Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY319110 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and their two children aged three and two years. They live in a house in New Addington, which is a residential area within the London borough of Croydon. The home is close to tram links and bus routes. All areas of the property are available for childminding, including a secure back garden.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for two children under eight years, she is currently caring for one child who is under five years old.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean, well maintained home. The childminder has some satisfactory procedures in place to protect children's health, for example children enjoy a healthy balanced diet and they are provided with daily opportunities for outdoor activities. Children enjoy outings to local groups and the park. The childminder has updated first aid training and can therefore respond appropriately in the event of an accident. However children are not fully protected because

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 information regarding their needs and parental permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment are not documented. This impacts on children's wellbeing because it could delay appropriate action needed in the event of an emergency.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has satisfactory systems in place to record accidents, and medication that is administered. The childminder has not had to record any accidents to date. The childminder is flexible when providing meals and heeds any dietary requirements. Children benefit from nutritious meals and the children eat together, making mealtimes a social occasion. Children have their own drinks which are available to them at all times.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a comfortable, well organised home. Children's autonomy is encouraged because hazards have been minimised in all areas of the home enabling children to move around the home safely; for example, hazardous materials are stored out of children's reach and smoke detectors are fitted in both levels of the property. Children relax on the soft furnishings in the front room and use the dining room for eating their meals. The equipment provided is suitable, age appropriate and is accessible downstairs and also upstairs in the children's bedrooms.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have appropriate car seats to travel in the childminders vehicle, however the correct insurance has not been obtained and the childminder has not sought parental permission for children to travel in her car.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in the garden, which has secure boundaries. They enjoy a range of activities including riding bikes and bouncing on a large trampoline. The trampoline is a high risk activity and the childminder has not conducted a risk assessment to demonstrate how children's safety is assured or confirmed with parents whether children are permitted to use it. The childminder understands her responsibility with regard to safeguarding children and knows the procedures to follow if concerned about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a good range of stimulating activities and attend a local group daily. The childminder actively joins in the children's play and is focussed on their needs. The children play well together and eagerly engage in story time where they talk excitedly about the book. Children's learning is encouraged because the childminder engages enthusiastically with them and asks them questions, therefore encouraging their recall and their thought processes.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact confidently with the childminder and they all share a good sense of fun. It is a relaxing happy environment where children are supported in their play and learning, this helps them to settle and feel secure.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children play cooperatively and have good relationships with each other. They enjoy sharing activities, such as computer games and books. Children are encouraged to develop their imagination through a range of interesting resources, for example dressing up clothes and a builder bench, which holds the children's interest and encourages them to explore. Creative activities are also available, such as sticking and play dough. Children's language is encouraged continually and children are confident to make their needs known.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the children well, which enable her to provide appropriate care. She treats the children with equal concern and effectively balances their needs. Written agreements are made with parents, however information about children's needs are not adequately documented and permissions from parents tend to be verbal. Therefore children's needs are not clearly identified which is required to enable appropriate consistent care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to respect each other and the childminder ensures clear fair boundaries are in place. The childminder has not had any experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, nevertheless she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well and respond positively to the childminders interaction. She plays games with the children that helps them to take turns and listen to each other. The childminder has good relationships with the parents and there is a verbal exchange of information each day.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and are comfortable in the relaxed, welcoming environment. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the freedom of choice the children experience. Children's independence develops by being able to select resources independently and the organisation enables them to move freely and safely from one area to another.

p.4

Organisation

Policies and procedures are in place which contribute to keeping children healthy and safeguarding their welfare. However, a lack of written information about children's needs and parental consent undermine the arrangements in place and could negatively impact on children's welfare. The childminder shares information with parents on a daily basis, however, not all written parental consents are in place and the childminder does not have the correct car insurance. The childminder has not confirmed in writing, agreements with parents regarding medical emergencies. This prior information regarding parents' wishes and consents is required to ensure children are treated promptly and according to parents' wishes.

p.4

Organisation

Other documentation meets requirements and is confidentially stored.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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.

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

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure information regarding children's care is recorded and confirmed with parents, including agreements about emergency arrangement and required permissions • devise a risk assessment for the use of the trampoline, ensuring any parental agreement and notification to the insurance company is documented • obtain correct car insurance for transporting minded children in a vehicle

p.5

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