Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343638 Unique Reference Number 13 September 2007 Inspection date Angela Ramsey 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 has been registered since January 2007. She lives with her five year old child in a two bed roomed house in the London Borough of Croydon. Children have access to the childminders front and dining rooms. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently caring for two children. One aged under five and the other aged five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an extremely good understanding of food nutrition. In consultation with parents meals are provided according to children's individual dietary requirements. Regular deliveries of organic vegetables as well as the childminder preparing her home grown produce

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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 such as strawberries, baby sweet corn and herbs. Eating healthy and nutritious snacks contributes to children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

High priority to ensuring that children’s individual needs are provided for example, the childminder recognises the importance of hand washing. She ensures that the children wash their hands after using the bathroom, playing outdoors and before eating their meals. Her nappy changing procedures are good and the toys are cleaned regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended training in administering first aid. She has also obtained appropriate permissions with regard the seeking emergency assistance or advice. Records are also in place in respect of the administration of medication to children. A method for the recording of any accidents or incidents that may occur is also evident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are provided with plenty of opportunities for outdoor play, which promotes their physical development. Children develop their confidence in moving with control, as they play in the childminders garden, where they can jump on the trampoline, rock on the see saw and play with balls. Visits to the local park enable children to walk around enjoy the scenery and feed the ducks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Both the indoor and outdoor space is organised effectively, creating a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore whilst being appropriately supervised. Children can move freely and are protected from harm. Stair gates and socket covers have been fitted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety is good smoke alarms have been fitted, the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation procedure which she practises with the children. This ensures that the children know what to do in the event of an emergency. Although the childminder has a fire blanket this is not in an accessible location.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. Parents give their written permission for their children to attend outings. The childminder ensures children are safe as she supervises them at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a varied range of toys and equipment, that are of a good quality and safe. Children access resources independently. Equipment is kept clean and in a good state of repair and is regularly checked for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and she knows the appropriate procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy stimulating activities provided by the childminder. She has a varied selection of age appropriate toys and books for children to enjoy. The childminder sits with the children and encourages them as they look for the correct space for the shapes in the shape sorter.

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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 Outings to Dean city farm have been organised, as well as trips to local childminding groups and library. In her garden the children are able to grow vegetables. With the help of the children the childminder has created a beautiful theme. Using reams of fabric she has created a beach theme at the rear of her garden. Displayed are items connected with the beach such as spades, arm bands, sun glasses, plastic ducks, fishing net and a beach ball. Children enjoy sitting in this area and exploring the various items.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder also takes the children to local childminding groups and sessions at her local library. Whilst at the library as well as enjoying story telling sessions, the children participate in singing and playing instruments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that the individual needs of all the children in her care are met. She gathers information from parents and provides care according to children's needs. Children are developing their understanding of others through looking at books.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. The childminder explained that she has developed an honest, trusting and friendly relationship with parents. This helps ensure children are settled and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. When necessary the childminder uses distraction as a strategy when managing children's behaviour. Positive reinforcement is also used. Children are regularly praised for their positive behaviour and children are actively encouraged for their efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of her duty to investigate and to keep a log of complaints. Parents have been provided with the name and address of Ofsted should any concerns arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder explained that she thoroughly enjoys her work. This is evident in her enthusiasm and commitment to the children in her care. Good relationships have been formed with parents and they are kept informed on a daily basis of their child's day.

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Organisation

She keeps clear, up-to-date, easily accessible records that are stored securely. She uses these documents to support the care of the children, keep parents informed and to comply with regulations.

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Organisation

The childminder understands and complies with regulatory requirements and children are supervised at all times to ensure they are protected from persons who have not been vetted.

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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

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen

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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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