Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260455 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2007 Inspection date Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi 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 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and four children aged 21, 19, 16, and 11 years old. The family live in a three bedroom house in a residential area of Sanderstead. The downstairs of the house is the main area used for childminding. A garden is available for outdoor play. The family have a cat, hamsters and rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years old, and there are currently three children on roll.

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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 satisfactory. Children are appropriately protected from the risk of cross contamination and begin to learn about simple good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before they eat and after they use the toilet. The childminder takes careful hygiene precautions such as changing nappies

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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 on a mat and disposing of them outside straight away, and ensures that floors are clean where children crawl. Children benefit from a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs. They begin to develop healthy eating habits when they have four different pieces of fruit for lunch or try new vegetables at dinner time. The childminder makes sure that fresh drinking water is always available, which ensures children are well hydrated. Children enjoy regular physical exercise such as walks in the woods or playing in the garden, as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has systems in place to keep records of children's health needs and any accidents they have in her care. However, although she is booked on a course, the childminder does not yet have an up to date first aid certificate to ensure she can attend to minor injuries if required. There is a written agreement with parents regarding the administration of medicine, but this does not include enough detail about the specific medicine that can be given, and adequate records of any medicine or homely remedies administered are not always maintained. This is a legal requirement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, suitably maintained environment with facilities to meet their needs. They choose from a variety of toys and play materials that are kept clean and in good condition, and are suitable for their age. This helps ensure they can play safely. Their risk of accidental injury is generally minimised because the childminder takes precautions such as keeping anything unsuitable for younger children high up out of reach and accompanying children in all areas of the home. However, the back garden is not currently secure to ensure children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder is vigilant about supervising them closely and ensures that they all walk together and hold on to the buggy when crossing roads. Appropriate car seats are available for journeys in the car, and the childminder has discussed transport arrangements with parents. However,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they have not been asked to confirm their agreement for the childminder to take their child in her car, in writing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities towards the children in her care and knows what to do if she has child protection concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and content in the childminder's home. They have good relationships with the childminder, who responds to them with warmth and affection and includes them as part of the family. She spends time talking and playing with them, shows an interest in what they do and is attentive to their needs. Children are involved in a good variety of activities and experiences that support their development and learning. They enjoy regular outings to toddler groups, local parks, the library, or an autumn walk in the woods to collect acorns and leaves. During the holidays they benefit from a day trip to see Hever Castle or a visit to Christmas Tree Farm. At the childminder's home they help themselves to a variety of resources and play materials, or take part in planned activities such as cooking or art and craft.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder makes sure she spends time talking to parents and getting to know children, to ensure appropriate care is provided. She plans activities so that everyone can take part at their own level and spends time with older children while younger ones are asleep. Children begin to value diversity when the childminder answers their questions openly and they spend time socialising in the local community, which helps them develop a positive view of the wider community. The childminder takes time to make sure there is good communication with parents and discusses all aspects of children's care with them, including methods for managing behaviour. This ensures that children experience consistent care. The childminder has a calm and caring approach, which helps children learn to behave

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed some required childminding training and is keen to make use of future training opportunities, although her first aid certificate is not currently up to date. Most of the required documentation that promotes the health, safety and well-being of minded children is in place, with the exception of some relevant medication records. Records that are in place are well organised and readily accessible. The childminder organises her home to meet children's needs, for instance there is space set aside in the living room where children can play and easily access resources. This helps them make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for their child. This has now been obtained and ensures parents' wishes are known and the childminder can act promptly in an emergency.

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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 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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Complaints 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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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): • make sure that written medication consent from parents includes details of the specific medicine to be given, and that a record is kept of all medicine administered to children • complete a first aid course that includes first aid for infants and young children • make sure that the garden is secure • request written consent from parents for transporting children in the car

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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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