Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY319222 Inspection date 19 June 2006 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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 2006. She lives with her family in Streatham, London. She has three children of school age. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding and one bedroom for sleeping arrangements. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. She offers flexible childminding arrangements and is currently minding two children under five fulltime.

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 walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained home. They learn the importance of appropriate hygiene procedures and develop an awareness from an early age. For example, the childminder encourages children to wash their hands before cooking activities and after going to the toilet to ensure germs do not spread. Children benefit from the childminder's clear, comprehensive policy regarding sickness which helps to prevent the spread of infection within the childminding setting. The childminder has an understanding of what to do if a child has an accident and her first aid box is complete and ready to hand. She has also arranged to take paediatric first aid training to enable to her to fully provide appropriate care to children if they become unwell or have an accident in her care. Children benefit from a healthy diet which is either provided by the childminder or the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

parents. The childminder liaises with parents so that children receive a well-balanced diet, which includes quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are offered drinks regularly throughout the day such as fruit juice or water. Children have daily access to the garden where they enjoy fresh air. They are made aware to protect themselves from the sun's rays with the help of protection cream and sun hats. Children enjoy plenty of physical exercise in the park and on various outings to activity clubs. The childminder enjoys caring for babies and young children. She builds a strong bond with them which helps build their self-esteem and feeling of well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Risks to children whilst playing in the home are minimised due to the childminder's awareness of safety within the home environment. This ensures children's safety is promoted. Children do not wander to the upstairs rooms due to the safety gates in place also the childminder supervises them closely, knowing where they are all the time. The childminder encourages children's independence by providing them with a wide variety of toys which are within their reach so they do not have to overstretch when they are making their choices. Regular checks on toys are carried out to ensure they are safe and appropriate for children's age and stage of development. For example, toys for children under one year of age are placed at floor level and are devoid of any small parts or removable pieces. The childminder is conscious of fire safety and, as a result, has interconnecting

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 smoke alarms on each level of her home. She also has a fire blanket in the kitchen and does not cook whilst minded children are present. The childminder has considered fire evacuation plans but has not yet had practical sessions with children to increase their awareness. Children are kept safe whilst on outings by effective systems established by the childminder. For example, younger children are strapped in the buggy whilst older children hold on to the side. The childminder discusses road safety with the children to heighten their awareness as their level of understanding develops. This is also reinforced when they go out in the car because the childminder explains to the children why they have to be secured in their respective seats. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has an understanding of

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

her child protection responsibilities and of the action to take in the event of a concern about a child in her care.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and settled within the childminder's home as a result of her relaxed and welcoming personality. Children warm to her enthusiasm and genuine interest in their well-being. Children are able to play, learn and explore independently with support and plenty of encouragement from the childminder. Children flourish as the childminder is aware of their individual needs, stage of development and changes which may affect their characters, for example when babies are hungry or tired. Children benefit from a wide variety of available toys, activities and regular outings. This makes their days with the childminder interesting and fulfilled. Babies benefit from plenty of individual attention which is further supported with a good variety of toys. Babies learn to crawl quickly in their efforts to reach the attractive brightly coloured play activities. They find the interactive play mat and they wonder where the

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

different sounds are coming from as they crawl along it. They beam with delight as they realise they have the control, which promotes their confidence to explore other toys. Older children are able to sit at the kitchen table to play board games and/or develop their own activity with the various craft activities available. Outings are a frequent event of every week and children's love of books is promoted with their visits to libraries where they listen to stories and choose books. Children also enjoy the social interaction they experience whilst visiting other child-related groups.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder helps children to become independent by ensuring that their toys and activities are easily accessible. She creates an environment where children learn the importance of tidying up after them and being helpful to others. This is achieved

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 through explanation and the childminder setting a good example. Gradually, through the daily routines, children learn to play and work together in harmony. They behave well because the childminder sets clear boundaries and gives children guidance and support. Children also learn about diversity in society and about others with disabilities and special needs. This is mainly through books and some resources that the childminder provides. The childminder has a friendly relationship with parents. She is professional with her record keeping and keeps parents verbally informed daily about their child's activities. The childminder discusses all aspects of their child's personal care and home routines and individual needs and follows these as closely as possible. This helps children to feel comfortable when away from their own home environment and settle

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's efficient and effective organisation. She complies with all the conditions of registration and has organised her home to enable children to develop their independence as much as possible. The childminder demonstrates an organised, professional approach to maintaining records and documentation. Required documentation, which contributes to children's safety, health and general wellbeing, is in place. Parents receive plenty of verbal communication although children's daily routines are not written down and fire evacuation drills are not currently practised. The childminder's written policies for sickness, accident and behaviour, informs parents of how she would act in any these cases. Children also benefit from the childminder's research into early years development and her interest in courses such as Birth to three matters and first aid

p.5

Organisation

training. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

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.

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 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.6

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): • prepare a fire evacuation plan and practise this with children • develop a daily contact record account of children's routines and share this with parents

p.6

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.6

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.6