Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY102210 Inspection date 02 November 2005 Inspector Claire Jean Douglas

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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 2002. She lives with her six year old son in the London Borough of Croydon. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, along with a spare room upstairs for children to sleep in. Children have access to a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder also visits local toddler groups and a nearby park. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight and is currently minding four, some 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 The childminder has two cats and goldfish. The childminder is a member of the Children come first quality Assurance Scheme and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The provision is satisfactory. Children's health within the setting is supported appropriately by the effective use of good hygiene practices and a sickness policy. Children are given a balanced diet. Through positive discussions about food, they are beginning to learn the importance of healthy eating. Children also enjoy daily physical exercise and learn about the importance of activity in a healthy lifestyle. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care, through established daily hygiene routines. Risks of cross contamination are minimised through satisfactory hygiene practices. All required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being are in place, however the consent to seek emergency medical advice has not yet been sought.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The provision is good. Children are cared for in a secure and safe environment. The childminder is proactive in identifying and minimising risks for children in the home. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder is efficient in helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, children have a good understanding of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire because these are regularly practiced. Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare by having the required procedures and documentation in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They relate well to the childminder, confidently approaching her for support, indicating that good trusting relationships are built. The children are able to socialise

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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 with others, within the setting, as well as through attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent, as they choose between a good balance of toys, books and well planned activities. These contribute to their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. The children join in enthusiastically with puzzles where they learn about mathematical concepts through appropriate questioning. They use books, toys and equipment purposefully. The childminder adapts activities to be age and stage appropriate, listening to and valuing what children say, she talks with them about what they are doing and has high expectations of what they can achieve.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine acknowledges the children's home routine. Parent’s views are sought and the childminder takes on board their individual wishes and requirements. The childminder has experience and a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities. Children are beginning to learn about their local community through play, walks and discussions. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children behave well and play happily. The childminder uses age appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self-esteem is raised by use of praise and encouragement by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provision is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The indoor space is organised to meet the children's needs effectively. The outdoor area is set out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and is a member of a quality assurance scheme. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However the arrival and departure times are not being kept on the daily register. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children are now being kept safer, by the childminders' developed awareness of the child protection guidelines and through regular practicing of the emergency escape plan with the children. Children are encouraged to make positive contributions through the improved partnerships with the parents, as the written agreements are now being regularly reviewed.

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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 the last inspection. 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): • develop consent form for seeking emergency medical advice • keep a daily record of arrival and departure times, within the NCMA registers used.

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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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