Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY359022 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2008 Inspection date Mauvene Burke 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and their daughter aged three years old in a ground floor two bedroom flat situated within the London Borough of Wandsworth. The whole of the childminder's flat except for one bedroom is used for childminding. Children have access to a secure enclosed garden. Also living on the premises is a dog and two cats. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children aged under five who both attend on a part time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Wandsworth Childminding Network. She takes children to the nearby common and to local toddler groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder promotes the health of children successfully through good hygiene practices. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines, such as washing their hands

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 after visiting the toilet and before eating food. They have access to paper hand towels when indoors and to wipes when they are out, they wash their hands with a liquid hand wash. Changing mats are cleaned after each nappy change with an anti-germ spray and the childminder ensures that the table the children use when having their meals is wiped down with an anti-bacterial spray. The kitchen area is clean however, an open tin of pet food is stored on the work surface where children's meals are prepared.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is, therefore, able to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident. She is prepared to seek emergency treatment if needed, using written consent which at least one set of parents has provided; this ensures appropriate treatment if children need it in an emergency. Nonetheless, permission must be sought from all parents of children attending the setting as this is not yet in place. Good procedures are in place for the administration of medication to children and parents are informed that sick children must stay at home in order to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive regular food and drinks which the childminder supplies. She is happy to supply freshly prepared foods which comply with dietary and religious needs. Children are, therefore, well nourished and healthy. They are encouraged to sit at a small table to eat together which promotes good social opportunities and conversations with each other and with the childminder. Children thoroughly enjoy the rice cakes and raisins that they are provided with for snack and confidently ask for more which the childminder happily obliges. Children's beakers with juice or fresh water are readily available and children are able to help themselves when they feel thirsty; this helps them develop healthy eating habits.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good balance of energetic activity with times for quiet play and rest in a safe environment. They experience daily physical exercise when they play in the garden and when they attend local toddler groups. This is helping them to understand the need for regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very settled, secure and relaxed in this environment through the good organisation and use of space. This results in children being confident and having a feeling of belonging in the childminder's care. They benefit from being able to move around safely and independently as safety gates are used to block access to areas they should not use. The living room is spacious and the childminder organises the toys so that children can choose for themselves what they want.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from an attractive and good range of safe and suitable resources and equipment. For example, there are double buggies with harnesses for use, a high chair for very young children and age appropriate toys for the children attending the setting.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe in the home. They enjoy their play in a safe environment. Almost all of the necessary steps have been taken to minimise risks, however, there is a low level socket in the living room that is accessible to children. Children cannot access items that could be dangerous as there are safety measures in place, such as stair-gates. The childminder has clear procedures for fire safety to ensure children are evacuated safely from the house and the plan is shared with children and parents, promoting children's understanding for fire safety. Although the childminder has stated that a fire drill has taken place with the children, no evidence of this was seen.

p.3

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 Children are safeguarded from harm as the childminder has a clear and secure understanding of child protection procedures. She fully understands her responsibility to protect children in her care if she has concerns about their welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to engage in a wide range of age appropriate activities as the provider provides a stimulating environment, one in which children can learn. Children are content and happily settled. The childminder's good nurturing skills help children feel secure and valued. Children develop good self esteem, because the childminder is aware and responds to their emotional needs very well.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn through play. Activities are planned according to what the children want, the childminder takes her lead from them. Children are provided with a range of experiences, including creative, messy and physical play. They are supported very well and are encouraged to explore the toys that are available to them. The childminder is very attentive to the children and shows she is interested in what they have to say or in what they are doing. She talks to the children and reassures them giving them emotional support as they require it.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are well balanced and include opportunities for children to socialise with others at local toddler groups. Children also enjoy a good range of outdoor play opportunities at local parks.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made to feel good about themselves. They are gaining confidence by being acknowledged by their carer as important individuals. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity and demonstrated how she will encourage children to talk about things that are important to them, such as their home and family, which helps them to develop a sense of belonging. However, resources reflecting diversity are limited; the childminder acknowledges this and has plans to develop her collection so that children can begin to gain an understanding of difference and attach value to this. The childminder ensures that all children’s developmental needs are discussed so that the needs of all the minded children can be considered. The care they receive helps them develop a positive self-image, as the childminder acknowledges their individual routines for sleeping and eating and ensures these suit their

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and mostly play together harmoniously. They are at the stage of their development where they are learning to share and take turn. The childminder is consistent in her approach as to how this is managed. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and their good behaviour is promoted effectively. The childminder manages children's behaviour in a positive way. She speaks calmly to children and ensures they are occupied which enables them to experience recognition for their achievements and behaviour. This gives them a sense of pride and boosts their self esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a very positive partnership with parents. Parents are welcomed into the childminder's home and kept fully informed of her practice through regular verbal and written feedback. Parents have access to a variety of clear and helpful information about the

p.4

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 childminding service, including policy statements. Information provided to the childminder by parents suggests that they are happy with the service she delivers, making comments, such as 'the childminder is caring and loving towards my child and deals with behavioural issues in a way which is positive and which helps my child become aware of boundaries'. Parents are given relevant information about how to make a complaint if they wish to do so; the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the regulations relating to complaints. Overall, this all helps to develop parents confidence in the service and ensures the children’s welfare.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is organised and makes the best use of her time, space and resources in order to create a stimulating, orderly and supportive environment for the children. They enjoy using a good range of resources which promote their development successfully and they receive very good adult support which helps them feel secure and confident. The environment is carefully managed to ensure the safety and effective supervision of the children and the wishes of the parents are taken into consideration.

p.5

Organisation

The daily routines are based on the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the children's individual needs. All required documentation is in place. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards for childminding and is committed to extending her knowledge through further training. This has a positive impact on children's well-being and development.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

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.5

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.5

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 good. 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):

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 • obtain written parental permission from all parents, at the time of placement to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that all low level sockets in areas accessible to children are fitted with socket covers • develop resources that promotes diversity and disability.

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.6

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.6