Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333566 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Lorna Lorraine Hall 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 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 has been registered since the year 2006. She lives in a three bedroom house, in a quiet residential area, close to local bus and train routes in Colliers Wood.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole ground floor is used for childminding and children have access to the first floor to use the bathroom and to sleep. There is a fully enclosed, well-equipped garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children aged under eight, at any one time and is currently minding an eight month old.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a clean and tidy environment. They are learning the importance of good personal care through effective hygiene routines that are effectively carried out by the childminder. For example, in the event that the childminder is unable to wash her hands with water, she has antibacterial lotion.

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Helping children to be healthy

Cross infection to the children is greatly minimised because parents receive good information about the care and exclusion of children who are ill. However, the childminder is aware that she must update her knowledge of communicable disease that must be reported to Ofsted.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has a complete first aid box. Records relating to accidents and medical information are kept in good order. This safeguards the children's health and welfare. Parents are asked to provide additional information to ensure their children receive necessary medical treatment or advice in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide a cooked lunch for their children. The childminder states that the meals are healthy and consist of lots of vegetables and fruits. As the minded child is unable to help himself to water, the childminder regularly offers him water. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and drinking for young children and show examples of nutritious menus, she would provide for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children explore and develop their physical control in stimulating daily indoor and outdoor activities, regular trips to the library and park. Good provision is available for the children to rest or be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. This allows them to crawl and learn to walk safely and freely. The good organisation also enables the children to access toys from different levels.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources are of good quality and carefully selected to ensure the children are sufficiently challenged to make progress in their development. Learning resources are attractively displayed to enable children to see what is available at a glance. Suitable and sufficient child size furniture is available to promote the children's independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a strong emphasis on safety and proper devises are fitted. For example, safety gates and locks on low level cupboard doors. As an extra safety measure, the childminder carries the children's personal details with her on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place and the emergency evacuation procedure is practised regularly. Good arrangements with other childminders ensure children are safe at all times. A secure garden is available for outdoor play and is used under the direct supervision of the childminder.

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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 The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care in line with the latest government guidance. This supports children’s wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. Their learning needs are successfully met through the childminder's good use of the Birth to three matters framework to chart their progress. She knows the children well and how they like to spend their time, for example, singing songs. Good use of care diaries allows her to comment on their well-being throughout the day. The children spend quality time exploring and experimenting with the different activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive lots of affection from her and they respond well to the attention given to them. They clap their hands and smile and make gestures to indicate they enjoy the attention they receive.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Some activities such as visits to the library are planned in advance and children may choose other toys and resources that are easily accessible in the playroom. Children enjoy and learn from a wide range of activities that allow them to explore and investigate, for example, brightly coloured multi sensory activity that allows them to use their senses to interpret their experiences. They are interested in the activities available to them and spend time concentrating on these activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are thoroughly met by the childminder who treats them all with great affection and kindness. Their parents are asked to provide detailed information to ensure their needs are met. Discussions, books, dressing up clothes are some of the ways the children learn about other cultures. Parents are asked to provide detailed information to ensure appropriate care. All the children have maximum time to enjoy learning through play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective systems are in place to manage the children's behaviour appropriately and the childminder has a good understanding of why children misbehave. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement serves to promote the children's self-esteem. This contributes to the children's well-being.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and displayed a positive attitude to caring for such children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is very good. Parents provide relevant information about their children to the childminder, this information is regularly reviewed and updated. Care diaries and regular informal discussions help to ensure continuity of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of recent changes in legal requirements in relation to complaints and investigations and is aware that she is to make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to follow if they have a complaint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. The children benefit from a well-organised environment that focuses on their individual care needs. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play, including daily outdoor play.

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Organisation

Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. All mandatory records are in place, confidential and well maintained.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see 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 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): • increase understanding of communicable diseases that must be reported to Ofsted.

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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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