Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY290294 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Michelle Smith

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2004. She is a joint childminder with Emma Hedges. She has two children aged 3 years old and a 7 months old baby. She childminds from a terraced house, in Colliers Wood , close to local shops and schools. The childminder uses all of the ground floor for childminding. There is a large open plan lounge/dining/play room with direct access to the hall. Children use an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is a bathroom on the 1st floor. There is a fenced area available for outdoor play. She is currently caring for 11 children on different days with another childminder.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled in their learning environment, which is warm and welcoming with displays of children's works and photographs. The childminder ensures the children's emotional needs are met. Children are beginning to understand the importance of healthy eating. The childminder provides the children with well balanced meals which are cooked fresh daily. Children benefit from a varied menu, which is shared with parents. Children are developing good social skills, through sharing and interacting positively during lunch times. They listen and communicate together co-operatively, for example they discuss who likes different vegetables. Children enjoy the opportunities to access the garden freely, to develop their co-ordination and physical develop. Children enjoy and benefit from a range of different programmes to develop their overall physical development. Children happily

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

access a range of good quality toys that are in good condition and presentable. Children are protected from spread of infection, due to the childminder's effective and clear guidelines in regards to caring for sick children. The childminder has medication and accidents records, however she has not signed entries. Children are not learning the importance of good hygiene practice, due to the childminder not encouraging regular hand washing.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children do move around the home freely and safely due to the steps taken by the childminder to reduce potential hazards. Children actively access the outdoor area, that provides the opportunity to practise what they can do in their learning environment. The wellbeing and safety of children is monitored, although garden tools are accessible to the children in the garden. Children sleep safely, because the childminder regularly checks them. The childminder has not yet obtained a valid first aid certificate, however she has taken action to get on a course and received confirmation of acceptance. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare, and she has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. However she does not have available a copy of the guidance in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children are kept safe, because the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder uses appropriate safety equipment in the car before going on outings. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are well stored and accessible. Children are kept safe, through supervision in the presence of the family pets.

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 good. The children are developing their independence, where they are encouraged to make choice of their play opportunities in the garden and play area. Children have developed good social skills and are effective communicators, due to the childminder's knowledge and understanding of how children communicate. Children play with a range of resources that challenges and stimulates their learning. Children are motivated from the positive interaction from the childminder and their individual needs are being met. The childminder sits with the children at their level, she listens and questions the children making them feel valued. The childminder provides the children with practical support, for example choice in eating utensils. Children are exposed to a range of play experience that allows them to investigate different learning opportunities. The children verbally express their needs. The childminder

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

listens and responds effectively and children develop a sense of themselves. Children have developed positive relationships with each other and understand the importance of sharing. Children access a good range of play equipment, that meets their individual needs, both indoor and outdoors and this also encourages them to make choices. Children are developing good social skills, through going to the local schools, and gym classes where they interact with others. Children are developing good negotiation skills, for example by deciding whose turn it is for sitting on the swings. Children's overall development is being challenged, through the childminder's good understanding of how children learn and achieve their milestones.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from exploring and investigating their surroundings. The childminder encourages the children to make choices and knows them well, which contributes positively to their overall development. The children behave well and show increasing independence, for example they feed themselves and gather their own personal belongings. Children benefit from resources and socialising with children and adults from a diverse cultural background, that promotes a positive view of the wider community. Children are developing a positive attitude towards special needs through a range of provision which reflects positive images. The childminder provides a stable and comfortable environment, which contributes effectively to the children's understanding of becoming independent, responsible and self sufficient learners. Children benefit from the well established relationship with the parents and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder and regular information is exchanged of the children's progress and daily routine.

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 Children benefit from a warm, comfortable and well organised environment. This allows the children to move around confidently and freely within the home. There are procedures in place to allow supervision of children and regular checks for any hazards. Information is shared with parents, in regards to their child's welfare, general progress and achievements. The routine is adapted to meet the needs of the children. Children make the most of the indoor and outdoor space which maximises their play opportunities. The childminder keeps all required documentation, however some lack detail. Parents are well informed and updated with any changes that may occur within the service, children's activities and developmental progress. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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 good. 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): • make sure a procedure is in place to encourage regular hand washing. • make sure signatures are recorded on all medication and accident forms. • make sure the garden is made safe.

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