McClure, Margaret

Inspection report for early years provision

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510870 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Jane Nelson 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 2000. She lives with her partner and two children aged 10 and 15 years old in a two bed roomed, ground floor flat in Mortlake in the London Borough of Richmond. The whole of the home is used for childminding, there is no garden, however alternative arrangements for outdoor play are provided through visits to local parks. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight and is currently caring for one child under eight and on child over eight. 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 welcoming home where they learn about, and follow, good hygiene procedures as part of their daily routine; for example, children recognise their hands need washing, after using the play dough, and confidently go into the bathroom to wash their hands. The childminder reminds them to wash their hands before eating, and children confidently

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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 talk through, a written poster displayed in the bathroom, reminding them of the procedure to follow and reinforcing older children's understanding of good hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's written policy relating to not caring for children if they are infectious or unwell limits opportunities for infectious diseases to spread. Information relating to accidents and administration of medication is recorded appropriately. The childminder maintains her first aid qualification, and written records indicate that basic first aid is administered appropriately for minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities for physical exercise and regular outdoor play which encourages their physical development and good health. They make regular visits to local parks and places of interest with the childminder and regularly attend local groups for young children where they have access to play equipment that encourages their physical development. Children recall some of the places they visit when looking at photographs and talk about the groups they regularly attend with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthily and have access to drinking water provided in individual cups and drinking bottles. Parents currently provide most of the children's food with the childminder providing healthy snacks of fresh fruit. Children enjoy their snack of grapes and have fun helping to prepare a sandwich for their lunch with the childminder, spreading butter on the bread and cutting it into triangles.

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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 safe and secure environment. They gain a good awareness of their own safety by clear explanations from the childminder, for example they are reminded not to climb on a chair at the sink unless the childminder is near by to help them. Consequences and what might happen are explained, which reinforces children's understanding of their own safety. Children talk confidently about procedures that keep them safe when they are out with the childminder, they know to always hold hands, walk on the inside of the pavement, and that they need to look and listen 'using eyes and ears before using feet' when crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of well maintained play materials and equipment, that are safe and in good condition. They are able to help themselves and make choices about what to play with safely, from a selection set out on a child height table and on the floor. There is adequate space for children to play, use equipment and move about safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire precautions such as a smoke alarm and fire blanket are in place. The childminder's written evacuation procedure means that plans are in place to leave the premises safely in the event of an emergency. Written directions are displayed and can be read by older children. Records indicate that practises are held regularly. Younger children have a good understanding about what would happen in an emergency, they talk about which door they would use to get out if there was a fire in the kitchen. Children's understanding is reinforced through practical experiences, such as, talking about Fireman Sam, and using a fireman's helmet and skipping rope as a hose to put out a 'fire' in the play dough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected by the childminder's awareness of child protection issues and the action to take if she has concerns. She has attended training in this area and written polices and procedures are in place. However some local authority information is not up to date and contact details are not easily accessible.

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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 very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They have access to a good range of play materials and experiences, provided by the childminder at home and on regular visits to local pre school groups and play areas. This provides opportunities for children to interact and socialise, with their peers in a larger group and a different environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy activities, such as, experimenting with play dough. They concentrate and spend time, filling up containers and squashing the play dough through holes in the containers, making patterns and different textures. Children laugh as the play dough comes through the holes in the containers, making different shapes and patterns. They use a rolling pin to flatten the play dough, cutters to make shapes and make a cake, which they then cut into pieces.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are very well supported in their play by close interaction and affection from the childminder. She helps them successfully position the play dough in a container to squash it through the holes and talks continually, responding to the child's questions and statements. Children are secure and enjoy their time with the childminder, they recall themselves as babies, talk about places they have visited with the childminder, refer to creative work they have made, their friends and what they do with the childminder, when looking at photographs in their album. Children exchange lots of cuddles and affection with the childminder, and fondly refer to, how they remembered her during the Christmas break, by looking at photos of her on their camera. They recall bringing her a surprise cake for her birthday and how they kept it a secret from her to surprise her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs, likes and routines are well known by the childminder and taken into account when planning activities and outings; for example, children's interest in 'Doctor Who' is acknowledged through discussion with the childminder, and resources such as a fire helmet and skipping rope are provided which children use to put out a 'fire', developing their interest and awareness of safety through play. Children have opportunities to learn about the world they live in and the local community, through attending pre school groups and visiting places of interest in the local community with the childminder. They have access to some resources such as dolls, books and puzzles that reflect diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well, and are busy and interested in activities and their interaction with the childminder. Children receive clear explanations from the childminder, for example, about why they should not climb on a chair, unless the childminder is close by. Their achievements are valued and their self confidence encouraged, through praise and use of positive language from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information is exchanged with parents verbally on a daily basis, and good relationships between the childminder and parents help ensure children receive continuity of care, helping children feel secure. Written policies and procedures are available for parents providing clear information about the childminder's service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder plans and provides a good range of activities and play experiences that children enjoy and that encourage their development. The necessary written records and documentation, relating to children's details, health and safety are in place, and maintained. Written information and records are clear and well organised, with the exception of the accessibility of some child protection information.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good commitment to updating and increasing her childcare knowledge. She has attended short training courses in the past, is aware of current developments relating to childminding, and is currently working towards a Diploma in Home Based Childcare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection recommendations were made regarding; obtaining parents consent for outings and emergency medical treatment, and the childminder developing knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has obtained parents written consent for outings and emergency medical treatment and has attended training in child protection, increasing her awareness in this area. A recommendation has been set during this inspection regarding updating some information relating to child protection, and having contact numbers easily accessible.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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 current information is in place regarding the local authorities procedure and contact details for social services are easily accessible

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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 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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