Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY262131 Unique Reference Number 09 August 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 three children only one of whom is a dependent, in the London borough of Merton. The areas used for childminding include the ground floor playroom/conservatory, the front room and the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed secure 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 three children under five part-time, and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have a number of pets that include a cat, rabbit and a guinea pig.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's minor accidents are dealt with appropriately as the childminder holds a valid first aid qualification and keeps sufficient first aid kit. However children safety in the event of an

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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 accident is not fully ensured because the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment. She records all accidents and administration of medication and shares these with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from the risk of cross infection as the childminder does not care for children when they are sick or unwell. The family have a range of pets who are regularly wormed and treated to prevent flea infestation. They are also taken to the vets at regular intervals throughout the year.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is promoted because the childminder employs suitable hygiene procedures through the daily routine. The house is clean and tidy and children are learning to take responsibility for their own health and hygiene by washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are sufficiently nourished as healthy meals and snacks are provided. The childminder requests that parents of children under two provide meals. However meals provide by parents are not always effectively refrigerated to promote children's health. Fresh and dried fruit is available for snacks and dessert. Children enjoy healthy meals, such as pasta dishes, paella and sandwiches with a variety of fillings. Drinks are constantly offered to children to ensure they do not become thirsty. Meal times are a social occasion, none the less use of the television during lunch time is a distraction to some children. There are no children attending currently with specific dietary requirements or identified food intolerances.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity which effectively promotes development of their large muscle skills. Children can play in the garden whenever they want to, and move freely between the indoors and the outdoors. Children also attend local playgroup sessions where they have opportunities to play with larger equipment.

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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 home that is warm and welcoming and children have generous amounts of play space both indoors and outdoors. There is a wide and varied range of toys that are of good quality and sufficient to meet the needs of children of all ages. There is a selection of durable furniture which is child-centred and entirely suitable to meet the needs of a range of children of all age groups from babies to eight years old.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is generally promoted as the childminder has taken a number of steps to ensure that hazards are addressed. Indoors for example, electrical leads and sockets are protected, fire fighting equipment and smoke alarms are installed and maintained in working good order. The childminder has a verbal emergency evacuation plan, however it is not practiced with the children. There are low locks on both the front and bathroom door, which raises safety issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder verbally demonstrates an appropriate understanding of safeguarding children issues such as the categories and signs of abuse. However she does not have the relevant contact details necessary to deal with any potential concerns about children's welfare and was unable to locate government and local authority safeguarding procedures.

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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 happy, settled and confident. The childminder offers good support and encourages children to think and extend their vocabulary as she asks open-ended questions. Children are cared for as individuals with different needs and the childminder ensures that a good variety of activities are available for all. They are learning and developing as a result of stimulating and challenging experiences. Routines are good, consistent and include activities inside and outside the home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their senses and manipulative skills and are beginning to learn about colours, shapes and numbers. Independence is encouraged as children are allowed freedom to choose their resources and activities. Children access books, which are readily available and enjoy the childminder reading stories to them. Children enjoy stamp printing ,colouring and drawing and are developing good pencil control.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends time talking and listening to the children and offers support as and when appropriate. The children are leaning to speak Spanish and on a daily basis the childminder communicates to children in both Spanish and English. She has accessed information on the 'Early Years Foundation Stage' and recognises the need to extend her knowledge of this curriculum.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected by the childminder who works with parents to promote each child's welfare and development. Children are becoming aware of the diverse nature of society as they play with an effective selection of toys such as dolls of various races, wheelchair and a range of books. The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, however she is happy to provide an inclusive service. Children are encouraged by the childminder to be courteous and say please and thank you. Their self esteem is raised by the childminder who takes every opportunity to praise them. For example, when looking at a book older minded child says the Spanish word for grandma to identify a character in the book.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are helped to settle in well by staying with the childminder for short periods prior to their contract commencing. She works appropriately with parents to ensure children's continuity of care is maintained. The childminder establishes friendly and professional partnerships with parents and carers. She collects information about their children on record forms, maintains contracts. However written permission for outings and medical consent is not in place. She exchanges information at drop off and collection times.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises most aspects of her work effectively, helping the children to feel comfortable, relaxed and at home. They are confident and can organise their own play and learning, by the free choice of activities. They are secure in the adequate routines that takes suitable account of their care needs. The childminder organises her time appropriately so children have sufficient adult consideration and support for their development. They benefit from individual attention at certain times of the day. The premises are generally child-friendly,

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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 with considerable quantities of appropriate toys and equipment for the babies and children to choose. There is ample space in the play area and adjacent garden.

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Organisation

The childminder makes sure that she never leaves the children alone with unvetted persons. She maintains basic paperwork that includes all legally required documents. The individual needs of the children are generally met by the childminder through some of her sound procedures to ensure that she has all relevant information and through regular discussion with parents. However, children's welfare is compromised because a number of documentation is not in place.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the safety in the bathroom area, increase her resources for children aged five to eight years and ensure resources reflect positive images. The childminder has improved children's safety whilst in the bathroom area by removing all hazardous materials and furniture. Children aged five to eight years old have more opportunities to enjoy and achieve because resources have been increased. There are also more opportunities for children to develop an understanding of the wider world and have access to a number of resources that reflect race and disabilities such as dolls and a wheelchair.

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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 medical records include written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment • ensure meals provided by parent's are effectively refrigerated • increase the safety and security of both the front door and the first floor bathroom door • obtain written parental permission for outings

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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 • increase knowledge of local contact details for safeguarding children services.

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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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