Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY257693 Inspection date 05 December 2005 Inspector Christine Stimson

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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 outstanding. 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 February 2003. She lives with her parents in a house in Raynes Park, which is in the London borough of Merton. There are local shops, parks and a library within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding, but children mainly play and sleep downstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder works with her mother who is also a registered childminder. When working alone she may care for a maximum of four children and when working with her mother she may care for a maximum of eight children. There are currently 9 part

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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 time children on roll. The family has a cat as a pet. The childminder takes the children to parent and toddler groups, the childminders' drop-in centre, the library and local parks on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 in Childcare and Education. Both the childminder and her mother are part of the Merton networking scheme.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a clean and well maintained environment where they learn about the importance of good hygiene practice. For example all children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They have their own flannels and towels and, with the childminder's help, are beginning to understand the reasons why keeping their hands clean is important. The childminder has devised an excellent range of policies and procedures which are shared with parents and which support her childminding practice. For example, the health and safety policy covers areas relating to hazards both inside and outside the home. The sick child policy makes it clear children should not attend if they are ill. This protects the other children in the childminder's care. Children enjoy delicious home cooked meals which are healthy and nutritious. Parents are given detailed menus showing the types of food their child will eat, and

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Helping children to be healthy

they have the option to supply their own food if they wish. The childminder is very aware that children need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and is vigilant about ensuring they always have a drink of water to hand. This ensures children do not become de-hydrated. The childminder makes sure children have physical exercise everyday and devises obstacle courses in her garden to challenge and stimulate the children. She takes them to the local park where they enjoy playing on age-appropriate playground equipment, developing their physical skills and gaining confidence in their own abilities. The childminder plans time for children to dance to music, play with balls and ride on bikes and cars, all of which promotes children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in an child friendly environment where regular risk assessments are conducted to ensure their safety. For example, the childminder noticed the mat at the bottom of the slide kept moving. She transferred the slide to another part of the garden, where the mat was made secure and no longer moved, therefore making it safe for children to use. The childminder is pro-active in ensuring the inside of her home is a safe environment for children to play. Each day areas of the home are

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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 checked for hazards that may cause harm to children. Children are taught from a young age how to evacuate the premises in an emergency. Regular fire drills are conducted which develops children's awareness of how to leave the building quickly and safely. Children have easy access to a range of very good quality toys that provide stimulation and challenge. The toys are maintained in excellent condition. The childminder conducts regular visual checks on her toys and resources to ensure there are no broken parts that may harm a child. On outings the childminder always ensures children are safe. If using the car they are strapped into car seats appropriate for their age, and when out walking younger children are strapped into buggies with older children holding the handle of the buggy

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

so that they can stay close to the childminder for safety. The childminder has recently organised a well planned road safety project to make children more aware of the dangers of crossing the road. Whilst playing in the garden children re-enacted crossing the road using their green cross code. Children's wellbeing is consistently supported by the childminder who has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are able to explore and experiment through a range of planned activities designed to stimulate and challenge them. For example the childminder took the children to a farm where they were able to pick their own fruit and vegetables, which they then brought home for lunch. The children learnt about healthy eating, seasons and developed an understanding about how things are grown. Children enthusiastically play outside at every opportunity. They either access the garden or go to the park for physical activities. The childminder is very skilled at encouraging children to express themselves. Although some of the children in her care are under three years of age she constantly talks to them, asking them questions that make them think, giving them instructions and encouraging them to explore. The childminder has devised a system where each day a child becomes a special helper. Their photo is displayed on a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

board, and they are given the responsibility to help clear away toys before snack time or help the childminder serve drinks to the others. Children relish this responsibility and vie with each other as who will be the helper each day. Children enjoy singing songs together with the younger children learning from the older ones. Some children have the confidence to stand up and sing a song to their peers, who clap enthusiastically to show their appreciation. The childminder undertakes meaningful observations on children's development, 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 these are shared with parents in the form of a half yearly report.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's appreciation of diversity is enhanced by children playing with a variety of books, toys and puzzles that reflect people from different cultures. Posters in the playroom depict people with disability, such as athletes taking part in the Para Olympics. This helps children to have a positive attitude to disability. The childminder regularly takes children to toddler groups where they socialise with a variety of people from different backgrounds. Children with special needs are welcomed by the childminder who ensures their individual needs are met. She is willing to adapt activities to meet their needs. The childminder has developed close relationships with the children in her care and responds to children's requests for cuddles and support. She is skilled at encouraging children to play harmoniously together. She has developed strategies for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, talking things through with children, giving

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Helping children make a positive contribution

reasons why they should not do something. She has developed a star chart system where children get rewarded for positive behaviour. This helps children develop an understanding of what is right and wrong. The childminder has developed excellent relationships with parents who are kept informed of how their child is progressing both verbally and in the form of a daily diary. The childminder records meaningful observations noting children's development and progress. She produces half yearly progress reports for parents to see, and is happy to discuss the children's development with parents individually. Parents receive monthly newsletters that keep them informed of forthcoming events.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for by a qualified and experienced person who is committed to attending childcare training and development courses. She is currently training to be an Early Years teacher and has put in place effective systems to record and assess children's development. Children's welfare is promoted within the setting as the childminder works alongside her mother who is also a registered childminder and holds a childcare qualification. This ensures children always have appropriate supervision. Written polices and procedures, along with regulatory documentation, guides the childminder in her daily practice. Policies are shared with parents and help support children's needs within the setting. A care diary for each child, and informal discussions with their parents, ensures continuity of care for children. The childminder's home and outdoor area are very well organised for children to play

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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 safely. They benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The day is well planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Overall the provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a first aid course and to ensure all hazardous substances in the kitchen were made safe and secure. Since then excellent progress has been made. The childminder has completed a first aid qualification and all hazardous substances are now kept in a cupboard that has a child lock attached. A gate has been fitted between the kitchen and the playroom so no child can access the kitchen unsupervised. These measures have enhanced children's safety.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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