Childcare on Domestic Premises, Full day care in CroydonOfsted inspection, 11 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294356 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Anne Coffey

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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 to care for children since January 2005. She lives with her husband and adult daughter. They live in a three bed roomed house in a residential area of Woodside. Children have access to all areas of the house. They also have access to a secure garden area. The childminder has worked as a school nurse and as a district nurse.

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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 She is a member of the NCMA. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years. She is currently minding two preschool aged children on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are learning to develop control of their bodies through both indoor and outdoor play. Babies and young children are able to sleep at times that match their natural body rhythms because the childminder provides a flexible routine that is adapted according to their particular needs on the day. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn valuable lessons in personal care such as when to wash their hands. The childminder has experience of working in the field of healthcare and this helps to underpin her childminding practice. Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and regular drinks. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents in providing nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children's safety is compromised because the childminder has failed to identify and minimise risks in the home. They are exposed to potential hazards such as an unguarded electric fire and a damaged glass window. They are at further risk because the childminder has given insufficient thought and attention to the correct use of fire safety equipment. Children benefit from close adult supervision and they independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. Children are protected from harm by the childminder who has a good knowledge of child protection procedures and ensures that children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children join in with enthusiasm in a broad range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities such as action rhymes, play dough and model making. They have fun and react with pleasure and glee to both new and well known experiences. Babies and toddlers develop their coordination and mobility with good support from the childminder. Children's confidence and self esteem is boosted by building on

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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 what they already know and succeeding at new challenges. The childminder encourages and supports them in their play and actively joins in their games to help extend their fulfilment and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are fully included in the life of the setting and willingly join in games and activities such as looking at story books or making pretend food with play dough. Parent's views are acknowledged and valued. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities. Children are beginning to learn about their local community through walks and discussions. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children behave well and play together harmoniously. The childminder uses age appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self esteem is raised by good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. They benefit from a routine that clearly meets their specific needs. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare. She understands and complies with regulatory requirements, although some aspects of record keeping are insufficient. Where a weaknesses in the system is identified she is keen to address this in order to ensure that her service meets required standards. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • ensure that children are protected from potential hazards (electric heater, damaged glass) • ensure compliance with fire safety recommendations (smoke alarms, accessibility of fire blanket) • maintain an up to date record of children's actual hours of attendance

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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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