Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY283027 Inspection date 08 July 2005 Inspector Judith Mary Scott

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged thirteen and seven. They live in a three bed-roomed, three storied town house in West Wimbledon within walking distance of shops, a park, schools and transport links. All of the property is used for minding apart from the second floor. The garden is not suitable for children's play at present. The family keep goldfish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is

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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 registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding a baby on a full-time basis term time only. Overnight care is not included in the registration.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home that is welcoming to children and their families. The baby benefits from the childminder’s satisfactory physical and emotional care. He is given reassurance and attention and is happy and settled. The baby interacts affectionately with the childminder who ensures his needs are met. The baby’s food and bottles are provided by the parents although the childminder is happy to provide children’s meals. The food supplied is nutritious and varied and meets the baby’s dietary needs. The baby’s home routine of naps, meal times and bottles is followed by the childminder who completes a daily written diary. Children’s healthy eating will be encouraged by the childminder through discussion, example and role play. Children’s health is protected by the childminder’s understanding of health and safety and general good hygiene practice. This will be extended further once First Aid

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Helping children to be healthy

training is completed and the appropriate documentation developed. Children will be able to benefit from physical activity and exercise to help them develop control of their bodies. The garden is soon to be available for outdoor play activities. The childminder also intends to use groups and parks for more active play and the use of larger equipment. The baby is learning to sit up and stand with support. He enjoys singing and action rhymes. He is talked to and played with at regular intervals, responding with smiles and gurgles. The children’s individual needs are met and information shared with parents by the childminder maintaining records regarding accidents, incidents and medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from an organised and well ventilated home. The baby is safe and secure in this environment and is provided with toys from supplies rotated by the childminder. The baby is cared for mainly on the ground floor and the first floor bedroom is used for rest. The childminder has taken measures to reduce potential hazards although there are several safety tasks still outstanding that are currently being addressed. Children will be made aware of the importance of using toys and play equipment safely through anticipation, explanation and discussion with the childminder. Children are given clear boundaries and the childminder ensures children are safe on

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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 outings. She supervises them closely and she uses harnesses. Written parental consent to take the children out in the car, on foot and on public transport is outstanding. Children have access to a selection of toys, books and play materials that will be stored and presented more effectively. The childminder intends to provide a box of specific toys for children aged under two so they can independently select some activities, she will monitor and ensure they are suitable for the children’s age and stage of development. Children’s welfare is paramount and they are safe and protected as the childminder is aware of child protection issues and procedures. She intends to undertake a training workshop.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The baby has access to appropriate toys and equipment. He experiences activities that meet his needs and that enable him to explore his immediate environment. He particularly likes sensory and tactile stimulation toys, looking at picture books, singing songs and action rhymes. The baby is happy, settled and content and relates well to adults. He enjoys being with the childminder and interacts warmly and affectionately with plenty of cuddles. He communicates with pleasure noises and smiles and is offered recognition, acceptance and comfort. The baby will be able to participate in a variety of play and learning activities on weekly basis. The childminder intends to introduce painting, dough, crayons, sticking activities, construction, puzzles, imaginary & role play, water play, more stories and music and extend the play provision in some areas. She will link this to a sample

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activity plan for parents. Children will soon have access to the garden with outdoor toys and further chances to explore and investigate. The baby has regular trips out that include the school run, park and library. The childminder intends to start using groups later this year and children will benefit from this with opportunities for new experiences, to socialise with others, to encourage speech and social skills, to use large equipment with more space to develop their physical skills. The baby experiences a warm, consistent standard of care that is tailored to meet his individual needs and encourage his progress. The childminder intends to find out more about the Birth to Three matters framework to promote younger children’s learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The baby benefits from appropriate settling in arrangements and introductory visits tailored to suit the individual family’s needs. Children are valued and respected as

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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 individuals. The childminder works with parents to establish information about their routines and personal needs with a daily exchange of verbal and written information and children experience consistent care. However, some systems lack the required details. Children are given clear boundaries and are encouraged to share, take turns and play together co-operatively. The children will benefit from the childminder’s appropriate behaviour management strategies such as anticipation and distraction, talking, explaining, praise and positive language. Children are treated as individuals and with equal concern but have limited access to resources that promote positive views of the wider community and increase children’s understanding of diversity. Play provision that reflects positive images of culture,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ethnicity, gender and disability will continue to be developed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The baby is settled, content and at home within an organised and secure environment. The baby benefits from a regular childminding routine of meals, naps, outings and indoor play activities. Space and resources are utilised to support children’s needs. The childminder keeps the required records that contribute to children’s health, safety and well being, however, some consents are not in place. She will also introduce written policies and procedures to promote good practice. These will be shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the care that is provided. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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): • arrange to attend an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • continue to develop an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice • request written permission from parents to take children out and introduce written policies and procedures to promote good practice.

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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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