Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318591 Inspection date 31 July 2006 Inspector Lindsay Ann Farenden

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and two in The London Borough of Sutton. The whole of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding tow children on a part time and full time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups and parks. The family have two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and comfortable home where they are helped to learn about good hygiene practice, such as washing hands with soap before meals and after playing outside. Children are learning, why they need to was their hands, as the childminder explains to them why they should in simple terms. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness. For example, when she is preparing foods and during nappy changing routines. To reduce the risk of cross infection, each child has their own towel and bed linen. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children are provided with foods, which meet their dietary needs. Children benefit from very nutritious home cooked food and snacks, such as meat, vegetables and fresh fruit. This helps them develop healthy eating habits from a young age and develop a fondness of fresh fruit. Children are provided with plenty of drinks, to ensure they do not get dehydrated or

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Helping children to be healthy

thirsty. They are kept at the children's level so they are able to access them at all times. Babies feeding needs are met well, as they are made comfortable on the childminder's lap, whilst she bottle feeds them. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health and develop control of their bodies. The childminder provides lots of space for babies to attempt to crawl roll and shuffle. Children have opportunities to use small slides, ride on toys and peddle cars in the garden. Children have further access to large play equipment at toddler groups. Children benefit from visiting parks on a regular basis, where they have plenty of opportunities to run, use swings and climbing equipment. This promotes their physical skills and ensures they receive plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children’s sleep needs are met well, as they have time to relax as well as be active. Children’s health needs are protected because the childminder has attended first aid

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Helping children to be healthy

training in the past. She is booked on a first aid course to update her knowledge and certificate. For children’s safety the childminder ensures the first aid box is well stocked. This means children are safeguarded in the event of an accident. Accidents and medication given are recorded and shared with parents to ensure continuity of care. Parents provide appropriate consents in relation to medication and emergency treatment. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments. Children are protected from the sun, because the childminder ensures children wear hats and sun protection cream, when they go outside. There is a gazebo in the garden to provide children with shade, whilst playing during the summer.

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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 Children are able to move around the home safely because the childminder has taken very appropriate action to minimise risks and by making hazards inaccessible to them. For example, cleaning materials are kept in low cupboard with a safety catch and there are safety gates in place to prevent children access to the kitchen and the stairs. This means they are able to move around very safely, freely and independently. The childminder supervises the children in the garden at all time, as although it secure they are unable to escape, there are some plants and materials which have not been made safe or inaccessible to children. Children’s welfare is well protected by the childminder, as she has a good knowledge of child protection issues and procedures to follow, should she have any concerns.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by all fire precaution equipment appropriately fitted and the smoke alarms are in working order. Children and the childminder practise the written fire evacuation procedures. This helps them become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency and learn to leave the premises quickly and safely. The risk of accidents outside the home are reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, she ensures children have appropriate car seats for their age and size and wear restraints when travelling in vehicles. The childminder has a triple buggy to ensure younger children travel safely when walking and older children hold onto the buggy. Children are helped to learn about road safety, as the childminder talks to them about looking, listening for cars and waiting for the green man before crossing the road. Children are well supervised throughout the day, due to the good organization of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder and the layout of the areas used for childminding. Children choose activities from a good range of clean, quality toys, which are easily accessible to them. The childminder makes sure they are suitable for their age and stage of development so they can play safely. The childminder regularly rotates the toys, so children have a wide variety of resources to play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very settled and confident within the childminders home. They relate well to her because she plays with them and shows them warmth and affection. This contributes to their sense of belonging. Children benefit from the childminder organization of the play materials to meet their individual developmental needs and interests. They enjoy choosing from a wide variety of toys; as a result children spend their time purposefully and are motivated to play. The childminder uses effective questioning to help children learn about colours and numbers as they play. Children develop a healthy interest in books, as they choose books from the library and they are always available to them in the childminder's home. They enjoy looking at books and having stories read to them by the childminder. Children enjoy an extensive range of stimulating outing which helps children to learn and extend their interests. For example, children visit farms, were they are able to

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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 see, hold and feed real animals. They enjoy visiting different parks, one which has a zoo and feeding the ducks and squirrels. Children benefit from visiting soft play centres, where they are able to further develop their physical development though jumping and climbing. To extend children’s knowledge, they look at books and do art activities, relating to outings they have been on. Children enjoy a very good range of activities, which contributes to their creativity and imagination, such as cooking, painting in different ways, spaghetti play, making cards, playing with sand and water using different containers and dressing up. Children enjoy singing and dancing and moving their bodies to music and action songs. Children computer skills are developed through a good range of learning

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

programmes. Children’s creativity is encouraged through a very good range of activities, such as sticking, painting in a variety of ways, play dough, cooking, popping bubbles and water play. They enjoy singing and moving their bodies to music and action songs. Children develop a healthy interest in books, as are made easily accessible to them in the childminders home. They enjoy looking at books by themselves and with the childminder. This helps them extend their language and communication skills. Children gain social skills from attending toddler groups, where they have opportunities to meet other children and adults and access further art activities, story times and singing sessions, which contributes to their enjoyment, creativity and enhances their all round development. Babies enjoy exploring sound, shapes and colours through a good range of play resources, suitable for their age and stage of development. They enjoy looking at and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

popping bubbles. They benefit from lots of attention given to them from the childminder, who spends time playing with them and talking to them about different pictures in posters around the room.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well, as the childminder undertakes discussions with the parent’s regarding children’s needs and routines before they start. The childminder follows children’s routines and she discusses any changes with the parents about their child’s day. The childminder and the parents work very well together and information is exchanged verbally with them about their children’s day and dietary needs on a daily basis. She also provides the parent’s with detailed written information about their child’s day. This keeps parent’s well informed of their child’s routine, activities they have done and ensures continuity of care. The childminder has devised information folders which she shares with the parents. This includes portfolio of her qualifications, the childminding service she provides and polices and procedures. Children learn about their local community through regular outings to, various parks,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

toddler groups, the library, zoo and farms. They are beginning to learn about diversity through being provided with a range of toys, books and reflecting positive images of

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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 different cultures. Although there are some posters depicting positive images of disabilities, there are no play resources for children The childminder uses appropriate methods to manage children’s behaviour. She gives them lots of praise to promote good behaviour and boost children’s self esteem. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special needs, she demonstrated a good awareness of how to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children’s care is significantly enhanced by the childminder’s very good organisation. Children are relaxed and secure in a well organised home, which help them gain confidence and be independent. The environment is very well is very well organised to make the most of space and maximise children’s play opportunities and for children to play freely and safely. One room is set up with play resources each day, which has posters around the room at children’s height, comfortable children’s chairs and colourful rugs. This makes it a comfortable child centred environment. Children receive the childminder’s full attention, as she dedicates her time to them, when they are present. Policies and procedures are shared with parents and used very effectively to promote the welfare and safety of children. The childminder makes very good use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their child’s individual needs. She uses this

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Organisation

information to promote the welfare and care of the children. The childminder provides excellent information about the childminding service she provides to parents. All required documentation is in place and very well presented and maintained. These are shared with the parent’s which contributes to children’s health, safety and wellbeing. The childminder keeps up to date with childcare practices by attending training. This benefits children’s overall care and learning. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the registration inspection. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • ensure children are safe when playing in the garden at all times, and hazards are made inacessible to them

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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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