Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY244746 Inspection date 04 August 2005 Inspector Michelle Smith

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 6 and 2 years. They live in a terraced house in Morden, close to local shops and schools. There is a large open plan lounge/dining/play room with direct access to a kitchen and conservatory. The bathroom is located on the first floor. Children use a upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is a fenced, area available for outdoor play. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 The family have two guinea pigs which live outdoors. She is registered to care for two children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both who attend on a part-time basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well organised home. Children do access a range of enjoyable activities, which meet their individual needs and contributes to their health. Children enjoy regular outings to different playgroups and local parks, by which children play and socialise with others. Children can access the garden and play with balls, climbing equipment and wheeled toys to develop their co-ordination. The childminder keeps records and systems for recording medication and accidents. Children's health is protected, through the childminder's good hygiene practice, such as washing their hands and faces before and after meals. Children's wellbeing is protected, through the clear procedure for caring for sick children. However there is not a written procedure, which is shared with parents. Children benefit from well balanced meals, and a healthy diet. They have access to

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Helping children to be healthy

drink throughout the day. Children do have a health diet, that is varied and meets their individual needs. The childminder works in partnership with the parents and respect their wishes to provide well balanced meals. The childminder provides parents with daily information of children's food intake.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can move around the home freely. The childminder provides the children with opportunities to be kept safe in their environment, by clear boundaries and safe limits. However, children's safety was compromised in the garden due to cut branches stored at the rear end of the garden, and cleaning materials accessible in the bathroom, which can pose a hazard to children. Children do benefit from a range of good quality play provision, that is age appropriate and meets safety standards. Therefore children can play safely. All safety equipment is in place, and in working order. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and has most required documentations in place. For example, the childminder has devised a lost children policy. The children's welfare is safeguarded, through the childminder good understanding of the child protection procedure.

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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 well settled and move around the home confidently. Children do benefit from the well established relationships that they have built with the childminder and her family, she knows the children well. Children can access a good range of play materials and experiences throughout the day, that contributes to their enjoyment and learning. Children can take part in a variety of different play opportunities, which encourages them to become competent learners and develop their independence. For example, children play co-operatively in the water tray. Young children can express themselves positively. Children do benefit from outdoor activities, including visits to the local playgroups and parks. Children's thinking and understanding are challenged as the childminder asks questions to develop their knowledge and understanding. For example, during a ice lolly making activity she used words like

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

cold, freezing and frozen. The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters frames work, however she has adapted activities to promote children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from exploring and investigating their surroundings. The childminder encourages the children to make choices and knows the children well. The children behave well and show increasing independence, for example children confidently feed themselves. Children do benefit from resources and socialising with children and adults from a diverse cultural background, that promotes a positive view of the wider community. Children are developing a positive attitude towards special needs, through the provision and positive attitude of the childminder. Children are developing a positive self esteem, through constant praise and encouragement by the childminder. For example, the child stated the home made ice lollies need to be put into the freezer before they can eat them, the child was praised by the childminder. Children are beginning to understand the importance of sharing, turn taking and do

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Helping children make a positive contribution

play well together. For example, children played in the water harmoniously. Children do progress well through the childminders good understanding of how children learn. Children are provided with activities and learning opportunities to extend and provides sufficient challenges. Children benefit from the well established relationships established with the parents and childminder, regular information is exchanged of children's progress and daily routine.

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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 The organisation is good. The children are comfortable and at ease in the well-organised environment, therefore this reinforces the opportunities for children to initiate their own play. The routine is adapted to meet the needs of the children. Children do make the most of the indoor and outdoor space and this maximises their play experiences. The childminder has devised some polices and uses these to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder keeps most required documentation. Parents are well informed and updated with any changes that may occur within the service, children activities and developmental progress. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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): • devise a written sick children policy and procedure. • make sure the garden is made safe. • make sure all hazardous cleaning materials is inaccessible to children.

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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:

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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 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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