Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 158919 Inspection date 19 July 2005 Inspector Cheryl Walker

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two sons in a house in Old Coulsdon, within walking distance of local shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children from one to eight years, at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom

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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 attend on a part-time basis. She is registered to provide overnight care. The childminder works with an assistant and when working together, may care for five children under eight years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and participate in a wide range of activities that contribute to their good health. They have daily access to a large garden containing a plentiful range of good quality play equipment, which help children to develop their physical skills and independence. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Children can access drinks freely at all times because the childminder provides a water machine that they can use for themselves. A well-balanced variety of healthy snacks and meals lays the foundation from which children can make independent, healthy choices. Clear policies about the care of sick children protect them from illness and infection. Children’s accidents are managed appropriately; however, not all minor accidents have been suitably recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age, within a secure indoor and outdoor environment. They keep safe in the setting as the childminder supervises them well and takes good precautions to minimize the risk of accidents. Children benefit from playing in a spacious, well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. Regular checks both indoors and out means that children can play, learn and explore without danger. Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection procedures and awareness of her responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They build good relationships with the childminder and relate well to her. Children experience a good range of age and stage appropriate provision, both inside and outside the home, which contributes to their overall development. They have fun and join in with games in the garden enthusiastically. They use their

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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 imaginations to extend the use of the available resources and engage in pretend play. Children react with pleasure to familiar experiences and overall, play cooperatively together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are secure in the care of the childminder. Effective communication with parents ensures sharing of information between both parties. This promotes consistency of care. Children behave well and respond to clear boundaries and positive strategies used by the childminder to manage behaviour, which are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children. Children's self-esteem heightens through good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder, which enables them to develop a positive self-image.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well-organised environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare. She understands and complies with regulatory requirements, although some aspects of documentation and record keeping are insufficient. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Written policies and procedures are now available that provide detailed information for parents about the service offered.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure all accidents, however minor, are recorded and records signed by parents; • include children's times of arrival and departure on attendance registers; • ensure parents are made aware of the new assistant.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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