Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY332529 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 two adult daughters and her daughter's husband. One of the childminder's daughters works jointly with her as a co-childminder, and they share responsibility for the childminding practice, operating 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 benefit from a healthy diet that meets their nutritional needs. They have regular, varied home-cooked meals and snacks and the childminder works with parents to ensure that these take into account individual requirements. Drinks are available throughout the day to ensure they are well hydrated. Children enjoy vigorous physical play, such as ball games in the garden, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Children are well protected from the risk of cross-infection because the childminder ensures the home is hygienically clean and follows clear hygiene practices, such as ensuring nappies are changed regularly, cleaning the changing mat after use, and making sure she washes her hands straight away. Children begin to learn about simple good personal hygiene when they wash their hands before they eat their lunch. Children's health is protected because the childminder has systems in place to record

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Helping children to be healthy

their health needs, any accidents they have and any medicine they need to be given. The childminder has some first aid knowledge, has a place booked on the required first aid training and in addition a suitable first aid box is available, which means she can respond appropriately to any minor accidents or injuries. However, she has not yet asked parents to give their written consent to seek medical advice or treatment for their child in an emergency. This means parents' wishes about any action to be taken are not clear.

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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 welcoming, well maintained environment. There is a separate playroom where children have access to toys that are clean, in good condition and suitable for their age and stage. This helps ensure they can play safely. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce any hazards, for instance, by restricting access to the stairs and putting catches on low level cupboards. The childminder helps children learn to keep themselves safe by involving them in fire practices and talking about road safety if she takes them out. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities towards the children in her care. She has attended child protection training and is familiar with the steps she needs to take if she is worried about a child.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and settled at the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder, who is warm and affectionate towards them and attentive to their needs. Younger children enjoy a cuddle on the childminder's lap, chatting and responding with smiles. Children who are older are delighted to join in with some songs, taking turns to sing on their own and enjoying the claps and praise at the end, which builds their confidence. Children take part in a satisfactory range of activities and there is a familiar daily routine which helps them feel secure, but outings outside the home are limited. There are a number of toys for them to play with, and children enjoy adult-planned activities, such as stories, art and craft or watching cartoons. However, the variety and quantity of toys and play materials currently available does not offer children a wide range of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 makes sure all children are included, for instance, by learning some key words for a child who speaks English as an additional language. The childminder uses appropriate methods to manage children's behaviour, and shows an understanding of why unwanted behaviour, such as pushing, may occur. However, she has not discussed behaviour management strategies with parents or found out what methods they use at home, in order to ensure a consistent approach. The childminder takes the main responsibility for liaising with parents on a day to day basis, on behalf of the childminding partnership. She works hard to develop close and supportive working relationships. Parents are warmly welcomed into the home and the childminder spends time each day exchanging information with them. This helps ensure that both parents and the childminder are mostly well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed relevant childminding training and has shown a commitment to further developing her skills and knowledge by attending additional courses, such as food hygiene and child protection. 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. 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

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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 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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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 • implement a system for keeping a log of complaints, in line with new requirements • make sure methods for managing children's behaviour are discussed and agreed with parents

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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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