Childminder in CroydonOfsted inspection, 17 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300189 Inspection date 17 October 2005 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and four school aged children in Thornton Heath, London. The lounge in the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding two under 5. The childminder goes to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family have no pets.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected well from infection through appropriate hygiene practices, such as cleaning hands before snack times, and the childminder uses antibacterial wipes to wipe areas where children play. Records also show that medication procedures are in place although parents are not asked to sign forms. Children's needs are met if they have an accident because the childminder has appropriate knowledge of first aid and the procedures to follow, for instance, parents always sign accident forms. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy snack times. The childminder understands the importance of promoting healthy eating and therefore snacks like fruit and yoghurt are part of children's daily diets. Parents usually provide lunches however the childminder always ensures she has appropriate meals in stock when parents at times forget. Children have a variety of outside equipment but this is not available for babies and

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Helping children to be healthy

toddlers so the childminder takes them out frequently to local parks and child centred activities to ensure that they have plenty of fresh air and physical exercise. Children can also rest when they need either on cushions in the lounge or the cot upstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move freely around their environment, playing with their toys and having opportunities to rest on soft cushions. The childminder looks carefully at safety to ensure that children's areas are safe to use. She places stair gates at the foot of the stairs and lounge to prevent children from wandering around the house. She checks other safety hazards, such as fire equipment and evacuation plans, although the long curtain cords present a hazard to toddlers. Children's safety is the childminder's main priority, especially when she takes them on walks. Children sit securely in the double buggy whilst enjoying their outings. Children's safety is further supported by the childminder's appropriate understanding of the child protection procedures. Children enjoy playing with a suitable range of toys that are easily accessible. As a result this develops independence skills as they make decisions on their toys and

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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 settle well and play happily with a variety of easily accessible play activities. They interact well with the childminder who is kind and caring. The children enjoy cuddles and the close feeling of security when playing with the childminder and her family. There is a reasonable range of baby toys and resources and the childminder is constantly reviewing her toys to provide variety and interest for the children. Toddlers enjoy finding bricks and exploring interactive toys. Children's individual stages of development are known and understood and the childminder is aware of children's progress through the framework of Birth to Three Matters.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a positive attitude towards equal opportunities. She values children and takes into account their interests when providing activities. She adapts the environment to ensure all children are included. Children attend from other cultures and the childminder understands their individual needs. The childminder is aware of providing for children with special needs although she has no experience in this area to-date. Children benefit from the constant attention, cuddles and praise. This encourages children to respond positively to her and behave well. The childminder builds friendly, informal partnerships with parents which makes children feel settled and secure. They verbally share details about the child's day and the overall childcare practices; although parents do not have written notes on babies sleeping and eating times which informs parents about the continuity of care. Written information about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

individual children is adequate but some aspects, such as correct completion of medication forms, lacks detail which ensures that children's full medical needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a satisfactorily organised environment and day. Children receive sufficient adult support and attention which helps them feel secure. Verbal feedback given to parents promotes children's continuity of care and the childminder is working on methods of improving the two-way flow of information. She is using set documentation that covers all required forms although this is not well organised. Parents do not sign medication forms appropriately. The childminder is keen to develop her skills and knowledge and has taken part in relevant training such as the Cache level 3 in childcare practice, as well as working with the parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

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 are no complaints to report. 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 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 that parents sign all documentation appropriately when children require medication • develop the two-way flow of information with parents for babies and toddlers through a daily contact book giving details of rest and meal times • ensure that all curtain cords are inaccessible to children

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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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