Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY362797 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2008 Inspection date Jane Elizabeth Chappell 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 satisfactory. 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 2007. She lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in Wallington within the London borough of Sutton. Minded children have access to the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for no more than four children under the age of eight years old. At the time of the inspection, two children were on roll, but no children were present during the inspection visit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder, through discussion, shows how children are cared for in a warm and caring environment where they begin to learn to follow daily hygiene procedures. She demonstrates a clear understanding of how children's good health is promoted. Children receive support to develop personal hygiene skills as they watch the childminder wash her hands after each nappy change, and wash their hands after coming inside from playing in the garden.

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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 demonstrates a clear understanding of the benefits of encouraging the children to enjoy a range of physical activities including planting vegetables in the garden and trips to local farm. Regular fresh air and physical exercise contributes to keeping children healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

The procedures in place for administering medication to children are effective and the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate. However, some items in the first aid box have expired. This does not fully safeguard children's health in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes a range of healthy meals and snacks that are available to minded children. The childminder also demonstrates through discussion, a good understanding of the importance of following parental wishes. This encourages children to develop healthy eating practices and ensures that food meets all of the children’s dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play freely. The childminder, through discussion, demonstrates how children choose from a suitable range of toys and activities, which she ensures are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Clear and consistent boundaries, along with close supervision, enable the children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home has been risk assessed and appropriate action has been taken to ensure the environment remains suitable. For example, smoke alarms are in place on each floor of the home and all sockets are covered. However, the fire blanket is not located in the kitchen. This compromises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended child protection training and has a sound understanding of what to do if she has concerns that a child is at risk from abuse. She is aware of her responsibility to refer any concerns and referral procedures are in place to protect children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates how children can enjoy a good range of activities that are stimulating and well balanced for all ages. The children can choose from toys and resources that are easily accessible. A good balance of adult and child initiated games, such as reading and puzzles, help children to make progress in all areas of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A varied balance of indoor and outdoor activities and visits to other environments, such as local parks, Horton's farm and toddler groups also helps enable children to make progress in all areas of learning. Children’s creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as drawing, painting and cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of how she treats children with respect and uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem, which contributes to the children’s sense of well-being. Children can learn important social skills, such as, why it is kind

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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 to share and to take turns. Appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, are in place to help children understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but displayed a positive attitude to caring for children with such needs. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity, however, has limited resources that reflect positive images of the wider, this does not fully support the minded children's understanding of equality.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrated a very good understanding of the benefits of working in partnership with parents. Parents are asked to provide relevant information about their children to the childminder to help ensure children receive individual care and attention and to ensure continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The layout is appropriately organised to allow children to play freely. The daily routine is planned around the children's individual needs allowing children time for quiet and active play. The childminder shows, through discussion, that she uses her time well and that children will benefit from her support and guidance. This means they are able to be confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning experiences.

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Organisation

Well written policies and procedures are available to guide the childminder in her daily practice. These ensure that the childminder meets the needs of the children in her care and shares appropriate information with their parents. Records and information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. All required records are in place, very well organised and are confidentially stored.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet that 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 satisfactory. 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 the contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced as necessary • ensure resources that reflect positive images of all aspects of society are available to the children • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is accessible in the kitchen.

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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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