Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY299687 Unique Reference Number 07 March 2007 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 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 cares for the children from her home in Mitcham, Surrey. She shares the home with her husband and three children aged 14 years, eight years and eight months. The childminder has been registered since 2005. Children have access to all of the downstairs areas of the home and one of the upstairs bedrooms. She currently has one child on roll and collects from local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from daily exercise, short trips to the local park and a walk home from school. Children are provided with a physical challenge that is suitable for their age and stage of development. Daily outings ensure children experience the variety of elements. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 takes precautions to ensure they are protected from all weather conditions, for example, she ensures they are well wrapped up on cold days. Children's physical well-being is met by a childminder who recognises their signs of tiredness. For example, when children arrive to the provision from school they are able to sit and play quietly if they have had a busy day. Children are set good role models by the childminder. She follows good hygiene practices that also prevent cross-infection, for example, the washing of her hands before preparing the snack. Children are washing hands independently and have a basic understanding that this will keep them healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infection by sickness notes within the contractual agreement. Children are excluded for a set period if they become infectious. There is recording of accidents and medication. However this is basic and includes few details. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid qualification allowing her to take the correct action if a child has a minor injury.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a healthy diet because of a close working partnership between parents and childminder. They are provided with healthy choices at snack times and develop their independence through the support and praise of the childminder. Children take drinks according to their needs and are reminded to take more after exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play freely in a home where they have easy access to their play and learning equipment. There is a very good standard of hygiene maintained throughout the home. Children remain safe as they play because the childminder checks all play resources for safety on a regular basis. The childminder also points out the dangers to the children by reminding them of the house rules, for example, not to run or they may hurt themselves. Children are unable to leave the home without supervision because the locks on doors can only be operated by an adult. The majority of the home is safe and well maintained, however locks on the kitchen cupboards have not been re-fitted after some recent decoration. Children practise fire evacuation procedures with the childminder, this is recorded by the childminder. Children remain safe away from the home because the childminder discusses road safety with the children and the outcomes of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm by a childminder who has a sound knowledge of the child protection procedures. She also has easy access to the local authority guidelines to refer to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a flexible routine that meets their individual needs. Children are able to take part in a range of activities that are led by their interests. Children enjoy imaginary play and are given the resources to develop some complex storylines. Children benefit from easy access to a selection of creative play materials and different mediums. They enjoy play dough and are able to create models that are their own unique representation of the world around

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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 them. Children play cooperatively and enjoy the challenge of board games. They invite the childminder to join in their games and are confident to ask for assistance when required. Children are developing their skills on the computer by carrying out programmes that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children enjoy experimenting with the range of construction equipment that is on offer to them. They also enjoy completing puzzles that offer them a challenge. Children benefit from being able to choose from a good selection of books. They happily sit with their peers and read the books together. Children also enjoy being together with the childminder who will read stories to the children when they ask her to do so.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are given equality of access to all toys and equipment regardless of gender. Children have access to some equipment that shows them positive images of ethnicity, for example, some multicultural dolls and a good range of books. However, there is an insufficient amount in this area that shows positive images of disability. The childminder is not currently caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However she is willing to work in close partnership with parents with other professionals in order to meet the children's individual needs. Children are offered positive praise for good behaviour. Children behave extremely well and are very cooperative playing with their peers. The childminder values the partnership with parents. They are given a good amount of information about the provision and how it is run. They are also given individual feedback on a daily basis with regards to their child's general

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Helping children make a positive contribution

well-being. There are written contracts in place outlining the business and childcare arrangements between the childminder and parent. There is a complaints procedure in place for parents, however some of the details are a little ambiguous.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by sound organisation. There are satisfactory policies in place which ensure children are protected, their well-being is promoted and they receive the support that will help them to develop their full potential. Permission is sought for a variety of reasons, for example, before transporting the children in a car. Children's attendance is carefully recorded ensuring the correct ratios are always maintained.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the support of a childminder who is committed to attending training courses to further enhance the standard of care being offered. The children's daily routine is organised well so that they receive support and close supervision for the majority of the day. For example, toys and equipment are available for the children to access from the moment they enter the home and any domestic duties are completed before the children arrive.

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Organisation

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 the time of 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 then 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 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 children do not have access to hazardous substances in the kitchen area • ensure children have access to a range of resources that positively promote disability • develop the complaints procedure for parents to ensure there is no ambiguity • develop the accident and medication documentation so that there is clear recording of action taken

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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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