Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265309 Unique Reference Number 19 December 2007 Inspection date Patricia Ann Edward 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 two children aged eight and 12 years old, in the London borough of Merton. The whole ground floor and first floor master bedroom and bathroom are areas of the childminders home used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one children under five part-time. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is supported as they are encouraged to clean their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Younger children have access to wet wipes. However the childminders hand washing routines after nappy changing does not fully protect children from the spread of 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 Children's health and safety in the event of accident and medication administration, is sufficiently protected. Accident and medication records are in place and both contain the correct information, which is countersigned by parents. Children's health is further protected because the childminder holds an appropriate first aid qualification and a first box is situated in the through lounge area for ease of access.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met effectively, because parents are currently responsible for providing meals. The childminder is responsible for providing breakfast, snacks and drinks. Snacks consists of fresh fruit or yogurts. Children's thirst levels are managed well, because their bottles and cups are kept in the room to promote independence.

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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 cosy, homely, well-maintained environment where they have enough space and access to a good range of toys and equipment. For example, to support the care of babies and toddlers, there is a pushchair, travel cot, high and low chair in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in safe and secure premises. Stair gates exclude children from the stairs or kitchen unsupervised and locks are fitted to all lower kitchen cupboards and drawers. Children are aware of what to do in the event of a fire, because a poster is displayed in the through lounge. No written fire evacuation procedure is in place, however the childminder verbally explained sound procedures that she would follow. These procedures are not practised with the minded children, therefore they are not fully familiar with what to do to in the event of an emergency to leave the premises quickly and safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect as the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She recognises signs and symptoms and understands the procedures to follow to ensure children are safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home and are very settled and clearly comfortable in the childminder's presence. Children are happy, keen to select the toys they wish to play with from the storage toy boxes, where age appropriate toys are kept. The childminder suggests toys that the children may wish to play with and this helps ensure they have a wide variety to enable them to develop new skills. For example children show developing control, co-ordination and concentration as they complete puzzles. They learn about the environment as children go on regular trips out to the local common and park to feed the ducks. They also go on shopping trips to local shops to learn about the wider world.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming skilful communicators because of the effective interaction the childminder has with the children to extend their language skills. She talks to children about shapes, colours and encourage children to count. Interaction between the childminder and children is lovely, she is consistently nearby offering guidance and help to extend their play, learning when required. The children clearly enjoy the time she spends with them and are eager to involve her in their play.

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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 satisfactory. Children begin to learn about diversity as they play with some resources which reflect positive images of the wider community. They learn about the local community as they walk to a nearby nursery, park and go for walks in the local area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are comfortable in the childminder's company. They build positive relationships with the childminder and her family. The childminder has not been approached to care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, however, she is happy to provide an inclusive service. Children begin to learn about positive behaviour as the childminder gives them some praise as they play. When behaviour becomes challenging the childminder gives children some explanation and will try to distract their attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds positive working relationships with parents. She talks to them about their child's individual needs and routines before care starts, ensuring consistency of care. The childminder is available to talk to parents at the beginning and end of the day to share information. This helps to keep parents informed and involved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease because the childminder has thought through the available space and has organised the areas well. This ensures children are able to access a selection of toys easily. She makes sure that children experience lots of activities and opportunities in their day, she plans her time well. The day includes regular snacks and meals, visits to local groups, as well as quiet time where children read books or sleep if tired.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained for children and their families. Procedures are in place to protect children from persons who have not been vetted. The childminder ensures children are always supervised by herself. She adheres to her registered numbers at all times and keeps Ofsted informed of any changes.

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Organisation

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 increase her equality resources. The childminder has increased her resources that reflect positive images of disabilities. This gives children more opportunities to learn about the diverse world we live in.

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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): • improve had washing procedures after nappy changing • increase the safety of the chest freezer • practice emergency evacuation procedure at regular intervals to ensure that it is suitable.

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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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