Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY357695 Unique Reference Number 19 August 2008 Inspection date Lindsay Ann Farenden 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and 12 years, in Worcester Park in the London borough of Sutton. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom of the childminder's house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has one pet rabbit.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding two children. There were no children present at the time of the inspection.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She attends a local toddler group and takes children to the library and local parks.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated a good understanding of how to promote the health of children. Her home is very clean and well maintained. She describes how she helps children to learn good

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 hygiene practices by encouraging them to wash their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after touching the pet rabbit. The childminder has appropriate procedures in place for the administration of medication and the recording of any accidents. The childminder has attended a first aid course, but this did not include specific training in first aid for infants and young children. She has a suitably stocked first aid box and always takes a small first aid box on outings, so is able to treat any minor injuries that may occur. Documentation shows the childminder has systems in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, which safeguards children’s welfare in the event of a serious accident. The sickness policy informs parents that when children have a contagious illness they cannot attend in order to prevent

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The sample menus show the childminder’s knowledge of providing children with a very well balanced and nutritious diet. She has systems in place to gather information from parents regarding dietary requirements and allergies and about food their child likes and dislikes. In discussion the childminder showed how she takes these into full consideration when providing food. She describes how she manages children who are fussy eaters, by taking them to the shops to choose different food to extend their tastes and help them enjoy meal times. The childminder makes sure that drinking water is always available for children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of providing children with opportunities to develop their physical skills and develop a healthy lifestyle. Children walk to school with the childminder and regular visits to the park are planned to enable them to use swings and large play apparatus. Children are able to run about in the garden and play ball games, such as tennis and cricket.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has taken very effective action in her home to ensure risks in her home are minimised, so children can play safely. For example, all cleaning materials and sharp objects are stored in cupboards and drawers with safety catches to prevent access by children. She explained how she always makes sure children are in her sight or within hearing distance. The childminder said she asks children to tell her if they are going to use the toilet, so she knows were they are at all times. Smoke alarms are fitted on each floor and there is fire blanket in the kitchen. She has devised a written fire evacuation plan and described how this was practised with the children to help them learn to leave the premises safely in the event of a fire. The childminder indicates ways in which she promotes children’s awareness of keeping themselves safe. She explained how she teaches them to cross the road safely and to stand away from the

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

track when waiting for a train. She talks them about stranger danger.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through observations it was clear that children have plenty of space to play and how children can access a good range of toys and play resources, as they are stored in boxes at their level.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder verbally demonstrated a sound understanding of the signs of child abuse and action she would take if she had concerns about a child in order to protect their welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates how she provides opportunities for children to enjoy and learn through play. She organises the toys so children are able to make free choices

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 of what they want to play with. She explains how children enjoy using their imaginations, as they play with the large doll’s house and pretend to go shopping using play foods. The childminder said books are always available to children and she explains how she encourages children to read their school story books with her. To promote their interest in books she takes them to the library. The childminder describes how children learn about life cycles, as they plant cress and sun flowers and watch them grow. She talks about how the children enjoying feeding the pet rabbit.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Examples of children’s work and photographs show how the childminder actively supports children’s creative development, for example, through drawing, painting and sticking activities, moulding play dough, making models using recyclable materials, and cooking.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder said she takes children to a toddler group where they have opportunities to meet other children, access further play equipment and art activities, engage in sand play and join in group singing sessions.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder demonstrates that children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder is aware that some children have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and through discussion demonstrated the importance of working closely with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of the child. The childminder has some toys which provide positive images of diversity for children. She described how she uses books to help children learn about various cultural festivals and celebrations that may be different to their own. She offers children opportunities to learn about the local community through outings to parks, shops, the library and train rides.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she approaches a variety of situations for different ages, for example, distraction and simple explanations as to why they should not do certain things and the importance of sharing toys. The childminder explained how she gives children lots of praise for their achievements to enhance their self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Through discussion the childminder shows a commitment to working in partnership with parents. She undertakes detailed discussions with parents to establish information regarding their child’s daily care routines and individual needs. Parents are provided with a copy the childminder’s policies and procedures, which include how to make a complaint. She states she informs parents about their child’s day with her when they are collected. The childminder produces diary books which show photographs and written information of activities children have enjoyed and a collection of their art work. This provides parents with a lovely record of their child’s time at the childminder’s.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that she has an organised approach to her childminding role. She showed through discussion that when children are present she dedicates her time to them and plans her day to provide activities to encourage their all round development. All the required documentation is in place and a variety of policies are in place to guide the childminder in her daily practice. Written contracts show the childminder uses these to invite discussions with

p.4

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 parents about children’s individual needs. The childminder plans to attend further training to develop her knowledge in first aid for infants and young children.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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 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): • obtain a first aid qualification that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • extend the range of play resources which reflect positive images of culture, race 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.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