Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242017 Inspection date 25 May 2005 Inspector Claire Jean Douglas

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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 good. 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 2003. She lives with her husband and their three and a half year old daughter. They live in a two bedroomed house in a residential area of Croydon. The through lounge is used for childminding along with the back bedroom and first floor bathroom. The garden is available for outside play and is accessible through the lounge. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five during the day and child over eight after school. The childminder attends local childminder drop-in sessions, parent and

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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 toddler groups, visits the local shops, parks and library. The family have one pet dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and a quality assurance scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are given varied opportunities to develop their physical health and well being, through a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, children frequently experience digging in the sand, climbing ladders on slides and riding on wheeled toys, which in turn helps to keep children healthy by improving their physical skills and strength. The Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they access freely available drinks and are positively encouraged to eat a well balanced diet where dietary requirements are respected. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care through established daily hygiene routines. Risks of cross contamination are minimised through the good use of a sickness procedure and good hygiene practices. All legally required documentation which contributes to

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Helping children to be healthy

children's health, safety and well being is in place and regularly reviewed. The childminder is fully aware of the 'Birth to three matters' frame work and adapts activities to suit the ages of the children she cares for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. The childminder is proactive in identifying and minimising risks for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder is efficient in helping children understand, how to keep themselves safe, for example, children have a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire because these are regularly practiced. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare by having all the required procedures and documentation in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They relate well to the childminder and each other. They confidently approach the childminder for support, indicating that good trusting relationships are built. The children are able to socialise with others, within the setting, as well as through attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent, as they choose between a good balance of toys, books and well planned activities. These contribute to their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. The children join in enthusiastically with stories and learn about the meaning of words through hearing expressive reading. They use books, toys and equipment purposefully. The childminder adapts activities to be age and stage appropriate, listening to and valuing what children say, she talks with them about what they are doing and has high expectations of what they can achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine acknowledges and mirrors their home routine. Parents views are sought and the childminder takes on board any concerns they have and adapts the care provided to meet their wishes and the child's needs. 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 good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The indoor space is limited, but used to its full potential, the outdoor area is set out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and is a member of a quality assurance scheme as well as studying for her N.V.Q.3 in childcare. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares these regularly, with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. However, the childminder does need to update her records to include information for parents on how to make a complaint. Overall, the provision meets the

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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 needs of the children who attend well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a record of children's hours of attendance, ensure there is a record of named persons for collecting the children and to secure the garden fence. Children's safety has been improved by having the fence secured and the required documentation updated.

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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 good. 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): • Develop the information which is given out to parents to include information on what to do if you wish to make a complaint.

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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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