Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY312781 Unique Reference Number 09 November 2006 Inspection date Pamela Patricia Paisley Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged four years in a flat in Mitcham Surrey. The living room and two bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed communal garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years all day. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park. She 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 good. Children learn the benefits of good hygiene practice because the childminder explains the importance of washing their hands to help maintain good health. Children learn about healthy eating as the childminder talks to them about the benefits of eating foods that are 'good for you', for example fresh vegetables and fruit are provided on a daily basis. The childminder works well with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities. These include playing in the garden with a choice of bikes, tunnels, ball pool, sand pit and bouncy castle. They regularly go on walks to local parks and visits to soft play areas. As a result they learn the importance of physical activities in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children's well being is promoted well because the childminder has a good knowledge of first aid and clear procedures in place, which are discussed and agreed with parents to prevent the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy access to a wide range of good quality play materials, which are easily accessible in low level cupboards and storage boxes. The premises are secure and there are effective devices in place, such as safety equipment and appropriate locks fitted for the safe arrival and departure of children. Children are learning to keep safe as the childminder talks to them about safe practices, for example not running in the house, putting toys in their mouths or jumping on furniture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of her roles and responsibilities in the protection of children. She has attended training and has appropriate systems in place to record any concerns she may have about a child in her care. As a result children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder provides a well balanced range of stimulating activities that allows children to be involved in quiet and active play. Children regularly go on outings to music sessions, indoor soft play areas and toddler groups. They enjoy creative activities such as painting, sticking and threading. Children are encouraged to be imaginative through listening to music, using musical instruments and dressing up. They are happy to take part in activities provided and confidently help themselves to play materials. Children become increasingly independent in response to the childminder's encouragement to make choices and decisions about choosing and helping themselves to drinks, snacks and serving and feeding themselves at meal times.

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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's self esteem is fostered because the childminder spends time listening and talking to them. She knows the children well and balances her time carefully to allow them to play and learn independently as well as give support and encouragement when needed, including adapting activities so that younger children can join in. This helps children to build up their trust with her and feel comfortable in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder encourages all children to participate in the activities provided. This ensures children have an equal opportunity to maximise their enjoyment and potential. There is a good range of activities and resources available to help develop children's understanding of diversity. Through books, dressing up clothes and celebrating different festivals children become aware of the wider society. The childminder has a clear understanding of providing for children's specific needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder has realistic expectations . She explains why they should not jump on furniture or throw toys, taking their ages and stages of development into account. They are encouraged to show regard for each other and take turns when playing. Their achievements are consistently praised, which contributes to them developing good self esteem and respect for others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good partnership with parents is promoted. The childminder meets with parents on a daily basis to exchange information regarding children's well being. The use of a daily diary means parents are kept well informed of their child's development and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder organises the space and resources in her home effectively. As a result they are confident in accessing play materials and initiating their own play. They receive good support and activities are planned to meet their individual needs and help them become independent. The childminder is committed to updating her childcare knowledge by attending training, which contributes to promoting children's development and their learning.

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Organisation

There are appropriate policies in place, which are discussed and shared with parents. This keeps them informed about the service provided. Most required documentation is available and a daily register is maintained, identifying which child attends; although specific times of arrival and departure are not always clear. Children are supervised at all times to ensure they are protected from persons who have not been vetted. 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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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): • ensure an accurate record is kept of children's attendance, including arrival and departure times

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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