Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY253047 Unique Reference Number 16 February 2008 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 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 2003. She lives with her husband in the London borough of Sutton. The areas of the house used for childminding include the ground floor through lounge, first floor play room and bathroom. There is access to an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding three children, one of whom is under eight years; all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder collects children from the local school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder encourages effective procedures. She is careful and consistent in reminding children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Children receive good care if they become ill or have an accident. All accidents are correctly recorded and are signed off by parents on collection. There is a well-stocked first aid kit readily

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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 available and the childminder has current first aid training. The childminder has a clear policy regarding communicable diseases, which she shares with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder is responsible for providing drinks and healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and yogurt. The snacks provided comply with all special dietary requirements. Parents are responsible for providing packed lunches. Children can access drinks independently throughout the day, which ensures that they remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to be active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, such as riding their bikes. At weekends, they go on trips in their local community and further afield. They have access to a secure garden, and also visit a large field situated close to the house.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and move around safely in the home. There is a gate at the entrance to the kitchen, protective covers have been placed over electric sockets, and locks are fitted to low-level cupboards and drawers in the kitchen and bathroom. Appropriate fire safety precautions have been taken. A fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen, and there are working smoking alarms on all floors. The childminder has thought through an emergency escape plan, but it is not practised at regular intervals with the children to develop their understanding of what to do in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from potential harm by the childminder, who understands the correct procedures to follow in the event of any concerns. The childminder has a good awareness of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children and is aware of the importance for recording incidents appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident at the childminder's house. They relate well to the childminder because she encourages children in their activities and consistently praises them, enabling their confidence to develop. Children remain occupied and persist at activities for long periods of time because they are extremely interested in the opportunities available. They enjoy using the wide range of play equipment. They are consistently supported by the childminder, who dedicates her time to playing with them throughout the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The close and caring relationship with the childminder increases children’s sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Children communicate exceptionally well with the childminder, confidently suggesting their own ideas for play. The childminder actively encourages children to make independent choices, and helps them in their activities, for example, when making Mother's Day cards.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know the parents and children well. She works closely with parents, which ensures children receive consistent care. Children behave well and show increasing independence, for

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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 example, when they choose toys and play materials. Their self confidence is further encouraged through praise and having their achievements valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have opportunities to learn about differences through access to a good range of books. They also acknowledge a range of festivals throughout the year, including Christmas, Chinese New Year, Easter and Mother's Day. This helps develop their understanding of the world they live in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnerships with parents are well established and relationships are good, which promotes children's welfare. Each day, the childminder discusses children's progress with their parents, so both parties are kept well informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home to provide a safe and secure environment in which children can access a range of activities which support their care, learning and play. The childminder follows good procedures to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to comply with the conditions of her registration. Good ratios are maintained at all times in order that children are supported and feel secure. Arrival and departure times are clearly recorded and are kept up-to-date. There are a number of clear policies, procedures and records that underpin all areas of practice and are stored securely.

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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 range of equipment. The childminder has expanded her book collection to include images of people with various abilities. This helps develop children's understanding of diversity and differences.

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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 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): • practise the evacuation procedure to ensure children know what to do in the event of an emergency.

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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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