Childminder in WandsworthOfsted inspection, 11 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 123042 Inspection date 11 July 2005 Inspector John Early

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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 registered in November 2000. At present she cares for five children aged 10, 9, 2, 1, and 1 year. She lives with her husband and one adult son in a five bedroom terraced house in a quiet residential street in the Balham area of Wandsworth. They are situated a few minutes walk from shops, a common, library, and toddler group. The downstairs rooms are used for childminding including a toilet on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 The family have tropical fish as pets. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children and is currently minding 6 children part time throughout the week. She takes children out regularly to a toddler group, the local common, shops and visits to other childminders in the area. She is a member of Wandsworth childminders Association National Childminding Association. She is a member of the Rydesdale Nursery Initiative and is just beginning her NCMA Quality First Assurance Scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a warm, clean home. The children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after using the toilet or before eating their food. The childminder follows good hygiene practices when preparing meals and during nappy changes that reduce the risk of cross infections. The children benefit from the childminders systems for giving and recording medicines, administering first aid and sharing this information with parents. Children take part in a range of activities, such as playing in the garden, visiting the park, walking to the common, accessing bikes, and push along toys, which contribute to their good health and well being. The children benefit from well planned and varied meals that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move safely round the home and garden because the childminder generally takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. However children's safety is compromised by the lack of safety catches on the sink cupboard and knife drawer. They independently choose activities from a wide range of good quality resources, which the childminder makes sure are appropriate for their ages and stages of development, so they can play safely. Children benefit from the childminder's care and conscientious methods for assessing risks outside the home, she supervises them at all times, for example, holding hands while crossing the road, and using books and pictures to talk about safety matters.

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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 The provision is good. The children are confident and make themselves at home within the setting. They relate well to each other, sharing toys and learning through imaginative play, for example using the dolls and small tables and chairs to play house, or pretending to drive the car to go to the cinema. Children benefit from the childminder who joins in with their play and encourages them to share toys, talks to them and contributes to their learning and development . Children have further access to play resources through outings to parks, toddler groups, childminder drop in groups and the local library.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children are valued as individuals as the childminder gets to know them very well. She works closely with parents, which ensures children experience consistent care. The childminder works closely with parents regarding their children's routine and dietary needs. Children have opportunities to increase their awareness of diversity through a range of resources, such as books, figures dolls and puzzles. The children learn about their local community as they visit places of interest such as the local toddler groups, parks and other childminders homes. Children show increasing independence, for example when they select toys and play materials, help tidy up and use the bathroom on their own. The children behave well and understand the importance of house rules such as eating at the table and not climbing on the furniture. They are encouraged to share toys, take turns and show consideration for each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable in a well organised home, which helps them gain confidence and be independent. The environment is set out to make the most of the space and maximise children's play opportunities and for the children to play freely and safely. The childminder makes appropriate use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about their individual needs. She uses the information to promote the care and welfare of the children. The childminder keeps all the required records that contribute to children's health, safety and well being. She regularly shares them with parents, which keeps them well informed about care. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 All previous recommendations have now been met.

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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): • make kitchen safe

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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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