Childminder in Wandsworth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298191 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Linda Close

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since February 2005. She lives with her husband and family in a sixth floor flat. It is located in a low rise block on a residential road close to King George's Park in southwest London. The local authority is Wandsworth. There are two children in the family, one of whom attends primary school and the other is below school age. Children are cared for in the sitting room and two bedrooms. They also have supervised access to the kitchen and they use bathroom and toilet facilities on the same floor. The childminder lives within walking distance of toddler groups, shops, parks and the local library. At present one child under 8 years of age is cared for after school.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well nourished. They have well chosen snacks and frequent drinks of water or fruit juice. They enjoy a good selection of healthy foods that are prepared in clean surroundings using fresh ingredients. The childminder successfully extends children's knowledge of different tastes and shows a good understanding of healthy eating. Children's likes and dislikes and any allergies are known to the childminder. She gains this information from parents at registration to ensure continuity of care for the children. Children are not exposed to infections unnecessarily as the childminder agrees with parents that children should remain at home if they are unwell. Children are cared for in spotlessly clean surroundings. They learn about good hygiene through daily routines, such as washing their hands before eating. However, there is a risk of cross-infection because children share towels for drying their hands. The childminder

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Helping children to be healthy

has an acceptable understanding of children's health issues although she has only recently begun first aid training for childcare. Children have suitable opportunities for energetic play in local parks when weather permits. The childminder also plans regular visits to a 1 O'clock Club nearby for younger children than those currently minded. This is planned to enable them to join in healthy physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, secure home environment. They have ample space for play and rest in the spacious lounge and children's bedrooms. Children have easy access to a good range of toys that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Their toys are frequently checked and maintained in good condition so that they can play with them safely. Children are safe in the childminder's home because risks have been identified and avoided. For example, the childminder uses a baby gate to keep children away from the kitchen and all heavy, sharp or toxic materials are made inaccessible to children. Children's welfare is safeguarded in relation to child protection issues. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in this respect. She knows what signs or symptoms could suggest ill-treatment or neglect and she is prepared to take swift and appropriate action if she is concerned.

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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 The children are settled and content in the childminder's care. They are warmly welcomed into the family which helps them to feel secure and confident. They have easy access to a good selection of toys and are able to make independent choices. The children enjoy drawing and they invent their own imaginative games using toys in their own way. They accept each other's ideas in their games and relate well to each other. The childminder observes the children and extends their play without undue intrusion. She draws upon her teaching experience to plan interesting activities and outings for the children. These include music and singing, art and craft activities using recycled materials and outings to local parks in good weather.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children respond well to the childminder's patient but firm approach to behaviour management. They are happy, busy and well behaved. Children understand the simple rules of the house. These include saying please and thank you and helping to tidy away the toys. They are learning pleasant table manners through gentle reminders. Children are treated as equals and they are learning to share and take turns fairly. Toys and activities suit boys and girls equally. Children are learning to respect diverse people and cultures. In most respects the childminder works well with parents and carers to provide continuity of care for children. Useful information about children's health, progress and development is shared informally, on a regular basis, between the childminder and parents. Most appropriate permissions have been given to the childminder in writing by parents. This includes permission for emergency medical care or advice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

However, written permissions are incomplete. Permission for planned outings and very occasional transport in the family car has been verbally agreed but has not been confirmed by parents in writing.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that children are not in close contact with anyone who has not been checked for suitability. She has arranged her home and resources to give children space to play and rest in comfort. Children benefit from being in a safe, well organised environment. Good forward planning leaves the childminder free to focus her attention on play and meeting children's needs. Most documents and records are in place to promote the safe and efficient management of children's care. However, some necessary information and written permissions from parents have been overlooked. The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements 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 The childminder agreed to repair a window in the bathroom before registration and to ensure that smoke alarms are in working order. This window was repaired before childminding registration commenced and working smoke alarms are in place, consequently children's safety in the home has been improved.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. 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): • provide a towel for each minded child to use • obtain parents permission in writing for all outings and activities enjoyed with the childminder and for outings in the family car and for the use of public transport • provide information for parents showing that any car used to transport minded children is safe and has appropriate insurance.

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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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