Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY260729 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and one child under a year old. The family live in a two bedroom maisonette in a residential area of Streatham. All of the home is used for childminding. A shared garden is available for outdoor play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years old, and there are currently five children under eight on roll. The childminder also cares for children over eight years old.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from nutritious, home-cooked meals and snacks that take into account their individual needs. They enjoy a mid-morning snack of dried apricots and breadsticks and look forward to a home-made cottage pie for their lunch. They take part in regular physical activity,

p.2

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 walks in the park or playing with a range of equipment in the garden, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Children's health is protected because the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and can take good care of them if they have an accident or become unwell. Systems are in place to keep accurate records of accidents children have and of any medicine that they need to be given. Children learn about simple good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before meals and after they use the toilet. However, they share a towel to dry their hands, which does not fully protect them from the risk of cross-contamination.

p.2

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, suitably maintained family home, with facilities to meet their needs. They choose from a wide range of play resources that are suitable for their age and are kept clean and in good condition, which helps them play safely. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes effective steps to identify and reduce any potential hazards. For instance, she ensures precautions are in place such as gates to restrict access to the kitchen and the stairs. The childminder is vigilant about supervising children closely at all times both in the home and when on outings. Children learn to keep themselves safe when the childminder reminds them to sit properly on the furniture so they do not fall off, and when they take part in regular fire practises. Their welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility towards the children

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in her care. She is familiar with possible signs of child abuse or neglect and has relevant information about what to do, readily accessible to refer to if required.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and feel at home in the childminder's care. They have good relationships with the childminder, who knows them well, is attentive to their needs and responds to them with warmth and affection. Children take part in a good variety of activities and experiences that support their development and learning. There is a regular daily routine that helps them feel secure. They benefit from daily outings to toddler groups or childminding drop-ins to socialise with other children, to a soft play area to practise their physical skills, or to explore and investigate at the museum. At the childminder's home, children enjoy playing together, helping themselves to toys from the shelves and boxes. They become engrossed in a Russian doll, working out how to put the pieces together, one inside the other, and giggle with delight as they dress up as a dragon or a furry bear. The childminder encourages learning

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as they play, and offers frequent praise and encouragement. Children get as messy as they like during creative activities at the kitchen table, and older children enjoy board games or playing cards, as well as planned activities such as making Roman mosaics.

p.3

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 ensures that she plans activities so that all children can take part and everyone is included. Children learn to value diversity when they play with toys that reflect different backgrounds, eat Chinese food to celebrate the Chinese New Year, or learn how to create Rangoli patterns for Diwali. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and gentle approach. She acts quickly to resolve any disputes and encourages

p.3

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 children to take turns, be kind, and talk about how they feel, which helps them learn to work harmoniously together. They benefit from good relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder talks to parents every day to exchange information and also keeps a written diary, which provides a full account of each child's day. This effective communication helps ensure children experience consistent care. The childminder has written policies and procedures, which provide useful information and guidance to parents. There is a procedure relating to complaints but this has not yet been updated with current details for contacting Ofsted as the regulator.

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed required childminding training and shows commitment to continually updating her knowledge and skills through attending local courses. All required documentation that promotes the health, safety and well-being of minded children is in place, and used well to meet their needs. The childminder organises her home around the children's needs. There is space to play and ample resources readily accessible where children can easily help themselves and grow in independence. The day is planned to ensure children are occupied and stimulated throughout their time in the childminder's care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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 consent is now in place and ensures that parents' wishes about action to be taken are clear.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.

p.4

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): • improve hygiene precautions in relation to children's hand drying facilities

p.4

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 • update the complaints procedure with current contact details for Ofsted and ensure that it is clear that Ofsted may be contacted at any time

p.4

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

p.5

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

p.5