Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY341146 Unique Reference Number 21 March 2007 Inspection date Gillian Cubitt 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children under eight years in a house near Streatham Common in London. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 minding two children under five for one day each week. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and very well maintained environment which is welcoming and friendly. Children are encouraged to develop appropriate hygiene practices through the established daily routines. They learn the importance of hand washing after toileting and before

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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 eating. Children's individual food preferences and intolerances are met effectively as these are discussed with parents and details of dietary needs are recorded. Children are provided with regular drinks and nutritious snacks that appeal to them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from being looked after in a home where effective hygiene is given priority. The childminder follows current and appropriate health and hygiene guidelines. Effective procedures are in place to protect children from infection and correct adherence to recording medication and accident records is observed which ensures children's health is properly monitored. The childminder, however, has not yet completed the required first aid course which underpins her knowledge when dealing with children's accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical skills are well supported and they enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. The childminder recognises the importance of physical activity and how it promotes the children's health and development. There are regular outdoor activities, children walk to and from school and visit a local park. Children enjoy easy access to the garden and benefit from being able to use a suitable range of outdoor equipment. This helps children develop confidence and positive attitudes to physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used appropriately to meet their individual needs, allowing children to move freely and independently around the home. Children are provided with a suitable range of toys and resources that are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children play safely as the childminder has taken steps to make her home safe and she is aware of potential hazards. For example she has placed safety gates to prevent access to stairs but has also installed extra spindles in the banisters to ensure children's complete safety when going upstairs. She takes regard to the hazards of fire by installing smoke alarms and noting fire exits. However, the fire blanket is not fitted correctly which impacts on children's safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about safe practices. For example, they learn and practise road safety through discussion with the childminder on their journey to and from school and when going on outings to the nearby parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further protected because the childminder is clear about her role and responsibility to protect children in her care. She knows the procedures to follow if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle easily at the childminder's home. They are able to play freely and make independent choices about their activities because toys and resources are made easily accessible. Children have a positive relationship with the childminder; she knows the children well and is attentive to their individual needs. Children have a variety of different activities which supports their learning appropriately. For example, children enjoy puzzles, building blocks, interactive toys, art and craft activities. In the 'play' kitchen the childminder interacts well with the children building upon their social and communication skills. Children also benefit by participating in

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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 visits to Streatham Common where they can experience the freedom of vast open spaces as well as enjoying picnics in the flower gardens of the nearby 'Rookery'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging as the childminder treats children with equal concern and their individual needs are met appropriately. Children are encouraged to play together, they learn to share, take turns and show consideration towards others. Children receive praise and encouragement from the childminder which promotes positive behaviour. They learn about diversity through discussion with the childminder. She ensures children have equal access to all activities, regardless of their ability, gender or background. The childminder is also sensitive to children who speak other languages so that they feel understood and comfortable in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to inclusion. She obtains relevant information from parents about children's specific needs to ensure she can provide an environment where all children can join in, fully participating in all activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is open and friendly. The childminder works closely with parents and respects their wishes which is supported with a written agreement. Each day the childminder discusses relevant information about their children's daily activities which helps with children's continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled within a warm friendly homely environment. The daily routines are flexible to accommodate children's individual requirements and routines. They have access to quiet and active playtimes and benefit from regular activities outside the home as the childminder makes use of the local facilities within the area.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to provide children with good quality care and has completed her initial training and she is fully aware of the importance of attending a first aid course. She has therefore booked a place on the first available course which will secure her knowledge on helping to keep children healthy and safe.

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Organisation

The required documentation, which ensures the smooth operation of the daily activities, is in place. All aspects of children's care needs are discussed and agreed with parents. At present, verbal information is shared with them on a daily basis and she intends to extend this to provide written notes when caring for babies and infants.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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.

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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 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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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 the fire blanket is installed correctly in line with the manufacturer's instructions • ensure an appropriate first aid course for infants and young children is completed • develop further the contact with parents by providing them with written details to inform them of the activities and routines of babies and infants

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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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