Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347347 Unique Reference Number 19 June 2008 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 lives with her parents and daughter aged 17 years. They live in a house in South Norwood in the London Borough of Croydon. The family have cold water fish and a pet rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Presently there are five children on roll aged between 11 months and five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Croydon Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home. Their childminder ensures there are effective hygiene practices in place and demonstrates a commitment to preventing cross-infection and keeping children healthy. She wears disposable gloves when changing nappies and uses paper towels to dry the children's hands, this helps to prevent the risk of cross-contamination. Her comprehensive sick child policy ensures that she reduces the risk of the spread of infection.

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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 The childminder keeps clear and accurate records. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met. The childminder is able to provide appropriate treatment in the event of children having an accident, because she has undertaken relevant first aid training. However, she does not hold written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, which may result in a delay in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy and well balanced diet, she ensures the children are offered fruit and vegetables every day and encourages them to drink water independently. This contributes to children learning about a healthy lifestyle. The childminder's warm interaction and knowledge of the children's needs supports their emotional well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely and explore safely because the childminder supervises appropriately. Children benefit from close adult supervision, as they independently select activities from a good range of toys and equipment, which the childminder ensures meet safety standards. The childminder organises the resources so that children can access them with ease. The home is made welcoming by the childminder's approachable and professional manner and there is a notice board for parents information.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has risk assessed her home and put safety measures in place to prevent the risk of accidental injury. For example, safety gates are in place, electrical sockets are covered and safety film has been applied to glass. Children's welfare is fully safeguarded; the childminder keeps a written record of any visitors to her home and has a good knowledge of procedures relating to safeguarding children. She has attended safeguarding children training to ensure her practice is up-to-date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder's good understanding of child development ensure the children participate in a varied and stimulating range of activities which encourage them to develop. Children experience a wide range of activities both inside and outside of the home such as cooking; painting; puzzles; reading; role play and art and craft. Attending community groups is an important part of the children's routine where they meet up with other children. This enables them to make friends, building their confidence and social skills. They practise their large motor skills when playing in a soft play centre, playing in the park or crawling through the childminder's pop up tunnel and tent. Children show pleasure when involved in activities and the childminder promotes the children's learning by talking to them about what they are doing and asking questions that encourage them to think. Warm and supportive relationships are evident between the children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and the childminder. She knows them well, providing appropriate support to develop their self-esteem and confidence.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their personal needs and character. Her good selection of play resources reflect diversity helping children to value differences. The childminder is sensitive to each family's needs and follows the child's home routine. This provides consistency, ensuring children settle well. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, which takes into account their age and stage of development. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self esteem, as a result they are happy and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the partnership that has developed between the childminder and their parents. Written policies are given to parents at the start of the arrangement giving details of the childcare practices used. The childminder has a portfolio and notice board to give parents information about the service she offers. Her settling in procedure is flexible to meet the child and the family's needs this is supported by her effective communication systems. The childminder shares information daily with parents about their children, both verbally and through a daily diary sheet. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to working in partnership with parents, respecting their wishes regarding their children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A warm, caring environment is provided by the childminder and space is used effectively to meet the needs of the children attending. The childminder has clear written policies and procedures which fully support her good childcare practice. Most written parental consents are in place. Records and documents are very well organised and used effectively to support the care of the children and to comply with regulations. Children are cared for in an environment where all adults have been vetted and systems are in place to ensure their safety. The childminder attends relevant training ensuring her practice is up-to-date. Her effective communication systems ensure parents are kept well informed. This contributes to continuity in the children's care and learning. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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): • request parent's written permission to seek medical treatment and advice.

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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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