Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY338162 Unique Reference Number 09 February 2007 Inspection date Pamela Patricia Paisley 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five in Shirley, Croydon. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for one child under five during the day. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National 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 learn about the importance of good hygiene through encouragement from the childminder and well established routines. Children use anti-bacterial soap for washing their hands and have their own towels, which prevents cross infection. The childminder ensures that her own practice helps to prevent the spread of germs. She makes sure her hands are clean before cooking meals and uses anti-bacterial wipes for wiping kitchen surfaces and wears an apron when preparing snacks. There is a written hygiene policy is in place and a copy given to parents.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthy as they choose from a selection of bananas, grapes and raisins at snack time. A menu is available for parents giving them the option of choosing what meals they want their children to eat throughout the week. Juice and water is available so they can help themselves when they are thirsty. Children enjoy a range of nutritious meals and snacks such as sandwiches with various fillings, roast dinners, pizza, garlic bread and soup with crackers. Children's physical development is promoted well through attending 'wiggle and jiggle' music and movement sessions, going to the park and dancing to music CD’s. The garden is used for outdoor play and children have opportunities to ride bikes, use a slide and a bouncy castle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Safety is well promoted in the childminder's home. Appropriate safety devices such as smoke alarms, fire blanket, fireguard, stair gate and a carbon dioxide monitor, means potential dangers are minimised. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about playing safely and not jumping on furniture or running in the house. They practice fire drills on a regular basis so they become aware of fire safety and emergency escape plans. Children can safely play outdoors because the garden is secure with play equipment positioned safely in the ground.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are clean and safe. Children play with good quality play materials that meet their varying needs. The childminder supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their different age groups. They are well protected on outings as the childminder reminds them of the dangers of speaking to strangers and using name tags for children to maintain their safety. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how to safeguard children. She has clear procedures in place to follow if she is concerned about children in her care. The childminder is committed to enhancing her child protection knowledge through attending further training courses.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care because she spends quality time with them, ensuring that their individual needs are met. Children have access to a wide choice of

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 stimulating toys and play materials, which are stored in child height units to encourage independence. Resources are well organised so that babies can make their own choices about what they want to play with. Children enjoy playing with vehicles, puzzles, activity centres, soft building bricks, educational games and delight in using toy mobile phones. Regular outings to the library, local parks, toddler groups and music sessions, means children have opportunities to socialise with children of their own age and take part in outdoor activities.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gain good levels of self esteem through cuddles and consistent praise. For example when they have completed a puzzle or learnt a new word, the childminder praises their achievements. Close and trusting relationships are built because the childminder spends time talking and listening to children. She balances her time carefully so that all the children receive her support. Children confidently make decisions about their play and learning and show great interest in what is available.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are catered for. Parents complete a daily routine sheet so that the childminder learns about children's home routines and they receive continuity of care. Children are gradually settled in and introduced to the childminder's family. They begin to learn about the local community as the childminder talks to them about the role of a policeman, postman and milkman. There is a good range of play people, dolls, puzzles and books available that helps to develop children's understanding of diversity. The childminder has a clear understanding of providing for children with specific needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show regard for one another as the childminder promotes the benefits of sharing. House rules are in place, which are discussed with children and parents are given a copy. The childminder uses a sensitive approach to manage behaviour taking into account children's level of understanding and maturity. Good behaviour is encouraged and praised.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive daily feed back on their children's progress. The childminder uses a contact book to inform parents about their children's daily activities, diet, sleep patterns and milestones. Parents receive a copy of well presented and organised policies and procedures, which clearly outlines the service the childminder provides.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. They participate in a broad range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their age and stages of development. The childminder makes good use of the space within her home and children have sole use of the ground floor of the premises. Children use different rooms for various types of play, which include quiet play, creative activities, cooking and messy play.

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 The childminder has a portfolio of up to date policies and procedures which are used to promote children’s health, safety, enjoyment and achievement, including procedures for lost and uncollected children. However there is no system in place to record complaints. The childminder is active in updating her childcare knowledge which contributes to children's all round development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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.

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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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): • devise a system to record complaints

p.5

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.5

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.5