Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312251 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Bharti Vakil

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 school aged children. They live in Ruislip, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the downstairs and the bathroom upstairs are available for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children under 8 years at any one time. There are currently 2 children under 8 years on roll who attend various sessions. The childminder also cares for 3 school aged children.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as the childminder sustains good levels of hygiene. They are learning good hygiene practices, for example, they are encouraged to wash hands before meal times and after toileting. Young children are developing independence as they are encouraged to wipe their noses with tissues from a box which is easily accessible. Children do not attend if they are suffering from infections. As a result, this protects them from cross infection. Overall, children's welfare is promoted as there are suitable procedures in place for dealing with accidents and medication. Although, the childminder has not sought written permission from parents for emergency medical treatment. Children's individual dietary needs are met which ensures that children remain healthy. Meals and food provided by parents are stored appropriately. The childminder provides food that is varied and nutritious to meet children's individual

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Helping children to be healthy

dietary requirements, for example, fruit and yoghurts. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day. There are regular outdoor activities such as walks to and from school, visits to the park and toddler group where a range of physical activities is available. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's home, during the inspection the children were singing and making music together with the childminder.

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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 warm and welcoming home, where they feel secure. There is ample space for freedom of movement and the designated areas for rest and meal times are comfortable. Children happily access a selection of developmentally appropriate toys and resources. The childminder monitors children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe, appropriate and suitable for their ages. Children's individual needs are met as there is a good range of equipment available, for example, a high chair, buggy and travel cot. Overall, steps have been taken to make the home safer for children's well-being. The childminder has developed sound fire evacuation procedures, however, they have not been practised. Hazards in the kitchen, such as cleaning materials, have not been made inaccessible to children. A safer environment prevents accidents and enables children to explore and learn independently and confidently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has an understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. She is aware of possible signs of abuse and knows the procedures to follow.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder, which enables them to extend their learning in a supportive and caring environment. Children have lots of fun and they play enthusiastically with a good range of toys and resources which promote their learning. Children enjoy listening attentively to a range of stories and looking at books. They thoroughly enjoy making music together with the childminder. For example, the baby and the children giggle as they sit on the floor and make music with baby toys. They have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills as they draw, paint and chalk. They have fun counting and recognising colours and shapes when they participate in a wide range of board games. They are learning about their environment as they talk about spring, light summer days and dark winter nights on the way home from school. Children enjoy regular trips to child friendly settings such as the library and toddler

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

groups. This provides many good learning experiences for them. Children's feeling of being secure is enhanced as the childminder provides a daily routine that is familiar. This provides a stable environment that helps children to look forward to their day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of children by seeking information from the children and their parents about the child's likes and dislikes and getting to know the child. The regular exchange of information with parents about their children's routine, activities and achievements helps to ensure children receive consistent care and make progress. Children are developing self confidence as the childminder praises their efforts. They are learning right from wrong as the childminder has clear boundaries in place. They are kind and considerate towards each other. This encourages them to try out new experiences in a supportive environment. Children are content as their individual needs are met effectively. Children turn to the childminder for both comfort and play. They confidently voice their pleasures and needs. The children's personalities are understood by the childminder, this means

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Helping children make a positive contribution

that she is able to encourage their happiness by providing for their individual interests, for example, providing imaginative play materials of their choice.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happily settled in the warm and comfortable home. The areas for play, rest and eating are well set out helping children to feel secure with their surroundings.

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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 Overall, steps have been taken to make the home safer for children's well-being. Although, further precautions are required to ensure children's safety indoors, as a few hazards could be accessible to children. The childminder has not completed the prescribed first aid training and the Introduction to Childminding Practice course. The childminder is keen to develop her knowledge and skills to benefit the children, for example, by attending the relevant training. Relevant paperwork is in place and stored securely. Policies and procedures are put into practise to ensure children are well cared for. Although, written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained. Children's overall care, learning and welfare are enhanced by the information shared

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Organisation

between parents and the childminder. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are 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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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 written parental permission to seek any necessary emergency advice or treatment

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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 by regularly practising the emergency escape plan • take further steps to minimise possible hazards to children • complete a first aid course which includes training for infants and young children by July 2006. • further enhance the quality of care and learning for children by undertaking suitable training.

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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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