Childminder in Westminster

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY311572 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Chris Banks

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children in a three bedroom maisonette in the NW8 area of Westminster. A lounge and bedroom are the main areas used for childminding purposes. There is no garden but a park and playground are within walking distance. The family do not own any pets. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of three children at any one time. She currently cares for a two year old on a part time basis. The childminder is not

p.2

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 registered to provide overnight care.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. They benefit from the good hygiene practice of the childminder and learn from an early age about the importance of hand washing and other aspects of personal care. They are also well protected from the risk of infection because the childminder has very clear and comprehensive written polices which she effectively puts into practice. The childminder takes effective practical precautions if a child becomes ill in her care and keeps well documented records. Children enjoy a range of nutritious meals and snacks. This is because the childminder understands how a well balanced diet helps promote good health. Diets are culturally sensitive and well planned in close consultation with parents. The preferences of children are also taken into good account. Opportunities for children to engage in physical play are limited in the home but as

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

part of each daily routine children enjoy trips to parks, playgrounds and drop in centres. These provide children with good opportunities to exercise and enjoy the open air.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The safety of children is well promoted in the childminder's secure and comfortable home. Children explore their surroundings in comfort and safety because the childminder takes very good practical safety precautions to protect them. Written procedures are also effectively put into practice by the childminder. These include fire drills and arrangements for the safe arrival and collection of children. Children are well supervised both in and outside the home. Outings are planned with care and risks to children are minimised because the childminder promotes good road safety practice and also carries out informal safety checks when children play outdoors in parks and playgrounds. Children's overall safety of is positively protected because the childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding their welfare. She has a thorough understanding of Child Protection issues and has up to date written

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child. There is a wide range of safe, good quality early learning toys and equipment for children to enjoy. Children are able to select resources easily and make independent choices about what they want to use.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled because the childminder creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the family home. They benefit from her very caring, motivated approach and enjoy the childminder's company. Children respond well because the childminder uses good listening and communication skills and encourages their play in a supportive way. Their achievements are valued and use of a daily diary helps ensure their progress is recorded on a regular basis. Children are provided with a stimulating range of early learning experiences through play. The childminder is developing a good understanding of how children learn and develop and plans enjoyable and stimulating activities. She ensures each day is varied and interesting and encourages children to socialise at local pre school centres. Outings form an integral part of daily routines and children benefit from visiting the local toy library to exchange toys and equipment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated with great respect. Their individual needs are sensitively met by the childminder who liaises closely with parents to establish well organised daily routines. New parents receive comprehensive and well produced written information about the service and are actively encouraged to share as much information as possible about their child before a placement begins. Children's progress is very well monitored and the childminder effectively uses a range ways to share information with parents. The well established practice of keeping a daily diary and photograph album also helps ensure they are kept up to date about their child's development. The childminder's warm and patient approach promotes a calm and purposeful atmosphere which helps children feel secure and confident. Their behaviour is guided in a sensitive and caring way. They are well behaved and actively encouraged to be

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

kind and caring towards one another. There is a good selection of toys and equipment that reflect different cultures and abilities. The childminder uses them in a meaningful way with children to help broaden their understanding of the wider community. They also enjoy visiting local pre school groups where they play with children from many different backgrounds.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. Space is comfortable

p.4

Organisation

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 sufficient for the number of children the childminder is registered to care for. The individual needs of children are well met because the childminder knows their routines and responds to them in a sensitive way. Record keeping is of a good standard and confidentiality is well protected because the childminder is very familiar with the National Standards. Well thought out written health and safety procedures are effectively put into practice to promote children's overall welfare and development. The childminder is committed to developing her childcare skills and has attended a number of workshops covering a range of topics. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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 certain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • continue to gain knowledge and understanding of good childcare practice to promote children's all round development.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5