Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY367168 Unique Reference Number 20 May 2008 Inspection date Helen Deegan 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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her family in a two bedroom first floor flat, in Wimbledon in the London borough of Merton. She has two children of her own, aged under eight The premises are within walking distance of local shops, parks, toddler groups and public transport. The whole of the flat is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and currently has three children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean, well maintained environment where they learn to follow good personal hygiene routines. The childminder ensures that they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Paper towels are used for hand drying so that the risk of cross-infection is reduced. Parents are asked to keep children with infectious illness away from the setting to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is booked onto a first aid course, which will

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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 take place within six months of her initial registration. This will help to ensure that children's safety is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides children with healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and regular drinks. She requests information from parents about children's dietary requirements so that their individual needs are met. However, menus do not always describe nutritionally balanced meals which would support children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have regular access to physical play in local parks. However, this is not available every day and on days when no outing takes place, children's opportunities for physical play and exercise indoors is limited. Children's developing physical skills are therefore not always sufficiently promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure safety within the premises. For example, safety gates, smoke alarms, cupboard locks and a fire blanket are in place. She has produced a fire safety risk assessment and records details of fire drills which are carried out with the children. This helps to protect children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment. Colourful posters and children's artwork are displayed and play activities are presented at child height. This enables the children to make choices and independently access their play. The childminder organises the space and equipment effectively so that children can play, rest and eat in appropriate surroundings. She has a sufficient range of play equipment, which she rotates to provide variety for the children and maintain their interest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a good understanding of the indicators of abuse and her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She is familiar with the procedure to follow in the event of a concern arising about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play very happily and are well occupied. The childminder joins in with the children's activities, talking to them and taking opportunities to ask simple questions. This helps to extend their developing language and understanding. The childminder responds warmly to the children, she is calm, consistent and gentle towards them and takes every opportunity to praise their efforts and achievements. Therefore, children are relaxed and confident in her care. The children particularly enjoy dancing to music and completing a number and picture floor puzzle. The childminder sits on the floor beside the children and asks questions such as 'how many have we got now?' and 'which one do you like?', which extends the activity and helps to maintain the children's interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of what equal opportunities mean and has produced an equal opportunities policy. She provides a range of toys which reflect different race, culture and ability, so that children gain positive messages about diversity.

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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 The childminder maintains a daily diary for each child and completes a daily feedback form for parents, so that they are well informed about their children. She has produced an information file for parents, with policy information and information about how they may make a complaint. She consults with parents about children's requirements and uses the information to ensure that their individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because the childminder uses positive reinforcement to promote good behaviour. The childminder uses opportunities to tell children how good and clever they are. She manages minor incidents of unwanted behaviour by using age appropriate strategies such as simple explanation and distraction.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has all the required record keeping and documentation in place and maintained up-to-date. She has produced some additional policy information which she makes available to parents. She attends many training workshops to update and improve her knowledge and has booked onto the required first aid and Introduction to Childcare Practice courses at the earliest opportunity. She displays her certificate of registration and makes parents aware of how to make a complaint should they wish to. 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 either the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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 that food provided is nutritious and complies with dietary requirements.

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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 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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