Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

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153852 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Pauline King 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?

This childminder has been registered since May 2001. She lives with her husband and three children. They live in a house in Sutton within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The ground floor play room and toilet is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed 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 at any one time. She is currently caring for two children on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to local toddler groups and music sessions.

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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. The children are cared for in a warm and caring environment, where they learn to follow good daily hygiene procedures. Children receive good support to develop personal hygiene skills. They learn the importance of washing hands before meals to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to learn about physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle, through having regular opportunities for fresh air. For example, they enjoy regular trips to a variety of drop-in centres and to music and movement sessions. This regular physical exercise contributes to keeping them healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of the parents to provide their own food. She ensures all food is stored safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps clear and accurate records. For example, written permission from parents to administer medication, which ensures that children's health needs are met and information can be effectively shared with parents. However, written consent from parents for emergency medical treatment has not been obtained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe home where the childminder identifies and minimises most risks. However, dangerous hazards in the back garden are a potential risk to children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to play freely within the home. They have access to a wide range of good quality toys and play materials, stored on low level shelves in easy reach for children, which gives them freedom of choice. 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. For example, childminder extends children's knowledge through talking and playing with the children showing them how to press buttons on musical toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has most of the required procedures and documents in place. She has an understanding of child protection issues, knows what to do if she has a concern about a child. For example, the childminder holds a current First Aid certificate and has an understanding of child protection procedures in line with local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop good relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their individual needs and joins in with their play. This helps children settle in quickly and feel at home. The children respond well to the childminder's positive interactions, which enable them to develop their language skills. For example, naming letters and recognising different sounds. Children receive good support and encouragement in their activities, allowing them to feel secure in their environment. For example, childminder praises children continuously.

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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 A good range of play materials to stimulate and develop the children’s imagination is available. Children take part in a variety of activities that support their development including, outdoor activities and free play. Children develop a good sense of achievement because the childminder shows an interest in their play. The childminder introduces new experiences to extend their learning, such as taking the children to various local amenities including, music sessions and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met, because the childminder spends time getting to know the parents and children well. She works closely with parents, which ensures children experience consistent care. The childminder treats children with respect, and uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem, which contributes to the children’s sense of well-being. Children become aware of their own and other cultures due to the childminder's positive attitudes towards diversity. Children have access to a good range of age appropriate activities offered, and the childminder ensures resources are available that promote a positive view of the wider community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond to positive praise and requests for good behaviour. They begin to understand the rules within the home and abide by them. This ensures good relationships and promotes harmony.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly. Children are cared for according to the needs of the parents. Children's progress of development is shared with parents through children's daily diaries and discussions at the beginning and end of each day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Polices and procedures are in place to share with parents and most written agreements are up to date.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Appropriate checks for suitability were carried out at registration. Children benefit from being cared for by an experienced childminder who organises her home in such a way that children have their own play room. They receive good support to help them feel safe and secure, and are also allowed time to play using their imaginations and selecting toys of their choice. The childminder plans the week well allowing time for socialising, outings and free play indoors or in the garden.

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Organisation

Most regulatory documentation for the safe and effective management of children is in place and well organised. The childminder regularly shares them with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care that is provided. The childminder's registration certificate is displayed for parents to see and relevant information kept on children in her care is maintained in a confidential manner.

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Organisation

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

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain appropriate documentation and records, permission to transport children in a private vehicle has been obtained but parental consent for emergency treatment has not been obtained. Since then, the children's safety has improved as the childminder has completed one, but not both issues raised. Recommendations made on outstanding issue.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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

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 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): • ensure written consent is obtained to seek emergency medical treatment • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring time taken to evacuate premises is recorded • ensure all hazards in garden are made safe or inaccessible to children

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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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