Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY249047 Unique Reference Number 11 June 2007 Inspection date Patricia Ann Edward 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine in the London borough of Sutton. All areas of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, except the master bedroom, 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five, part-time, before and after school. The childminder travels to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene due to the childminder's established routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after having played outside in order to keep themselves clean and healthy. Children are protected from

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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 illness due to the childminder's effective procedures such as, having a basic sick children's policy in place, which parent's are given a copy. Children are further protected from cross infections due to the childminder providing children with individual flannels and towels which are washed regularly. Children's welfare in the event of an accident is protected because written consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice has been obtained. There are also good systems in place to record accidents and any medication that is administered. Parents sign all entries as an acknowledgement that they have been kept informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy snacks that are healthy and fulfil their individual dietary requirements such as, fresh fruit and yoghurts. The childminder is aware of their allergies, likes and dislikes. She liaises effectively with the parents to ensure that individual dietary requirements are met. Children learn about healthy food through discussions with the childminder. This approach ensures that children are provided with a good level of information about the benefits of healthy eating and encourages children to develop healthy eating habits. Children have their meals sitting at the table which means that the children are learning about the social aspects of meal times. Drinks are readily available to children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to a safe and secure garden with suitable and age-appropriate toys and equipment which helps them develop their physical skills. For example, children develop their gross motor skills as they play with the slide or when they jump up and down on the trampoline. Children enjoy going on regular outings with the childminder such as visits to the local park and to play groups. The childminder has obtained the appropriate parental consent for outings and using the trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a welcoming home with safe clear space for children to move around freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to keeping children safe, for example, locks are fitted to lower kitchen cupboards and lower glass has been made safe. Consent to transport and take children on outings is in place. All of which ensures children's well-being and safety both inside and outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of good quality, safe and age appropriate resources daily. The childminder’s provision of suitable equipment for young children such as, a high chair and a travel cot increases their independence and enables them to sit comfortably to eat and to sleep safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an effective understanding of her role in the protection of children. She is aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate possible abuse and neglect. She is clear about the lines of communication for dealing with child protection issues, including communication with parents, the local and registering authority. The childminder maintains useful information to enable her to deal with child protection issues promptly to safeguard children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They have access to a wide range of toys and equipment which include resources for pretend play, musical toys, drawing materials, construction bricks and play dough. All toys and equipment are appropriately stored at child

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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 height, which promotes children's independence. Children can confidently choose their play materials or ask for what they want and their choices are respected and valued. The childminder offers children ample praise and encouragement which helps them develop positive self-esteem and confidence. The childminder gives the children her time and attention. She sits at their level and engages them purposefully as they play, talking about what they are doing. She uses repetition effectively to help children to learn new words and develop their language and communication skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access the computer and love completing age appropriate educational software programmes. The enjoy also playing in the garden play house, where they have access to a wide selection of role play and construction materials. Children go on regular outings to places such as, visits to play group or to the local park where they have ample opportunities to play in the fresh air and have fun. They have access to a safe and secure garden area where they can exercise their physical skills and be active and healthy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder welcomes all children and respects their differing needs. She uses the information she collects about each child to effectively address their individual needs. Children have access to all play resources and equipment and are encouraged in their choices. Children have opportunities to learn about their own community and the wider world through discussion with the childminder and local outings. They have access to a small range of resources and activities showing positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a very good relationship with the childminder and they behave well. She is relaxed, warm and very affectionate towards the children and they respond likewise. The childminder acts as a positive role model, enthusiastically praising children's efforts and treating them respectfully. She uses developmentally appropriate strategies such as, positive praise and encouraging self-discipline, to manage children's behaviour. Children learn to share, take turns and are aware of the reasonable behaviour boundaries. Children are settled, very happy and enjoy being with the childminder who is very attentive to their needs. The childminder has a good relationship with the parents which, is friendly and supportive. She exchanges information through daily discussion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and skills, which are used well. She does her utmost to find out about the needs of children in her care to ensure she can look after them appropriately. Children enjoy playing in a child-centred environment where toys and materials are readily to hand.

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Organisation

The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of the children's attendance. Her Ofsted certificate is prominently displayed for parents and visitors to see. Most relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and well maintained to a good standard. Records and documents are kept, confidentially and most are readily available for inspection.

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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 improve her knowledge of first aid and ensure written agreements are completed with all parents. The childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and establish written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties. This has improved the safety and welfare of children whilst in the childminders care.

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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 children have access to an adequate range of resources that reflect diversity and the wider world • ensure records relating to medication consent are available for inspection.

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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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