Childminder in SuttonOfsted inspection, 28 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 139780 Inspection date 28 November 2005 Inspector Carol Newman

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 January 1993. She lives with her husband and three adult and school aged children in Worcester Park in the London Borough of Sutton. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park, library and play areas. The childminder has no pets. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder offers a clean and tidy home and children receive effective support to develop good personal hygiene. They know how to clean their faces with wipes when they have finished eating. Good daily routines and explanation help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before meals reduces the risk of passing on germs. The childminder knows and understands how to protect children from infection. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. The childminder gathers all relevant information regarding diet and medical history. This ensures children's individual dietary and medical needs are met. Nutritious snacks, such as fruit, help children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. Main meals are provided by parents and suitably stored to prevent spoiling. Children receive plenty of drinks in suitable containers to maintain good

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Helping children to be healthy

health. Children enjoy daily physical exercise that contributes to keeping them healthy. They walk to and from school, attend the local parent and toddler group and play lively games within the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy and safe access to a good range of carefully selected toys and resources appropriate for their age. Regular visual checks of toys and equipment ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example, a fireguard, cupboard catches, an effective emergency evacuation procedure and a secure outdoor play area in which the pond is fenced off. Children learn the importance of emergency evacuations through careful discussions. Good routines and gentle reminders help children learn about safety within the

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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 setting. Children are reminded to be careful when pushing their pushchairs around the house and they know not to run indoors. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This supports children’s wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate very well to the childminder and to each other. Children confidently approach the childminder for support indicating good trusting relationships are built. Children's art work is displayed in the kitchen. This helps to develop good self-esteem as it demonstrates that the children's efforts are valued. Children independently choose from a range of activities that are easily accessible and provide stimulation. They work collaboratively, sharing and discussing, to select pieces to build the train track. They use their imagination well when pretending to go on holiday and taking their babies for walks in the buggies. Babies happily play alongside older children. They concentrate well when pushing the friction car along the carpet and crawling after it. The childminder encourages imaginative play by joining in with the children and asking questions to make them think. Children use numbers to five to count how many cars are in the family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages the children to tidy up after each activity and shares her time effectively to support all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel good about themselves and learn to show respect for others. They talk happily about their home life and things that are important to them. Older children are considerate to babies and share their toys willingly. Children play with a range of activities and resources that provide them with a positive outlook on the wider world. The childminder has experience of working with children with special needs and they progress well due to consistent encouragement and support. The childminder treats children with respect and uses lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. Children learn about themselves and their own capabilities. The childminder uses appropriate behaviour management strategies and children respond well. The childminder's partnership with parents is good. Parents provide appropriate and relevant information about their children. This helps to ensure children receive

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All documentation required for the safe and effective management of the childminding provision is in place. This contributes to the welfare of the children. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games. Although the childminder has not accessed further training, she familiarises herself with current guidance so that she can provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. Her basic knowledge of the Birth to three framework provides reassurance that her practice with young children is appropriate. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to maintain a written record of existing injuries, which is signed by the parent and to put written business agreements in place. Existing injuries are recorded in the children's accident records and signed by parents and the childminder has written contracts in place. In addition, the childminder agreed to make all low level glass safe. Safety film has now been applied to the front door panel.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The childminder 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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