Childminder in Wandsworth

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY294487 Inspection date 09 May 2005 Inspector Judith Pitter

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her son aged 7 years, in the Putney area of Wandsworth. The area is resourced with provisions for young children, shops, amenities and transport facilities. The family live in a three bedroom house. The main area used for childminding is the ground floor and there is a garden for outside play. The family has two cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. There are three children currently on roll.

p.2

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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. They know for example, that washing their hands before eating, after using the toilet and after handling the cat stops germs from spreading. Children benefit from a healthy diet that ensures their dietary needs met. They are offered healthy snacks and older children help themselves to drinks. Children learn about healthy eating within a relaxed and sociable environment. This encourages children's understanding of healthy foods and contributes to them developing a positive attitude to healthy eating. Children experience and enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical development. They enjoy climbing and playing football at the local park, which helps them develop control and coordination in their movements. Children's health needs can be met in an emergency as the childminder keeps

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

relevant consents to seek emergency treatment and advice. However, the risk of children being in contact with other children who are infectious is not sufficiently minimised as the childminder’s policy for excluding ill children is not adequate and shared with parents.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children move around the childminder's home safely, freely and independently. High priority is given to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. The childminder carefully explains safe practices to children and has for example, practised emergency evacuation procedures with them. Children are well supervised. Children independently select from a range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Toys and equipment are carefully checked and the childminder supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are in good condition and disposes of toys which are not safe. This ensures that children can play safely. Children are well protected. All the required procedures and documents are in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted and the childminder has a

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well at the childminders and make themselves at home within the setting. Children's independence and choice is promoted as they choose from a selection of toys, books, drawing materials, board games or have a quiet time relaxing on the sofa. Children enjoy mutually respectful relationships with the childminder and each other. They develop self-esteem and confidence as they are encouraged to voice their opinions and make choices and decisions. Children confidently seek help and support from the childminder when needed . For example, children asked for help with their homework and show enjoyment when encouraged and praised by the childminder to complete their spellings. Although the childminder plans a range of activities for older children, which contributes to their enjoyment and learning, the childminder is less secure in planning activities for children under 3 years.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. Partnership with parents ensures that the children’s care needs are met and for example, children's health and dietary needs are catered for. This helps children to feel secure and have a sense of belonging. Children are developing a positive attitude to self and others through learning about cultures and beliefs and they have access to some resources which promote positive images of equality and disability although these are limited. Children are well behaved. They know what is expected of them because the childminder explains house rules and the importance of respecting and caring for each other and in a supportive and gentle manner

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel comfortable and secure within the childminding setting. They benefit from consistent daily routines and well organised space and resources, which help them, gain confidence and independence. Children initiate their own play and they receive help when required. They make choices and enjoy being with a trusted adult. Activities for children under 3 years are yet to be fully developed to ensure that they have adequate challenge and interest. The childminder keeps most required records and documentation up to date, which promote children’s welfare and care and, these are shared with parents. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who the childminder cares for.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • increase knowledge and understanding of providing activities for children under 3 years through for example using the Birth to three matters framework • improve the policy about the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and ensure that it is shared fully with all parents

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5