McInerney, Kathleen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298085 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Pamela Bailey

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 9, 12 and 14 years. They live in a maisonette in Clapham, London Borough of Lambeth, close to local shops and parks. Children have access to all areas of the childminder’s home and there is a secure enclosed front patio area for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under 5 all day. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups and childminding drop-in groups.

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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 increasing their understanding of the importance of healthy eating as they help to select ingredients for their meals and receive a range of healthy snacks such as bread sticks and smoothies. The childminder takes account of the parents wishes and children's choices. Children engage in a range of physical activities, such as trampoline and enjoy regular exercise that contributes to their good health. Children play in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They know that washing their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating helps prevent the spread of germs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and welcoming home. They benefit from playing in a spacious well organised environment which allows them to move around freely. They independently select from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, appropriate for their age and that meets safety standards. Children are safely escorted on outings and on school runs. They learn about road safety and how to keep themselves safe when out. For example, when crossing the road or securing themselves in the pushchair. Children's safety within the home is promoted as the childminder has taken the necessary steps to minimise most potential risks and hazards to children inside the home. However, the stairs have not been made inaccessible to children. The childminder has most of the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

has public liability insurance and has secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. However the childminder has not yet obtained suitable training in first aid for infants and young children.

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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. Children are confident in their relationship with the childminder. They benefit from routines which are consistent and socialising with other children through regular attendance at children's groups.

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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 Children spend time purposefully. They play happily with the childminder or independently. The childminder's knowledge of their development and interests means they have interesting and challenging activities. As a result, children are motivated, make good links in their learning and show high levels of concentration. Children are encouraged to express their imagined experiences when playing with a good range of small world toys. They are interested in numbers, counting and learning to sort objects and problem solving through practical activities such as role play and routine tasks. They enjoy baking and making jelly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others is promoted through routine visits to the library and other children's groups. They have access to a satisfactory range of equipment and resources such as books, videos and dolls inside the home. Although there are no children with special needs, the childminder demonstrated how she will assess the needs of a child to determine whether appropriate care could be given. Children behave well and benefit from lots of praise and encouragement. They learn about good social skills such as sharing through activities. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and independently visiting the toilet. They are valued and respected as individuals. Relationships with parents are positive. The childminder ensures that contracts and all records regarding the child's care are completed and children are looked after

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and are able to move around freely in the well organised environment. They are confident to select activities and to initiate their own play. Children benefit from a good range of indoor and outdoor activities as the childminder organises her time effectively to meet the needs of the children. The childminder and parents share information. This contributes to continuity of care and parents are kept well informed of the service and activities provided. All records and documentation are in place however, the childminder has yet to attend first aid training for infants and young children. 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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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • make sure that the stairs are inaccessible to children

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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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