Childminder in MertonOfsted inspection, 30 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137946 Inspection date 30 November 2005 Inspector Denise Rosemary Olsson-Hildick

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1971 and lives with her husband in Wimbledon, London near shops, parks, schools, bus and train routes. Childminding takes place from an annex located at the rear of the domestic premises. All areas of the annex are used for childminding purposes and include a large play-room, bathroom and kitchen. A courtyard is available for outdoor play. There are no pets in the household. The childminder is registered to provide care for no more than five children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. Currently she has four children on roll.

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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 The childminder walks to schools to take and collect children and attends local playgroups and activity groups on a regular basis. Children who have a special need or speak English as an additional language are welcomed and supported.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Accommodation for children is good. A large annex to the main house is set aside for their sole use and presents as very spacious, warm, clean, suitably furnished and properly maintained. A fully-equipped separate kitchen and bathroom are integral to the building. These arrangements ensure children play in comfortable and homely surroundings. Arrangements to provide for children's health are good. For example children are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet, touching animals, playing in the garden and before meals. A towel is used to dry hands and this is changed regularly. Babies have their hands and faces wiped with wet wipes and high chairs are cleaned after use. Babies are changed on changing mats well away from eating areas. Nappies are placed in a nappy sack and disposed of in a covered bin. Children therefore learn the value of a good hygiene routine. The first aid box only contains those materials currently recommended and is

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Helping children to be healthy

checked regularly. In the event of children becoming ill the childminder phones the parent and, if necessary, administers medication. Parents of children who show symptoms of an allergic reaction to medication are promptly advised to seek medical attention. This alert response ensures children's health is well protected. Good provision is made for exercise, fresh air, sleep, rest and relaxation. Children go to the park three times a week, walk to the shops, visit the library and drama group, dance and play games. Wherever possible children are encouraged to walk as the healthier option. As a result children enjoy regular, vigorous exercise. A travel cot and comfortable sofas are available for children who wish to rest or sleep. Babies who do not settle are lifted out to be cuddled. In this manner children's sleep routines are sensitively accommodated. Arrangements for meals, drinks and snacks are good. Parents generally provide the

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Helping children to be healthy

main meal, including a drink and fruit for pudding. Sandwiches are attractively presented on plates and fruit is arranged in bowls. Drinks are placed in easy reach. When children finish their meal praise and explanations are given about the value of eating fruit. Board games involving the selection of cards to fill a plate with food that is healthy and food that is not, help to consolidate children's understanding. Fun activities, choice and the attractive presentation of meals ensures children enjoy their food and learn the value of a healthy diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 provision is good. The organisation of safety aspects is good. This includes for example, thermostatically controlled radiators, locks on windows, stair gates to the kitchen and safety glass at a low level. The bathroom door can be opened from the outside. Smoke alarms are tested regularly, there is a fire blanket in the kitchen and an evacuation plan is in place. Some toiletries and medication are in reach of children in the bathroom and these particular arrangements create a potential hazard. The childminder requests parents to introduce anyone likely to collect children before she allows anyone other than parents to collect them. When children are taken out they sit in a buggy, have their hand held or wear reins. The childminder stops any conversations and attracts children's attention in order to teach road safety. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

careful approach helps children learn to look after themselves and each other, inside and outside the home. Arrangements to deal with child protection issues are satisfactory. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow, including those that relate to personal allegations. If she is concerned she will seek advice from local professional agencies. Concerns and observations will be recorded. In this manner children's welfare is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Play opportunities for children and relationships with the childminder are very good. Children are relaxed, at ease and familiar with each other, the environment, routine and childminder. For example, they enjoy taking turns to handle a calculator, paint using brushes and sponge shapes, and concentrate happily on chosen activities. A number of comments and conversations take place. These include, for example, talking about colour, how to get more paint on paintbrushes, numbers and how red and green paint mixed together make brown. Younger children focus busily on age appropriate activities, for example handling, shaking and banging toys. Opportunities are taken to involve younger children and babies who are tired are cuddled in the childminder's arms while she plays board games with older children. The childminder speaks to and about children with warmth, pride and understanding and this ensures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children feel accepted and valued. The daily routine affords opportunities for play, rest, relaxation, meals and outings. Children may, for example, arrive at 08:00 and play before going to nursery. Other children then play or visit the playground, shops, library or activity group, napping in the pushchair or in the travel cot if at home. Children are collected at lunch time and afterwards play together until other children are picked up from school. After tea they play or do homework until parents collect them. This routine helps to ensure children feel secure and content. Children's friendships are nurtured and good relationships with the childminder create feelings of stability, warmth and affection. There is a good quantity and range of toys. This includes for example, books, wheeled toys, radio cassette, mechanical toys, home corner equipment, Duplo, games and art materials. These are easily accessible, stored in boxes on the floor,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

low cupboards or shelves. Play materials are often changed round to provide

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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 stimulation and variety. Toys are regularly checked for safety, cleaned, discarded or repaired as necessary. These arrangements ensure that children have independence in choosing their own play materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Equality of opportunity is good. Boys and girls have equal access to all the toys. Some materials portray a positive image of people from minority ethnic origins, with a disability or in a non-traditional gender role. These include for example, books, a doll, puppets, videos and puzzles. This approach encourages children to value diversity in society. There is a good approach to welcoming children with a special need. For example, the childminder believes such children should be with other children, not alone. She is aware that the local EYDCP offer support and advice on this issue and described how all the children she looks after are treated as her family. As a result children feel accepted for the person they are. Praise is generous and genuine and frequent. Kisses, hugs, cuddles, eye contact and endearments are freely offered. Children are encouraged to develop empathy for others, for example the childminder asks how they would feel if someone hurts them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children feel able to confide in her and show how they feel. Boundaries and limits are clear and realistic, for example rules in the home include not running indoors or standing on chairs. They are expected to wash their hands after using the toilet and to say please and thank you. Praise and guidance encourage children to develop self-control, an understanding of others needs and good manners. Relationships with parents are very good. Daily conversations, phone calls and copies of photographs help parents to know how children have spent their time. Additional assistance is generously offered as, for example, the childminder visits parents at home to discuss difficulties children experience at school. Families keep in touch for many years after leaving. Numerous references endorse her service. The warm relationships between the childminder and families encourage children to develop confidence and a feeling of security in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy playing in a well-organised home secure in a daily routine adapted to individual needs and able to choose activities of most interest to them. They benefit from the care provided by a skilled and experienced childminder. Records, systems and documents are generally in place, up to date, comprehensive and stored in a confidential manner. These include, for example, an attendance register, medication and accident records, contracts and public liability insurance. All essential checks are in place and the childminder is renewing her first aid qualification. The local child protection guide is not available and this limits a prompt response to a referral.

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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 Children are protected and supported by comprehensive administrative systems generally designed by the childminder, to ensure all children's needs are met. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Actions and recommendations set at the previous inspection are met. The childminder has systems in place to record children's times of arrival, departure, accidents and children's dietary requirements, ensures adults having contact with minded children are checked and play materials portray a positive image of minority groups. These actions ensure records are properly kept and children's overall needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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): • ensure children are unable to access toiletries or medication in the bathroom • ensure a copy of the local child protection guide is available

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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