Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358528 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2008 Inspection date Gillian Cubitt 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three children in a maisonette situated within the London Borough of Wandsworth. The premises are located in a residential area and within walking distance of public transport links, parks, shops and toddler groups. The whole of the downstairs rooms of the childminder's home are used for childminding. There is no direct access to an outside play area so the children are taken out frequently to nearby local parks. The childminder is registered to care for three children and is currently caring for two children under the age of five years on a part time basis. The family keeps an aquarium with fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and hygienic environment and good steps are in place to prevent the spread of infection. Good systems are in place for nappy changing with babies fully engaging with the childminder throughout. Children’s health is promoted in that the childminder has completed a first aid course and follows effective procedures if the children become unwell.

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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 Immediate contact is made with parents where the children’s best interests are served by returning home until their health improves. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities in ensuring the required records are in place in the event of children needing medication. There are good systems in place to record administration of any medicines with parents signing appropriate forms. As a result, children are cared for in line with parents wishes and their health is well fostered.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional health is well promoted as the childminder ensures she is well informed of their dietary needs and such needs are accommodated. Children normally bring their own prepared meals but the childminder is willing and able to provide meals in line with parents wishes. Regular drinks are available throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is well fostered as they have frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children make use of the varied local parks where they have space to run around and exercise on play equipment. As a result, children benefit from regular physical exercise, aiding their physical well-being. Children also have opportunities to rest or sleep and equipment such as travel cots and sofas ensures children's comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit as the environment is warm, welcoming and inviting. They play with a wide range of equipment which is in good condition and suitable for children's age and stage of development. Children can see the toys easily as they are all placed within easy reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All areas where children play are safe because the premises are secure, preventing children from leaving unsupervised. The childminder has considered evacuation procedures although these have not yet been written down or practised with the children. Smoke alarms are situated in most rooms which aid children’s safety in the event of a fire, although the fire blanket has not been fitted on the wall appropriately. Safety measures such as kitchen cupboard locks prevent children from accessing dangerous items and children are also prevented from wandering upstairs or downstairs by appropriate stair barriers. When on outings, children are constantly supervised. A double buggy is available for babies and toddlers safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected in the event of an accident as the childminder has a sound understanding of first aid. Systems are in place to record accidents with space for parents to sign any entries made.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in safeguarding children. She has written information, to which she can refer, should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment to ensure they are stimulated and enjoy their time at the setting. Children enjoy books, puzzles and mark making tools and paper. Toys are organised depending on the age of children attending and at present babies benefit from the stimulating supply of soft and interactive toys. They are fascinated with the sounds from the musical toys and respond with smiles and laughter when looking at the bright colours and pictures in the books.

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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 Children are secure and settled as they have developed warm, affectionate relationships with the childminder. The settling in procedure further supports children's security as they visit the home with their parents to familiarise with the new environment and the childminder. Gradual periods of separation are introduced enabling children to experience short periods of time away from parents, before attending for longer periods. As a result, children's emotional well-being is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equal opportunities are suitably promoted in the setting as the childminder ensures an inclusive environment where all children are made welcome. Children have access to a range of toys suitable for both boys and girls and they make independent choices of what they would like to play with. As a result, gender stereotyping is minimised. Children have access to some toys that reflect positive images of culture including books, puzzles and dolls. Children also benefit as they are taken out to places of interest in the local community. As a result, children familiarise and experience the diverse society in which they live.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel secure, settled and happy. Their self-esteem and confidence is fostered through use of verbal praise, support and encouragement. Children behave well as consistent boundaries are in place which are set for children of all age groups. As a result, children's good behaviour is encouraged as they know what is required of them, preventing confusion. Furthermore, children are stimulated and spend their time engaged in various experiences, preventing boredom and unwanted behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties/and or disabilities. A knowledge of Makaton enables the childminder to communicate with children with hearing difficulties and she ensures that all children are included in everyday experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good relationships with parents and the required records are in place to ensure contact can be made easily if required. Written notes are not provided about key points in babies' routines although the daily verbal feedback keeps parents aware about children's overall well-being which aids continuity of care. The childminder's policies and procedures with regard to overall care are also shared with parents which keeps them informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has completed her required first aid training and is booked to attend the required childminding course. The childminder provides a child friendly environment and most safety requirements are met. She organises her day well so that children’s needs for nutrition, exercise and rest are fully met.

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Organisation

The required paperwork is in place to ensure children's well-being and the safe and efficient management of the setting. The childminder complies with her registration conditions in ensuring adult to child ratios are maintained and the attendance register consolidates this. The registration certificate is also available during hours of operation, as required, in line with regulations.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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 partnership with parents by exchanging notes on key events in the daily routines for babies and toddlers • prepare an evacuation procedure in the event of a fire and install fire blanket in line with manufacturers recommendations • ensure the local authority approved childminding training is completed

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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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