Childminder in MertonOfsted inspection, 20 Jul 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY331047 Inspection date 20 July 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 and three children aged ten, eight and five years old. The family live in a three bedroom house in a residential area of Morden. All of the house can be used for childminding, and downstairs is the main area used for play. A garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years old, and there are currently two children on roll, who attend part-time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy regular physical activity, such as trips to the park or playing in the garden, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They begin to learn about simple good health and hygiene practices when they wash their hands after using the toilet and before they eat. This helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children benefit from healthy meals that meet their nutritional needs, and begin to develop healthy eating habits when they have some fruit for a snack. The childminder ensures that drinks are always available, particularly in hot weather, which ensures children are well-hydrated. Children's health is generally protected because the childminder has systems in place to keep records of children's needs, any accidents they have and any medicine they need to be given. The childminder has not yet been asked to give medicine, but she was unclear that written consent is required before giving any kind of medicine,

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Helping children to be healthy

including those that are non-prescription. The childminder has not yet completed a first aid course but in the meantime ensures that first aid equipment and a reference book are available to help her respond appropriately if children suffer minor injuries or accidents.

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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 clean, welcoming and suitably maintained home, where they have access to a suitable range of play materials and resources that are kept in good condition. This helps ensure they can play safely. Children's risk of accidental injury is reduced because the childminder takes effective steps to minimise any potential hazards. For instance, she ensures gates are used to restrict access to the stairs and the kitchen, and keeps cleaning materials out of reach. The childminder is vigilant in supervising children at all times, while still allowing them to gain independence, for example, by following a toddler into the hallway if he chooses to go out there to explore. The childminder has a well thought out evacuation plan and includes the children in regular practices, which means they will know what to do if there is a fire. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of her responsibility towards the children in her care. She is aware of how to identify possible child protection issues and is familiar with procedures to follow if she is worried about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's home. They have good

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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 relationships with the childminder, who is attentive to their needs. She spends time talking and playing with them, shows an interest in what they say and do and praises their achievements. This fosters children's self-esteem. The childminder responds to children with warmth and affection, and babies enjoy lots of cuddles, showing their pleasure with gurgles and giggles. Children are involved in a good range of planned and spontaneous activities and outings, which support their development and learning. They go out every day, for instance to socialise with other children at a playgroup, to play in the park or listen to stories at the library. At the childminder's home, they choose from a range of toys and play materials as well as joining in planned activities such as art and craft,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

baking, and sharing books. The familiar daily routine for going out, mealtimes and resting means children feel secure and settle quickly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the setting and are valued as individuals, for example, the childminder finds out about children's individual needs and routines before they start, to make sure she provides appropriate care. Children are encouraged to value diversity when they play with resources that reflect positive images of the wider community. The childminder sets clear boundaries appropriate to children's age and stage of development, which help them learn to behave well. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder talks to parents every day to exchange information, which helps children experience consistent care. Most agreements about the care of the children are confirmed in writing to ensure parents' wishes are clear.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder keeps most of the required records that contribute to children's health, safety and wellbeing, and these are easily accessible in a folder. However, although an attendance register is maintained, this does not accurately show the times that children actually arrive and leave each day. The childminder also does not yet have a system for keeping a record of complaints, in line with new requirements. The childminder organises her home to ensure that children have plenty of space to play, and can easily choose toys and resources for themselves. This ensures they can make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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): • improve the accuracy of attendance records by ensuring they show the actual times children arrive and leave, rather than contracted hours • obtain information about recent changes to the National Standards and regulations and implement a system for keeping a record of complaints made by parents • make sure that systems are in place to obtain prior written consent before giving children any kind of medicine, including non-prescription medicines and remedies

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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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