Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

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153845 Unique Reference Number 18 July 2006 Inspection date Ceri Ann Mills Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 outstanding. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children, of whom one is under five years. The family live in a two bedroom house in Carshalton, Surrey, which is situated in a residential area within walking distance of schools, shops and parks. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has no pets. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and currently has six children on roll. All the children attend on a part time basis and three children are under five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with special needs. She regularly takes children to local childcare activities and is currently working towards NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education. 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 outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children enjoy a wide range of experiences which contribute to their good health. They receive plenty of fresh air and enjoy play in the garden or at the park, as well as having regular opportunities to take rest or sleep in comfort.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children confidently use a variety of challenging resources which help to develop and enhance their physical skills. For example, a 2 year old is delighted after successfully climbing up and then down the ladder in the play house and when trying a new skill, such as peddling a bicycle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a scrupulously clean and well maintained environment which provides plenty of natural light and ventilation.

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Helping children to be healthy

Effective measures are in place to support children's learning of good hygiene and personal care. Younger children are extremely well supervised when using the bathroom and their independence is actively encouraged as they wash and dry their hands. Effective procedures prevent the spread of infection, particularly during nappy changing. The childminder wears gloves and thoroughly sanitizes the mat after each use and disposes of nappies promptly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished throughout the day and their individual dietary requirements are respected because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met. Children recognise when they are thirsty and help themselves to their own drinks which are accessible at all times. Healthy and well balanced meals and snacks are provided and children have regular opportunities to try new tastes and learn about different food types through well planned activities. For example, as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations children visited a Chinese food store and children have created their own table mats showing their favourite foods.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health care is fully promoted because the childminder gathers and records comprehensive information from parents and secures their written permission for the childminder to administer medication and seek treatment in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety and security is consistently promoted by the childminder who is extremely vigilant and thoroughly assesses risk to reduce potential hazards both in and out of the home. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to achieve a balance between freedom and setting safe limits. Nursery equipment is effectively used to restrict access to areas of the house which the childminder deems unsafe for children. As a result children are able to move safely and confidently around the premises. Children independently access high quality toys and equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. Those with special needs

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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 are safe and fully included because of the sensitive adult support and carefully planned resources and activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective fire safety measures are in place, including a written evacuation plan. Children regularly practice fire drills which help them to understand the importance of fire safety. Children are extremely well protected from the sun when playing in the garden. They know why they must wear hats and play safely under the shade of a large canopy. Children's welfare is meticulously safeguarded when being taken out for a walk or in the car. When visiting less familiar surroundings children wear an identification system so that in the event of an emergency the necessary details are immediately available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is fully assured because the childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of child protection procedures. She has a secure knowledge of what steps to take if she is concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children greatly benefit from a close and caring relationship they have with the childminder, which contributes to their emotional well being. Children are extremely happy and relish their time in the childminder's care because she provides a very welcoming and child focussed environment, and is extremely warm and attentive to their individual needs. She recognises when children require a drink or need to sleep and they snuggle into her when she picks them up for a cuddle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Right from the start the childminder finds out from parents about the children's skills and interests and builds on this information effectively to help children progress. Therefore, children achieve well because the childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child. She demonstrates an excellent understanding of how children of different ages and abilities learn, and effectively uses her early years skills and foundation stage knowledge to provide purposeful and stimulating activities and outings. Children enthusiastically explore the wide range of attractive play materials, which they can access easily. Children make their own choices and initiate their own play, which promotes their confidence and independence. They play purposefully with resources and relate extremely well with the childminder's own children, enjoying their time together. Children extend their decision making skills to whether they wish to play in or out of doors.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden where the learning environment provides appealing opportunities for all ages and abilities. Children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. For example, they regularly socialise with a diverse group of children at toddler group, play in the park and visit the farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are extremely settled and feel good about themselves because the childminder highly values their individuality and treats them with kindness and respect. Children greatly benefit from the childminder's consistent and positive approach to behaviour management. They receive

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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 plenty of warm praise, clear explanations and gentle encouragement which leads to the growth of self assurance and promotes a sense of belonging. Children's behaviour is of a consistently high standard and excellent relationships are fostered between the children and the childminders own family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about equality through their positive play experiences. They freely access a wide range of resources which fully reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability, celebrate many different festival and mix with a diverse group of children and adults which helps them to develop an understanding of the differences and similarities within society. Children's well being is significantly enhanced because of the strong and trusting relationship the childminder builds with parents. The childminder shares with parents the comprehensive and informative range of written policies and procedures that under-pin her service. Information about how children spend the day; their care routines, achievements and activities are shared with parents in a variety of ways, depending on the parents preferred choice of communication, for example, verbal, text, or daily diary. There is additional supporting documents which ensure children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual needs are recognised and that they are cared for in accordance with parents wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's welfare, care and learning is greatly enhanced because of the childminders extremely professional and organised approach in all areas of her childminding practice. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and development. She has attended numerous Early Years training courses including Birth to three matters, the framework to promote younger children's learning, and is currently studying for an NVQ level 3 in Childcare and Education, which will further enhance the childminder's knowledge and the rich experiences offered to children.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for in an exceptionally well organised home environment. Indoor and outdoor space and resources are practically and appealingly arranged to facilitate children's freedom of choice and accessibility. An excellent balance of outdoor and indoor play experiences are offered to children which are carefully planned around their individual routines, such as sleeping and eating. Children of varying ages and abilities play safely and comfortably whilst under the close supervision of the childminder at all times. Children are effectively protected from adults who have not been vetted because the childminder has a thorough understanding of regulations and is compliant with the conditions of her registration.

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Organisation

Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress because the childminder has effective systems in place. The frequent exchanges of information between parents and the childminder ensures the childminder is fully aware of each child's changing needs, enabling her to meet these accordingly.

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Organisation

All mandatory records which contribute to the children's health, safety and well being are accurately and confidentially maintained. As a result the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure children are aware of emergency escape plans. The childminder has addressed the recommendation by devising an evacuation procedure which is regularly practiced with the children. As a result children know what to do in the event of a fire.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last 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

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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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