Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318411 Inspection date 12 July 2006 Inspector Lindsay Ann Farenden

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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 good. 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and one year old child. They live in a house in the London Borough of Sutton, close to a park. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. One bedroom is used for sleeping purposes only. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. She is currently minding one child under five years on a part time basis. She childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends a local toddler group on a regular basis.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a very clean, warm home where they are helped to learn about good hygiene practice, such as washing hands with soap before meals and after playing outside. Children are learning why they need to wash their hands, as the childminder explains to them why they should in simple terms. The childminder herself demonstrates very good hygiene awareness, when preparing foods and during nappy changing procedures. To reduce the risk of cross infection, each child has their own towel and bed linen. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children are provided with foods, which meet their dietary needs. Children benefit from nutritious snacks and meals. This helps them develop healthy eating habits from a young age and a fondness of fresh fruit. Children are provided with plenty of drinks, to ensure they do not get dehydrated or thirsty. The drinks are kept at the children's level so they are

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Helping children to be healthy

able to access them at all times. Children have opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. The garden is set up in a child centred manner with toys, such as a small slide, rockers and small ball pool, which helps children develop control of their bodies. Children benefit from visiting parks on a regular basis, where they have plenty of opportunities to run, use swings and climbing equipment to promote their physical skills and receive plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children have time to relax as well as be active. Accidents and medication given are recorded and shared with parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder has a suitable first aid box and holds a current first aid certificate. This means children are safeguarded in the event of an accident. Parents provide appropriate consents in relation to medication and emergency treatment. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around the home safely because the childminder has taken very appropriate action to minimise risks and by making hazards inaccessible to them. For example, all lower cupboards and draws have safety catches and safety gates are in place at the top and the bottom of the stairs. This means they are able to move around very safely, freely and independently. Children’s welfare is protected by the childminder, as she is aware signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow, should she have any concerns. To protect children all fire precaution equipment is fitted appropriately and the smoke alarms are in working order. Children and the childminder practise the written fire

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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 evacuation procedures. This helps children become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency. The risk of accidents outside the home are reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, children wear appropriate restraints when travelling in vehicles and in the buggy. The childminder explains to children about the dangers of the road, to help them develop an awareness of road safety. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe, as the childminder reminds them to sit down, when they are at the top of the slide. Children are well supervised throughout the day, due to the good organization of the childminder and the layout of the areas used for childminding. Children choose activities from a good range of clean, quality toys, which are easily accessible to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

them. The childminder makes sure they are suitable for their age and stage of development so children can play safely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and confident within the childminders home and relate well to her, because she plays with them and shows them warmth and affection, which contribute to their sense of belonging. Children benefit from the childminder's organization of the play materials to meet children’s individual developmental needs and interests, as a result children spend their time purposefully and are motivated to play. Children are inquisitive when playing with programmable toys, pressing buttons, turning knobs and working out how they work. They concentrate hard when playing with shape sorters, working out which shapes go where. Children are helped to learn numbers and colours through every day play and routines, as the childminder asks them questions, such as 'where is the green ball?' and 'what noises do various animals make?'. On outings the childminder talks to children about the things they see, so children learn about the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

different sounds vehicles make and the colours of flowers. Children’s creativity is encouraged through a very good range of activities, such as sticking, painting in a variety of ways, play dough, cooking, popping bubbles and water play. They enjoy singing and moving their bodies to music and action songs. Children develop a healthy interest in books, as they are made easily accessible to them in the childminder's home. They enjoy looking at books by themselves and with the childminder. This helps them extend their language and communication skills. Too extend children’s interest the childminder takes children on regular outings. For example to the farm, were they are able to see and touch real animals and learn what noises they make. Children enjoy visiting the park to feed the ducks. Children gain social skills from attending toddler groups, where they have opportunities to meet other children and adults and access further art activities, story

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

times and singing sessions. This contributes to their enjoyment, creativity and enhances their all round development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well, as the childminder undertakes discussions with the parents regarding children’s needs and routines before they start. She also obtains written information on children’s individual likes, dislikes, dietary needs and favourite toys. The childminder follows children’s routines and she discusses any changes with the parents about their child’s day. She has developed a scrap books for parents to view, showing photos of what children do and activities that take place, whilst children are in her care. The childminder and the parents work very well together and information is exchanged verbally with them about their children’s day and dietary needs on a daily basis. This keeps parents well informed of their child’s day and ensures continuity of care. The childminder emails photos of children to their parents on a regular basis, so they are made fully aware of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

activities and outings that their child has done and enjoyed. Children learn about their local community through regular outings to parks, toddler group, the library and farm. They are beginning to learn about diversity through being provided with a range of books and toys, which reflect positive images of others. The childminder's use of praise to reinforce positive behaviour and acknowledge efforts and achievements contributes towards children’s high level of self esteem. Children are encouraged to share toys and show consideration for each other. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children with special needs, she demonstrated a good awareness of how to meet the child’s needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and secure in a well organised home, which help them gain confidence and be independent. The environment is well laid out to make the most of space and maximise children’s play opportunities and for children to play freely and safely. Children receive the childminder’s full attention, as she dedicates her time to them, when they are present. The childminder makes good use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their child’s individual needs. All required documentation is in place which contributes to children’s health, safety and well being. Policies are used effectively to promote the welfare and the care of the children. Information is regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child’s activities. This contributes to the continuity in children’s care. The childminder has attended training to develop the childcare service she provides for children. The setting meets the

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Organisation

needs of the range of children for whom it 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 Not applicable

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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 good. 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): • extend range of play resources reflecting positive images of different cultures, religions, gender and disability

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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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