment which is cleaned before they arrive. The childminder plans meals and outings in advance which enables her to devote all of her time to the children and provides them with a settled routine. Children have sufficient space for play and rest although the childminder has not yet organised sleeping arrangements for little children who have just joined her. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to organise her home with children's safety in mind but some safety issues have been overlooked. The childminder has all of the necessary documents and records in place according to regulation. She

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Organisation

arranges regular reviews of contracts and agreements with parents to ensure that they are kept up to date and to ensure that children continue to be cared for as parents wish. The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • ensure that low level mirrors are safe and that the bathroom cupboard is inaccessible to children • ensure that babies have appropriate sleeping arrangements

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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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