Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302062 Inspection date 10 November 2005 Inspector Rebecca Elizabeth Khabbazi

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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 has been registered since May 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 3 and 5-years old. The family live in a 3-bedroom house in a residential area of New Addington in Croydon, close to local shops, schools and parks. The downstairs of the house is the main area used for play. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have 2 pet cats. The childminder is registered to care for 2 children under 8-years-old and there is currently 1 child under 8-years on roll. The childminder also looks after 1 child who is over 8-years-old.

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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 The childminder has relevant childcare qualifications equivalent to NVQ level 3. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Croydon Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a variety of activities that support their physical development and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They walk home from school every day, go to the park and play with a good range of resources and equipment in the garden. Children learn about the benefits of good personal hygiene. They know why they need to wash their hands before they have their snack. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination. They enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit and cheese when they come in after school, which helps ensure they benefit from a healthy diet. Children's health is protected because the childminder has clear systems for recording any accidents they have or any medicine they need to be given. She has completed first aid training, so is able to respond quickly to any minor accidents or injuries. However, written consent has not yet been requested from parents to seek

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Helping children to be healthy

medical advice or treatment in an emergency. This means parents' wishes may not be clear and treatment could be delayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a relaxed, child-centred, family environment. They are able to move freely and confidently around the home because the childminder takes steps to reduce potential hazards. For example, she makes sure children cannot reach cleaning products or medicines, and restricts younger children's access to the stairs. Children learn how to keep themselves safe when they join in with a fire practice or talk about road safety on the walk home from school. Children choose from an excellent range of toys and play materials for indoor and outdoor play. Resources are kept in good condition, checked and cleaned regularly, and the childminder makes sure they are suitable for the age and stage of the children. This means children can play safely. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has completed child protection training. She knows what to do if she is worried about a child and makes

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

sure that local guidance and contact details are readily available.

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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 Children are confident and settled within the home. They have good relationships with the childminder because she is responsive to their needs and joins in with their play. Their confidence and self-esteem are fostered because the childminder responds to them warmly and recognises their achievements, such as when they've tried hard with their homework. Children take part in a good variety of activities and experiences that are interesting, fun and keep them occupied throughout the time they spend with the childminder. They enjoy art and craft activities such as making firework pictures with chalk or decorating glittery snowflakes they have cut from paper. They join in with activities enthusiastically and show pride in the results of their work. Children independently choose from the wide range of toys, books and resources available, which support

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their play, learning and overall development well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and valued as individuals. They are able to take part in all activities because the childminder takes their needs into account and makes sure what they are doing can be adapted to match their age and ability. Children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider community through discussion and stories and by using toys and resources that reflect diversity. The childminder has a calm and patient approach which helps children behave well. They play harmoniously together and are clear about the routines and expectations of the setting. Children benefit from a positive relationship between the childminder and their parents. They talk every day to exchange information about the children, and this helps them experience consistent care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease and are well cared for because the childminder organises her home and routines around their needs. They are able to make the most of the learning opportunities available because they can easily and independently access toys and resources and space is cleared so that they can play. The childminder keeps the required records that contribute to the health, safety and well-being of the children. She is developing additional written information about routines, policies and procedures that will keep parents well-informed, but has not yet devised a system to keep a record of parents' complaints. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which is available to them 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): • request written consent from parents to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • devise a system for keeping a record of any complaints made by parents

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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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