Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255993 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Lisa-Marie Jones 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?

This childminder has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, seven and five years. They are located in Selhurst, which is within the London borough of Croydon. They live in a three bedroom house situated on a residential road within walking distance of shops, schools, parks and public transport links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to all areas of the property including a secure, enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder requested and it was agreed during the inspection to increase her overall numbers to three children under the age of eight years, she currently has two children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of The National Childminding Association and is a Network Childminder and visits local places of interest, including parks and toddler groups.

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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 good. Children's health is promoted very well. The childminder has a very good understanding about the importance of following good hygiene practices and she keeps the home environment very clean, tidy and well organised. She ensures that effective procedures are undertaken to protect children from illness and the risk of cross infection. All parents adhere to the comprehensive written sick child policy and the childminder ensures that appropriate measures are taken when children are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted as they take part in a range of physical activities that help them to develop walking and crawling skills. They have a well balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and all dietary needs are catered for. All food is prepared under strict hygiene guidance as the childminder has attended relevant training in food health and safety. Parents are given the option of providing food for young babies, which also contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe as the premises are very safe and secure and are suitable for the purpose of childminding. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the home and on outings, by ensuring that precautions are taken to prevent accidents through carrying out regular and rigorous risk assessments. Children have access to a range of toys and equipment that are well maintained and meet the needs of the children. They are organised so children can self select whatever age they are.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are further protected as the childminder is very aware of her responsibilities in relation to child protection procedures and has completed relevant training in this area and has written polices and procedures to follow. She ensures that she fully complies to the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and has all the information available to her should she be concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are mainly met and their welfare is generally promoted as the childminder provides activities and play opportunities to develop children's all round development. Children go out on a regular basis and have the opportunity to socialise with other children at local stay and play sessions. Children appear to be very settled and content in the childminder's care. They happily crawl around exploring their environment, self selecting activities to play with. They happily snuggle up on the childminder's lap to read stories and take part in rhymes and finger play. The childminder is skilful in promoting children's communication and spends lots of time talking to and repeating words with the children. She uses singing, gestures and facial expressions, which the children respond well too.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is beginning to take into account the Birth to three matters framework to encourage the children to be skilful communicators and competent learners. She has started

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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 to keep written trackers of the children's development, but this is an area that can be improved on further to ensure that activities are planned for children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equality of opportunity and anti discriminatory practice for all children is promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of all issues and ensures that she is fully aware of all the needs of the children. Children have access to meaningful activities and resources that reflect diversity, which gives them a wider view of the community and the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is very aware that some children have specific needs and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting, in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder has good strategies in place and has consistent expectations about acceptable behaviour, which is reinforced with children and agreed by parents at the time of placement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from professional relationships between their parents and the childminder. Agreement forms are drawn up, which highlight the children's individual needs. Settling procedures ensure that children settle quickly and with ease and are comfortable in the childminder's care. Parents have opportunities to talk through the children's progress with the childminder on a daily basis, which ensures continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from having a well organised and highly trained childminder, who ensures that children have access to the resources they require to meet their individual needs effectively.

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Organisation

Records which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, and to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained, however a complaints log is not in place. The childminder has drawn up very comprehensive policies and procedures to enforce the service she provides and copies are give to all parents.

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Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection four recommendations were set.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children's health has improved as the childminder now has up to date first aid training and she now has written permission in place to seek emergency first aid treatment or advice should a child in her care require it.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended child protection training and now has all the government guidelines to follow should she be concerned about a child in her care and the drain in the garden has been made inaccessible to children, therefore ensuring the children are kept safe whilst in her care.

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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 the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet that 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): • devise and implement a complaints log • have regard to the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities for children's next stages of learning

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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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