Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

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139809 Unique Reference Number 19 June 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 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 1998. She lives with her husband and two school age children in a semi detached house in Sutton. The property is situated in a no through road and is within walking distance of the town centre. Childminding is carried out on the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor is designated for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has one cat and two tortoises.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, of whom three may be under five years at any one time. There are currently three children on roll, of whom one is over five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly takes children to local childcare activities, such as toddler groups and childminding events. She is currently working towards NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.

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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's good health is consistently promoted because the childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure all areas where children play, rest and eat are clean and well maintained. Effective steps are taken to prevent cross contamination. For example, the childminder wears gloves during nappy changing and thoroughly cleans the mat after each change.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children show an excellent understanding of the importance of good hygiene through the daily routines because the childminder supports their learning in a fun and informative way. Visual reminders are displayed around the home such as, the one in the hall which says "we wipe our feet" and one on the bathroom door which says "we wash our hands". Children automatically wash their hands before taking food and dry their hands on individual towels, which helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health and welfare needs are identified and fully addressed throughout all areas of childminding practice. The childminder is extremely conscientious in ensuring she obtains all the relevant information from parents, regarding their children's needs. This enables her to provide for them accordingly and to work in accordance with the wishes of parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's receive plenty of fresh air and enjoy regular outside play in the garden or in the park which contributes to their good health. They use a variety of challenging resources to climb and balance, which develops and enhances their physical wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thoroughly enjoy the lunch time routine and eat well in a relaxed and social atmosphere. The childminder takes account of children's individual dietary requirements when planning meals and works closely with parents to ensure their children receive a healthy and well balanced diet. Food is home cooked and the drinking of water is positively promoted. Children are beginning to learn why a healthy diet is beneficial for their growth and development. For example, in line with the National Childminding Associations recent promotion of healthy eating, the childminder planned purposeful activities and talked to the children about different types of food which are good for their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure home environment, where potential risks have been identified and necessary precautions taken. For example, a nursery gate prevents children accessing the kitchen, unless under the childminder's direct supervision and cupboard locks are fitted ensuring children are not able to access materials which may be harmful.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move safely and confidently around the home. They independently select toys and play materials which are well maintained and stored in such a way that allows children to see the full range available. Resources suitable for older children are stored separately, which ensures the safety of babies and toddlers.

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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's welfare is safeguarded when being taken out because the childminder has effective strategies in place, such as the use of a pushchair and reigns for younger children. Children develop an understanding of road safety as they walk to and from school each day. Older children know to stay close and hold hands.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety arrangements are met well as all the required equipment is in place. Children regularly practice fire drills, which helps them to understand importance of their own safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues, enabling her follow relevant procedures, should she ever have concerns. The childminder has a secure understanding of safety-related issues and the range of policies in place, including Health and Safety, Lost Child, Evacuation and Accident procedures, contribute positively to the safety and welfare of the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a warm and supportive relationship with the childminder, which contributes considerably to their emotional well-being. As a result children are extremely content and confident in the childminder's care. The childminder knows the children well and is successful in sharing her attention equally between them which ensures their individual needs are thoroughly met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends a lot of time talking and playing with them, consequently children are fully supported and sustain interest in their play. Therefore, they make very good progress in all areas of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how children of different ages and abilities learn. She effectively uses her skills and knowledge to provide purposeful and stimulating play experiences within the home and during the regular outings which take place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn a great deal about the world in which they live. For example, they socialise with other children at toddler group, play in the park and visit the eco centre where they have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the natural environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show a great interest in their surroundings which are child centred and welcoming. The childminder displays many educational posters and activities around the walls of her home which help children to recognise numbers and letters. As a result children are beginning to identify some letters in their name.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children eagerly explore the varied and appealing play materials which are readily available. They have many opportunities to develop their creative and imaginative skills through activities such as painting, junk modelling and pretend play. Children happily talk about their drawings to the childminder and her use of open questions encourage children's thinking and language skills.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children thrive because of the positive relationship the childminder builds with parents to ensure continuity of care. Their individual needs are consistently met by the childminder as detailed information is obtained and the necessary parental consent is secured which assures children's welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are very well informed about the service provision because the childminder has devised a comprehensive package of information, which includes policies and procedures covering all aspects

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's personal care routines and activities are regularly discussed with parents and recorded in a parent contact book, which ensures parents feel fully involved in their child's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated with kindness and equal concern which helps them to feel good about themselves. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of equal opportunities and her positive attitude towards diversity helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children develop a sense of place and learn about the community in which they live through the regular visits and outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well and develop good relationships with each other. They benefit from the childminder's frequent warm praise and the effective strategies in place which recognise and reward children's achievements. Children are cared for in a fair and happy atmosphere where they are encouraged to share and cooperate well with one another.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive high levels of support and attention which helps them to settle well and feel at ease in the childminder's home. Children benefit from a well organised daily routine, which is planned around their individual play, rest and meal times. The childminder takes older children to and from school, whilst ensuring younger children have varied play opportunities both in and out of the home.

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Organisation

Children freely access toys and play materials which are stored at low level within the room where they are based. This helps children develop their independence and ability to make their own choices.

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Organisation

Children greatly benefit from the childminder's positive attitude to enhancing her professional development. The childminder has attended numerous early years training courses including Birth to three matters, the framework to promote younger children's learning. She is currently working towards a recognised early years qualification which will further enhance the childminder's knowledge and the rich experiences offered to children.

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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 Children are protected from persons who are not vetted because the childminder is fully aware of her regulatory responsibilities and is compliant with her conditions of registration. All required documents which contribute to children's health, safety and well being are efficiently maintained. Records are accurate, stored securely and made available to parents. As a result parents are well informed about their child's daily activities.

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Organisation

Periodic reviews ensure information is exchanged between the childminder and 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.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase the range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the recommendation by increasing the range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability and offering children play experiences which help them appreciate and value similarities and differences in the wider world.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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Complaints 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 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 a relevant first aid qualification is maintained

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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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