Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335753 Unique Reference Number 02 November 2006 Inspection date John Edwin Warren 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 lives in a ground floor flat in a quiet residential area in Mitcham in the London borough of Merton. The premises are close to transport facilities, and local shops. The childminder lives with her two children aged three years. Children have access to all rooms within the home, except the kitchen, which include a sitting room, two bedrooms and separate bathroom and toilet. There is no garden, however, the childminder takes children out everyday to local parks and playgrounds. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has been registered since June 2006. There is currently one child on roll.

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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 provided with healthy choices that meet their individual dietary requirements. This is achieved through good working partnerships with parents and sharing of information. Children help themselves to drinks which are readily available, according to their need. Children benefit from the support of a childminder who recognises the children's signs of tiredness and hunger, for example, as children play they become fretful and their concentration span shortens. The childminder responds to the children's needs immediately giving them the option to be close to her and rest. Children enjoy a flexible routine, they are able to play freely and pursue their own interest, this reduces the risk of frustration and conflict.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with suitable physical activities. For example, children are taken to parks where the large climbing apparatus offers them a sufficient challenge. Children are taken on daily outings so that they are able to experience the variety of weather conditions. The childminder ensures that they are appropriately dressed at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are prevented from the risk of cross-infection by good hygiene practices. For example, the childminder washes her hands before and after changing the children's nappies. The changing mat is also wiped clean after each use. The careful recording of the giving of medication ensures that the children are always given the correct dosage. Any accidents that occur are also carefully recorded and countersigned by parents. A risk assessment is made of any accidents that do occur to ensure the risk of a re-occurrence is minimised. The childminder has easy access to a fully stocked first aid kit. However she does not have an up-to-date first aid qualification, but is attending a first aid course in the very near future. Children who are infectious are excluded until they are well again. This policy is shared with parents and implemented appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely in a secure and well maintained environment. Children are able to explore play equipment fully without coming to harm because this is checked for safety on a regular basis. Children are provided with equipment that helps them to develop their independence, for example, booster stools for the bathroom so they can reach the sink and wash their hands on their own. Children are learning to keep themselves safe. For example, children climb on chairs, the childminder asks them to come back down and explains how they could hurt themselves. When the children comply she praises them for co-operating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder makes regular risk assessments of the home to ensure the children are kept free from hazards. For example, a safety gate prevents the children from entering the kitchen area at any time. A robust fire evacuation procedure is practised on a regular basis to ensure the best course of action is take in the event of a crisis. The implementation of a clear outings procedure ensures that children remain safe on visits away from the provision.

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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 Children's welfare is protected because of the childminder's good knowledge of the child protection procedures. She has researched the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of the appropriate course of action to take if she has a concern. She also has easy access to the local authority guidelines for guidance and up-to-date knowledge.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with opportunities to be together. For example there is a comfortable area in the living room where children can sit and look at books together or request that the childminder sits and looks at the books with them. Children are starting to find their voice and are provided with practical support to develop these skills, for example, pretend telephones. Children benefit from the support of a childminder who talks to the children as she carries out familiar tasks so that the children link actions to words, for example, when preparing a snack for them. Young children's choices are respected along with their ability to negotiate. The childminder shows interest in what the children have chosen and provides opportunities for the children to expand on them, for example, by providing a range of books on a similar theme. Children are beginning to make connections between objects, for example, children take nappies

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and put them carefully on the dolls. Children are provided with a good range of materials to develop their imaginative skills. They have easy access to dressing up clothes and small world play materials. Children enjoy being creative with a variety of mediums. For example, they explore musical instruments that are not familiar to them and smile when they discover how to make new sounds. Children also enjoy playing with paints and malleable materials within the home and at local groups. They are able to freely create a unique piece of work without the influence of adults. Children are provided with many opportunities to mark make. They have easy access to an easel with mark making materials. This provides children with the chance to practise their newly acquired skills repeatedly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are benefiting from equality of access to all play and learning materials regardless of gender. For example, children are able to choose any dressing up costume they wish. Children are provided with a good range of resources that promote positive images of gender, culture and ethnicity. However there are few resources that positively promote disability. A policy on equality is shown to the parents and outlines how she will implement good practice in this area. The childminder is not currently caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However she has a willingness to work in partnership with parents and other professionals in order to meet the needs of any children she takes into her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is generally good. They have an understanding of the rules within the home. Children are encouraged to share and be aware of the needs of others. A clear behaviour management procedure is implemented. This ensures children's behaviour is managed according to their age and stage of development.

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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 Partnerships with parents is good. They are given clear information about the provision and activities their child will be involved in. They are given verbal feedback on a daily basis. There are written agreements between the parents and childminder that outline the business and childcare arrangements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. Children benefit from the implementation of clear polices and procedures. This ensures that children are protected, their well-being promoted and they are given the support to develop their potential. Consent is sought from parents when children are taken on outings. She also seeks permission to take photographs of the children; these photos are shared with the parents. There are robust forms kept on children's information. This information gathered from parents is used to make the transition from home to the provision a smooth one. There is the opportunity for users of the provision to express any complaints they may have in writing.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her day so that the majority of her day is spent working face-to-face with the children. She keeps her knowledge of childcare up-to-date by spending time researching information from the National Childminding Association. This enhances the standard of care she offers to the children and families. She is booked on the local authority childminding course which she is attending in the near future.

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Organisation

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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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 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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Complaints 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 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 first aid training is attended that includes work with young children and babies • ensure the local authority childminding ICP course is attended • ensure children have access to a range of resources that positively promote disability.

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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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