Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

159349 Unique Reference Number 14 March 2007 Inspection date Claire Jean Douglas Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her two children aged 11 and 15 in a three bedroom house in a residential road in Hayes, Bromley. The main area used for childminding is the downstairs lounge/diner, the first floor is used for children to have a rest. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder attends local music and toddler groups, visits parks and takes and collects children from local schools. The family have one pet dog and one pet cat.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Bromley Childminding association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before they eat and regularly throughout the day, whilst the childminder explains about removing germs, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. They benefit from regular meals that meet their nutritional needs. The childminder encourages children to develop healthy eating habits, for instance by talking to the children about healthy eating and how they have achieved the target of five fruits or vegetables a day. Fruit and raw vegetables are offered for snacks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive as they take part in daily physical activities, such as walks to the park, walking home from school and physical exercise at toddler groups, which all contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The children's health is well protected because the childminder has effective systems in place to keep records of any accidents children have and any medicine they need to be administered.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, well maintained environment, with facilities to meet their needs. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised, because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce most potential hazards. For example, she makes sure that children can not access exposed electrical sockets, or poisonous cleaning materials, which are kept behind a locked cupboard. However, the low glass panels in the lounge door could create a potential hazard. Children are helped to learn about keeping themselves safe by talking about why they must sit in a car safety seat and have their seat belts on, and when crossing roads the childminder asks all the children to listen carefully for the cars.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is generally well safeguarded because the childminder is familiar with possible signs of child abuse or neglect, she has attended training and is aware of her responsibility to report any concerns if she is worried about a child. The childminder keeps the required documentation and a list of appropriate local contact numbers to hand. This means relevant information would be readily accessible to enable the childminder to act quickly if required.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and feel at home at the childminder's house. The childminder is attentive to their needs and responds to them warmly. Children benefit from a familiar daily routine for going out, meals and sleeping. This helps them feel secure and settle quickly.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a range of activities that are suitable for their age, they also enjoy outings to the park, music and toddler groups. They choose from the variety of toys that are available at the childminder's home independently, enjoying sticking or making a cup of tea with the

p.3

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 role play kitchen. The childminder varies toys regularly so children remain occupied, and they have opportunities to take part in some planned activities such as baking cakes.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks about how children are encouraged to share and take turns in their play. She demonstrates a good awareness of child development. Young children have their needs met because the childminder has an understanding of the way they develop and is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework to inform her practice.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals. Children begin to develop a positive view of the wider community when they use resources, such as play people, books and dressing up clothes that reflect positive images of diversity. The childminder is willing to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities after assessing whether she could appropriately meet the needs of all the children being cared for.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond positively to the childminder's calm approach to the setting of boundaries, which helps them to behave well. She uses positive strategies to manage behaviour, which are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children. Children receive meaningful praise which encourages their confidence and self-esteem and subsequently, they play happily together within a child orientated setting.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. They talk to each other every day to exchange information. The childminder sends home art work and discusses the Birth to three matters records with the parents, this all helps children experience consistent care. Celebrations are included, for example, the childminder had planned a creative session for all the children to have a go at making a mothers day card.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming environment and uses space effectively to provide a balance of experiences for children. For instance, the childminder uses the back through lounge for most of the children's daily activities. Children have free access to a choice of play resources which are stored in a large box. Further resources, such as road tracks, puzzles, games and books are rotated throughout the week, to create choice for the children attending. A child's table bench provides a stable area for the children to play with table top activities and creative art work, such as sticking activities or play dough, this means children can make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder keeps a file of written policies and procedures and documentation which guide her daily practice and help to promote the health, safety and welfare of minded children, however, further knowledge and understanding of the regulations relating to complaints procedures is required to enable appropriate action to be taken should the childminder receive a complaint. Parental consents have been sought for emergency situations, however, clarification with regards to seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is essential to ensure that

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 parents wishes are clear in the event of an emergency. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to improve children's safety by ensuring that all plug sockets were covered and to improve the organisation of care, by developing documentation and gaining knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework. Since the last inspection, aspects of safety have improved by the use of socket covers in all plug sockets and the organisation of the setting has improved through gaining knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and keeping accurate records of children's attendance.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been two complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised in relation to exceeding ratios of minded children - National Standard 2: Organisation and the safety of minded children when being transported and left unsupervised in the car -National Standard 6: Safety.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

An unannounced visit was undertaken by a childcare inspector to investigate how the provider was meeting the National Standards.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Following this visit, a letter was sent to the provider identifying that they were observed to be in breach of the conditions of their registration, due to exceeding ratios of minded children. The following actions were raised:

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

National Standard 2 - Provide care for children within agreed registered numbers.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

National Standard 6 - Ensure that children are under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 knowledge and understanding of the regulations relating to Complaints procedures and update Complaints procedure information and ensure parents wishes are made clear by seeking adequate consents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • assess the risks to children in relation to the low glass panels in the lounge door and take action to minimise these.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6