Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY287426 Unique Reference Number 06 March 2008 Inspection date Janet Marie Thouless 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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, 11 and 4 years in Mitcham Surrey. All of the ground floor and one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time and is currently minding two children on a full and part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is happy to drop off and collect children from local schools, visit the local park, library and places of interest. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 learn the importance of personal hygiene and self-care skills through consistent daily routines. For example, they wash their hands before and after meals, after visiting the toilet and on their return from outdoor play. Effective written procedures are in place to ensure the childminder acts in the best interest of the children if they are ill. She holds a current first aid certificate and keeps all necessary medical and accident records. The childminder demonstrates good knowledge on how to administer first aid in an emergency to ensure the children's wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy snacks that include a broad range of fresh fruit and drinks if required. However, children bring a packed lunch from home and these are stored in individual lunch boxes. The childminder checks the contents and stores items that can spoil in the refrigerator if required. Children help themselves to regular drinks of water from individual lidded cups to ensure they remain hydrated through-out the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

The daily routine enables children to participate in physical play activities, for example, the garden, regular visits to the park and places of interest, such as the seaside. Children use a range of physical play resources, such as ride on wheeled toys, ball games and the slide in the garden. This enables them to develop their gross motor skills and improve their co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in the welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, because the childminder takes positive steps to ensure children's safety. The childminder has identified potential hazards and has a number of safety measures in and around her home to protect children from harm. These include safety gates, smoke detectors, fire blanket and sockets covers. The childminder has a clear evacuation plan in place and knows the routes she would use to leave the house if there was an emergency. The garden area has secure fencing all around and locked gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of good toys and play equipment, which are rotated to provide variety. The effective organisation of toys and play equipment on offer allows children to independently self-select to fully promote their independence in making choices for their own learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding children. She is fully aware of her responsibility regarding the protection of children and refers to latest government guidance. Appropriate written procedures are in place to enable her to act in the best interest of the children when required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled, building their confidence and self esteem effectively because the childminder provides lots of continual praise, support and encouragement. Children are supported well and the childminder involves herself in their play to engage children and extend

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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 their learning. Toys and play equipment are age appropriate and meet the developing needs of the children being cared for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy imaginative activities which are effectively planned and adapted for the children's stage of development. For example, they enjoy colouring chicks when making Easter cards and confidently write the letters of their name. There are lots of opportunities for children to scribe for a purpose and identify letters and numbers within focus activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the warm and supportive relationship they have with the childminder. The good interaction and conversations enable children to learn to communicate effectively and to build friendships. Children are listened to and their communication skills promoted as the childminder positively responds to their gestures and questions. She has a good understanding of how children learn and refers to childcare guidance and publications to plan the range of activities on offer and meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are very well supported, because the childminder is fully aware of children's individual needs. Children benefit from the good partnership the childminder has with their parents and regular exchange of information. The childminder makes available to parents a range of written polices and procedures. This includes all her policies, for example, daily care routines, health and safety and behaviour management. Parents are encouraged to allow children to have settling in sessions, so they are comfortable when left with the childminder. Parents are kept fully informed about their children's care and progress through daily discussions, which include care routines and activities participated in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and shows respect for the children and their families at all times. She has a positive attitude towards diversity ensuring children understand the importance of individuality. A range of resources are made available that reflect culture and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and appropriately and this enables them to know what is expected of them. Children benefit from lots of praise, guidance and support, and the childminder is a good role model. Clear consistent boundaries are established along with effective age appropriate strategies that help children to understand acceptable behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy their play in a home that is well organised, has a range of good quality resources and plenty of clear space inside the house and garden. The childminder has created a welcoming and homely environment. She makes sure that children get enough attention to help them feel secure and confident. They have plenty of opportunities to make their own choices or initiate their own play.

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Organisation

The childminder has the required documentation in place. This is well maintained and securely stored. She knows about confidentiality issues and children's personal information is kept safe in individual wallets. Children's attendance is clearly recorded and the registration certificate is displayed. The childminder has clear written policies and procedures that support her practice. These include service statements, child protection and health and safety.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has knowledge and understanding of the recent changes to regulations relating to complaints. However, the current written complaints procedure does not show how any complaint received will be investigated as required. She has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration, thus promoting the children's welfare and learning. 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, two recommendations were made to ensure that the car has appropriate insurance and to practise an emergency escape plan. The childminder has a clear emergency escape plan in place that is practised and reviewed on a regular basis thus promoting the safety and wellbeing of children. The childminder no longer uses a car for childminding purposes.

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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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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): • update the complaints procedure in line with current legislation.

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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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