Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292346 Inspection date 03 November 2005 Inspector Cheryl Walker

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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 registered in 2005. She lives in a flat in South Croydon, Surrey, which is situated close to parks, shops and local transport links. The whole of the premises is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. There are no pets. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children and is currently caring for three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. Babies enjoy toys and activities on the floor, which remains clean as the childminder operates a 'no shoes' policy in this area. Good hygiene procedures keep children healthy and reduce any risks of cross infection. For example, the childminder washes her hands after each nappy change, cleans the changing mat and disposes of nappies appropriately. Good systems are in place to ensure effective record keeping, however, the contents of the first aid box are limited. Prior written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought, which could result in delays in obtaining treatment. Children benefit from healthy meals and snacks, made from fresh ingredients. The childminder talks to parents about children's individual dietary needs and makes every effort to ensure she can cater for these.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with the parents to ensure babies have an effective daily routine so that they are well nourished, have sufficient rest and are well cared for. Babies develop a sense of security in the childminder's care and develop a healthy relationship with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe environment where appropriate steps have been taken to minimise risks. For example, door stops prevent children's fingers from becoming trapped in doors and a stair gate restricts children's access to the kitchen. Babies are provided with a wealth of well-maintained toys to keep them interested such as construction toys, books, musical toys and some which have been home made. Children understand the procedure to follow in the event of a fire as this is carefully explained to them. Appropriate steps have been taken to protect children from the effects of fire including a written fire evacuation plan, which is available to parents. Children keep safe whilst on outings because the childminder has clearly thought through how she would deal with any emergencies and ensures she carries parent's contact details with her at all times. Children’s welfare is assured as the childminder has a good understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues and of keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children gain in confidence and are content with the childminder. She builds positive

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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 relationships with the children in her care and is warm, affectionate and attentive. The childminder interacts well with babies. She encourages language skills by talking to the children and giving high levels of eye contact and interaction. Children have their achievements acknowledged and valued, encouraging their developing self esteem. For example, children's art work is displayed and they each have a box in which to keep their personal possessions. A good range of activities are planned according to each child's age and stage of development. The childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of children's needs. She is beginning to implement the Birth to Three Matters framework to ensure all areas of young children's development are sufficiently well promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain insight about differences between communities because the childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities. They play with a small range of resources that reflect positive images of different cultures and disability, such as books and puzzles. The childminder has had experience of caring for children with special needs and shows a clear understanding of some of the issues involved. Children behave well. A comprehensive behaviour policy and well written house rules lay clear foundations and boundaries for children to follow. Effective two-way communication with parents ensures they are kept informed about their children's progress. A daily record book provides the means for communication when parents may be in a hurry and promotes consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children settle happily in the childminder's well managed provision. They are cared for according to the well-written policies and procedures that are shared with parents prior to a placement commencing. Most documentation required by the National Standards is in place. The childminder has obtained a level 3 qualification in childcare and effectively organises and manages the childminding provision. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminder's first inspection.

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Improvements 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 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): • seek written parental permission for emergency medical treatment • ensure the contents of the first aid box are complete.

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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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