Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349973 Unique Reference Number 05 July 2007 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 2007. She lives with her partner and two children aged eight and two years in the London borough of Sutton. The whole of the ground floor and two bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children, she goes to the park, library and toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a routine that contributes to their good health. They enjoy opportunities to be outside in the fresh air, for example, when they walk to the park, school and play in the

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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 garden. Babies take delight in crawling around the grass, exploring and climbing onto a rocker. They happily sit in a small tricycle, whilst the childminder pushes them around and dabble their hand in water that is tipped out from a bucket. Babies are given good opportunities to extend their physical development, for example, manoeuvring safely in and out of the back door and pulling themselves up before attempting to walk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where the childminder ensures appropriate hygiene procedures are in place, for instance, wrapping soiled nappies in a bag and wiping the table before eating. Babies are beginning to learn the importance of personal hygiene when they use wipes to clean their hands after playing in the garden and before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to make sure she follows babies individual sleeping and feeding routines. They thrive on close bonds with the childminder who is affectionate and attentive to their needs. This contributes to babies well-being and continuity of care. They are beginning to communicate their needs, for example, wanting a drink and a rice cake for a snack.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of healthy eating because the food offered is nutritious and the menu balanced. The childminder offers drinks at regular intervals and babies help themselves to their beaker of water when they are thirsty.

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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 safe, child-orientated environment which allows them to move around freely. They access the well-equipped garden easily and self select from a range of toys and resources that are in good condition. There are effective safety procedures in place and the childminder gives high priority to ensuring the children are well supervised. When babies are sleeping upstairs she goes regularly to check and uses wrist straps in consultation with parents if taking young children out. She keeps the floor space clear of any potential hazards, such as too many toys spread out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep safe as the childminder explains why it is dangerous to "go too high on the climbing frame" and "to keep the stair gate shut because the baby might follow you up". There are good fire safety precautions in place, for instance, a written emergency escape plan and talking about the dangers of fire. However, parents have not provided written consent for their children to be transported in the car or taken on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and who to contact if she is concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies and young children benefit from spending time together. They learn to communicate and make relationships. The childminder makes sure she spends time comforting and talking to distressed babies who are feeling insecure. They form close bonds with the childminder who works hard to offer a consistent routine that is both stimulating and supportive. Children are given good opportunities to make choices about their play, for example, going into the garden and pressing the buttons on a musical toy. The childminder builds on babies natural curiosity when they pick up a 'Teletubbie' doll to give them a cuddle. They love to move in time to music,

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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 bouncing up and down to the sounds in the background. A good range of creative activities are organised, such as baking, collage and collecting leaves. Children's language is encouraged at every opportunity and they enjoy time sitting on the landing, reading a story. Babies love to imitate and happily crawl and join in as older children, using role play resources, pretend to do the washing or have a drink from a plastic cup.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and individual needs met because the childminder spends time getting to know them. There are good opportunities for children to experience the local and wider community through regular trips to the library, toddler group, park to feed the ducks and farm. There are some resources that enhance children's awareness of different cultures and traditions. There is good partnership with parents. The childminder is flexible and supportive in her role and ensures time is made available to pass on information about the children's day, both verbally and through a 'communication book'. This contributes to consistency in care. The childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. She praises and reassures children at every opportunity so it helps to promote their sense of belonging and well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The home is well organised and time used well so children benefit from quiet and active play. They receive good adult support and are not left with any person not vetted. The childminder is keen to attend training which updates her knowledge of childcare. There is a range of policies and procedures which promote continuity of care and keep parents informed. The required records that contribute to children's health, safety and well-being are maintained accurately. The childminder has limited knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, however, she is able to provide appropriate care and stimulation that promotes all aspects of babies development. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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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Complaints 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

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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): • obtain parents written consent to transport children in the car and on outings.

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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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