Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260679 Unique Reference Number 19 December 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 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 10 and eight years old. The family live in a three bedroom house in a residential area of Selsdon in Surrey. The downstairs of the house is the main area used for childminding. Part of the garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and a Croydon childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about simple good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before they eat, using liquid soap and paper towels, which help protect them from the risk of cross-infection.

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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 They benefit from regular meals and snacks and begin to develop healthy eating habits when they enjoy bread sticks and apple slices for a snack. The childminder encourages parents to include healthy options in the packed lunch they provide. Children enjoy regular physical activity both indoors and outdoors as part of a healthy lifestyle, for instance dancing to music or walking in the woods. They rest or sleep according to their needs, as part of the daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is protected because the childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and can respond appropriately to any minor accidents or injuries. She keeps accurate records about children's health needs, any accidents they have and any medicine they need to be given, which ensure parents' wishes are known and they are kept well informed.

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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 welcoming, suitably maintained home, with facilities to meet their needs. They move confidently and independently around the areas of the home used for minding, as the childminder takes effective steps to reduce any potential hazards; for instance, she makes sure cleaning materials are out of children's reach and access to the stairs is restricted by a gate. Children learn to keep themselves safe when the childminder talks to them about road safety and what to do should they ever get lost on an outing. They are protected from the risk of being exposed to harm from a fire because the childminder has precautions in place such as a fire blanket in the kitchen and smoke alarms at every level of the home. She has a written evacuation plan which she has practised with some of the children, but not all of them, to ensure that prompt action can be taken in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of play materials and resources which are stored in the living area so they can easily select things for themselves. Toys are kept clean and in good condition, to ensure children can play safely. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities towards the children in her care. She knows what to do if she has child protection concerns about a child and has attended local training. She has a copy of local guidance and contact details, but this is not currently kept together with her other childminding paperwork, to ensure she can access it quickly should the need arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and at home at the childminder's house. They have good relationships with the childminder, who responds to them with warmth and affection and is attentive to their needs. Children show pleasure when she sits on the floor with them, and they chat and laugh as she joins in with their play. The childminder gives lots of praise and reassurance, which fosters children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a broad range of activities and experiences that support their development and learning. Younger children go out every day, enjoying socialising with other children at a toddler group or childminding drop-in, or practising new skills at a soft play area. During the holidays, children benefit from outings to the seaside or to a farm, or picnics in the park. At the childminder's home children help themselves to age-appropriate toys and play materials, as well as taking part in art and craft activities, cooking and dressing up. Children have fun joining in with planned activities such as decorating a star for Christmas with stickers and glitter glue. They show fascination as the childminder gently shows them how to squeeze out the

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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 glitter carefully and they watch it slither onto the paper 'like a snake'. The childminder keeps records of children's work and photographs of activities in a individual scrapbook, which provides information for parents about their child's progress and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and respected as individuals, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder finds out about children's individual needs before they start, to ensure appropriate care is provided, and plans activities to ensure that all children can take part. Children begin to learn to value diversity when they talk about different festivals or join in activities to celebrate Diwali, Christmas or Eid. The childminder has a positive approach and gives gentle direction to children, reminding them to be kind to one another, and reacting calmly to any incidents that occur. Children are familiar with the expectations of the setting, and have written some rules that are displayed in appropriate areas, such as a 'no jumping on the sofa' sign. This approach helps children behave well and play harmoniously together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from good relationships between the childminder and their parents. They talk every day to exchange information and the childminder also provides a written daily diary for younger children. The childminder confirms all arrangements for the care of children in written agreements with parents and obtains all relevant parental consents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that required training is kept up to date and in addition makes good use of local training opportunities to further develop her knowledge and skills. She keeps all the required records that contribute to children's health, safety and wellbeing. In addition, comprehensive written policies and procedures are available, which provide useful information for parents. The childminder organises her home around the needs of the children, for instance making sure there is space to play and children can easily reach toys and play materials. She plans the day to ensure children take part in a balance of activities and there is time for meals and rest. This helps ensure children enjoy their time at the childminder's home, and achieve well. 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 develop her knowledge of child protection. She has now attended two local safeguarding children courses, which will help ensure she can take appropriate action to protect children if required. The childminder was also asked to make sure that a low-level glass coffee table was made safe or inaccessible. This has now been removed, ensuring that children can play safely in the living room.

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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 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): • make sure that information about local child protection procedures is kept accessible with other relevant documentation • practise fire evacuation procedures with all minded children

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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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