Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY332526 Inspection date 16 August 2006 Inspector Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband, her mother and her adult sister. The childminder works jointly with her mother, who is also a registered childminder. They share responsibility for the childminding practice, and operate under the name 'Baby Elephants'. The family live in a four bedroom house in a residential area of Streatham. The first two floors of the house are used for childminding. A garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years old. When she works jointly with her co-childminder all six children may be under five years old.

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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 There are currently five children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to learn about simple good health and hygiene practices when they wash their hands before they eat and after they go to the toilet. There is a no-shoe policy in the home and the childminder's clear procedures for changing nappies and maintaining good hygiene throughout the house help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children benefit from a healthy diet and enjoy varied, home cooked meals that meet their nutritional needs. The childminder also ensures drinks are readily available throughout the day to keep children well-hydrated. The childminder has systems in place to keep records of children's health needs, any accidents they have and any medicine they need to be given. This helps protect children's health and ensure parents are kept informed. The childminder has a basic knowledge of first aid and has booked a place on the required first aid training course, which helps ensure children are well looked after if they have an accident or

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Helping children to be healthy

minor injury. However, she has not yet requested written consent from parents to seek medical advice or treatment for their child in an emergency. This means their wishes about any action to be taken are not clear. Children take part in regular physical activity that contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy running around in the garden, playing in the ball-pool and taking part in a game of catch with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce hazards in the home. For instance, she ensures the playroom is free from any dangerous items and uses a gate to restrict access to the stairs. The childminder is vigilant about supervising children at all times and alert to possible dangers. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home with a separate playroom where they have access to toys that are in good condition and appropriate for their age and stage of development. This helps ensure they can play safely. The childminder has attended relevant child protection training and has an understanding of her responsibilities towards the children in her care. She knows what to do if she is worried about a child, which helps safeguard children's welfare.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children have good relationships with the childminder and are happy and settled at her home. They show excitement when she plays with them in the garden, and enjoy sitting quietly cuddled up for a story. The childminder spends time talking and playing with the children and shows an interest in what they say and do. Children take part in a satisfactory range of activities, although outings outside the home are limited. The childminder takes responsibility for researching and planning activities that reflect children's interests, for instance, creating a starry sky after the children learned the words to 'twinkle twinkle little star'. This helps ensure children enjoy planned experiences, such as art and craft. Children can play with a number of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toys in the playroom, but the variety and quantity of toys and play materials currently available does not offer children a wide range of free choices and experiences throughout the day, to ensure that they do not become bored.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals. The childminder takes children's age and stage of development into account when planning activities, to ensure they can all take part. Children begin to learn to value diversity when they listen to stories and look at books that reflect positive images of the wider community. The childminder takes a positive approach to managing children's behaviour and encourages children to share and take turns, which helps them learn to play harmoniously together. However, the childminder and her co-minder have not yet discussed behaviour management strategies with parents or found out what methods children are used to at home, in order to ensure a consistent approach. Although the responsibility for day to day feedback to parents lies with her co-childminder, the childminder is friendly and welcoming towards parents and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensures any relevant information is passed on to them as needed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder shares responsibility with her co-minder for maintaining appropriate records. Most required documentation in is place and is generally appropriately maintained, but there is not yet a system for keeping a log of complaints. The childminder has completed relevant childminding training and also additional courses, such as child protection. She is committed to further developing her skills and knowledge by making use of local training opportunities. Children are cared for in a well-planned environment. There is a separate playroom and room for sleeping which are used specifically for minded children, and the resources that are available for children are easily accessible. Overall, 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • request written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop the range of resources, play materials and activities available to children • make sure methods for managing children's behaviour are discussed and agreed with parents • implement a system for keeping a log of complaints, in line with new requirements

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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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