Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY316335 Inspection date 10 May 2006 Inspector Ceri Ann Mills

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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and 4 children whose ages range from 3 years to 21 years. The family live in a house within walking distance of Sutton town centre. Childminding is carried out on the ground floor with toilet and sleep facilities provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has 1 cat and 2 rabbits kept in the garden.

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 The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children under 8 years, of whom no more than 2 may be under 5 years at any one time. There are currently 4 children on roll who attend on a part time basis. The childminder regularly takes children to local childcare activities, such as a toddler group and childminding events.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is effectively promoted by the childminder who consistently applies high standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. For example, during nappy changing the childminder always wears gloves and thoroughly cleans the mat before and after use. Younger children are extremely well supported as they learn the importance of personal hygiene. The childminder acts as a good role model which helps children adopt good practices, such as washing their hands thoroughly before taking food and after playing in the garden. The childminder provides each child with a named wash bag containing a clean flannel and towel and shares a wide range of health information with parents, including a sickness policy. These measures prevent cross contamination so protect children from illness. Children are extremely well nourished throughout the day and their individual dietary

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

needs are met in accordance with parents wishes. The childminder ensures food provided by parents is stored and prepared correctly. Babies are comfortable and snuggle in the childminder's arms as they are bottle fed and children who are unable to ask for drinks receive regular fluids so they are not thirsty. Where food is provided it is home-cooked and well balanced. Children have fresh fruit each day and meal time routines allow children to eat at their own pace, because the childminder is committed to promoting children's healthy growth and development. Children receive plenty of fresh air which contributes to their good health. They enjoy regular walks and outside play. The childminder makes good use of the garden, the local park and child centred amenities, where children have access to a broad range of resources, which helps develop their physical well-being. Older children are developing an excellent awareness of exercise through their participation in sporting

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

activities and observation. From the safety of the garden children enjoy watching cricket matches being played in the club behind the childminder's home.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure home environment, where most potential risks are identified and necessary precautions taken. Safety measures, such as socket covers, child proof catches in the kitchen and an emergency procedure, effectively safeguard the children; however, the accessibility of some tools in the garden compromise children's safety when playing outside.

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 Children are protected well from the risk of fire. The fire procedure is displayed and practised regularly with children. All required equipment, such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms, is correctly positioned. Babies access a suitable range of toys, which are within easy reach and use safe, well maintained nursery equipment, such as a travel cot and a high chair. Older children independently select good quality toys and are developing an increasing awareness for their own safety as a result of the childminder's gentle guidance. Children benefit from the close supervision of the childminder both in and out of the house. Sleeping children are regularly monitored by the childminder who remains within sight/hearing at all times, and effective strategies are in place to ensure

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children are safely managed when being taken out. Children's safety in relation to child protection is assured. The childminder is fully aware of her role and responsibilities in this area and has a child protection policy which is shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminders home because she is warm and attentive to their individual needs. They greatly benefit from the cuddles and comfort they receive from the childminder, particularly before and after a sleep. Babies listen to and imitate sound when the childminder talks to them during everyday routines, such as nappy changing. Children enjoy an interesting and stimulating balance of activities and outings which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. They socialise with other children at a range of local facilities for under fives and are regularly taken to the park. Babies happily explore a range of well chosen resources which support their learning experiences and stimulate their senses. They show much interest in toys which make a noise, and chuckle with delight in response to music and action rhymes. For example, when the childminder and older child sing "if you're happy and you know it"

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they include the baby by showing him how to clap his hands. Older children's confidence and independence is promoted well as they access play materials easily and make their own choices. They concentrate well on their chosen activities and benefit from the childminder's participation, particularly during imaginative play. Children's language skills and mathematical thinking are supported well. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder who asks open ended questions and encourages the children to count during everyday activities. Children enjoy expressing themselves through art and in a variety of role play situations.

p.4

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 The provision is good. Children behave very well and are developing care and respect for one another because the childminder values and encourages good behaviour. She is calm and consistent in her approach, creating a fair and happy atmosphere for children. Young children clearly understand the childminders expectations and respond positively to her frequent praise. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through the regular outings provided. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and special needs. Consequently, she provides positive play experiences for children which effectively support their learning about equality and diversity. Children begin to be aware of similarities and differences in society as they access a range of resources, including multicultural dressing ups and small world

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

toys, which reflect positive images from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with varying needs. Children benefit from continuity of care because the childminder builds positive relationships with parents. The childminder secures written parental consent for all aspects of care and takes account of the information given to her to provide for the children's individual needs. For example, the childminder is fully aware of the baby's feeding and sleeping patterns, enabling her to regard these in the planning of the daily routine. To aid communication and help parents feel fully involved in their child's day the childminder records daily events and children's achievements in the children's individual diaries.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's organised and professional approach to childminding. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to developing her skills and knowledge through training. She has secured a place on the next available first aid course and Birth to three matters, the framework to promote younger children's learning. Children feel secure and confident within a supportive and well organised environment. For example, space and resources allow children to move around safely and self select toys, whilst under the close supervision of the childminder. Children's general welfare, care and learning are promoted well because the daily routine is consistent and activities are planned around each child's sleep patterns and meal times. Children enjoy age appropriate and purposeful outings, enabling them to develop new skills and socialise with other children. Children are protected from people who have not been vetted as the childminder has

p.5

Organisation

a clear understanding of regulatory requirements. All mandatory documents, including records which contribute to most children's

p.5

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 health, safety and well-being are accurately and confidentially maintained. A wide range of written policies are available for parents; however, the complaints procedure does not fully reflect the recent changes in regulation. Information is exchanged frequently between the childminder and children's parents to ensure the childminder is fully aware of each child's changing needs, to enable her to meet these accordingly. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 records include details of immunisations and language spoken for all children • revise complaints procedure in line with regulation changes • make garden tools inaccessible

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

p.6

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 concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.6

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.7