Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316667 Inspection date 22 June 2006 Inspector Laura Brewer

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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 good. 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 December 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged four years and 16 months. The property is a house, situated in a residential road in Woodside, within the London Borough of Croydon. It is accessible to local schools and transport services. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding purposes. Additionally, the second bedroom is also available for playing and sleeping provision. Toilet provision is available upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play opportunities. The family have no pets.

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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 first aid qualified and has completed pre-registration training. She currently provides part-time care for two children aged five and three years for four days per week during school holiday periods only.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well organised home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices such as washing their hands after using the toilet, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day. They take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, for example, regularly visiting open spaces for rigorous play and using the garden to practise climbing and ball skills. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and understands the correct procedures to be followed for recording accidents, this ensures children's welfare is safeguarded. Children's health is well supported as the childminder gives priority to children's well-being by building secure relationships and recording relevant

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Helping children to be healthy

information about the child's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has organised space to meet children's needs and has created a welcoming environment for them to play. Children are able to move feely and safely around the home as the childminder has put effective systems in place to minimise potential risks. Children can play safely because they have access to a range of safe and suitable play materials that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder helps the children to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, she has discussions with children about risks outdoors and they frequently talk about road safety issues. Children are well protected; the childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if concerned about the welfare of a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the setting. They choose from a range of developmentally appropriate play equipment which enables them to make good individual progress. They eagerly play with their chosen activity, such as playing 'tea parties' and practising balancing skills. The organisation of the routine provides

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 with times to be active and quiet with opportunities to play indoors or outdoors. Local resources such as toddler groups, parks and libraries are used to increase learning opportunities and stimulate interest in the local environment. Children respond well to the childminder's positive interactions, which enables them to develop their language and social skills. They receive strong support and encouragement in their chosen activity. Their learning is extended well and they develop a good sense of achievement through the childminder being interested in their play and introducing new ideas and concepts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's likes and dislikes, routine and individual needs. This ensures they settle well and experience consistent care. Most of the required records are in place and shared with parents. However, written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice has not been obtained to ensure parental wishes are formally recorded. Children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem. Children have access to the full range of activities offered although play materials to promote a positive view of the wider community are restricted. This means children have limited use of resources to develop their understating of diversity. The childminder has a

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive approach towards working with children with learning difficulties and has a satisfactory awareness of relevant issues to promote children's welfare and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the setting which helps them gain confidence and develop independence. The organisation of the home enables children to access equipment freely to support their play. Procedures followed work in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and communication systems set up with the parents. Parents are consistently informed about their child's day and the care provided. Documentation is appropriately maintained and kept confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the childminder has been registered. 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 good. 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): • agree in writing with parents if emergency medical advice or treatment can be sought • increase play materials that promote positive images of diversity.

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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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