Childminder in CroydonOfsted inspection, 13 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 405078 Inspection date 13 March 2006 Inspector Lisa-Marie Jones

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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?

This childminder has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband, who also acts as her assistant, and 2 children aged 8 years and 3 years in a 3 bed roomed, 3 storey property. They are located in a residential area in West Croydon, which is a suburb of the London Borough of Croydon. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for minding purposes and a bedroom on the third floor for sleeping. Children also have access to a fully enclosed garden and the family pets are 2 cats.

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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 registered to care for 4 children at any one time. She is currently minding 10 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She has a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level three in Child Care and Education. She makes good use of training organised by the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and has attended Birth to three matters framework training.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are well protected from the risk of cross infection as the childminder follows very rigid hygiene practices and ensures that her home is clean and tidy at all times. Children's health is protected because the childminder keeps meticulous records and follows comprehensive procedures if children are unwell. She has completed additional training for maintaining children's health with diabetes, as a result children with these needs thrive in this environment. Children enjoy taking part in an extensive range of stimulating physical activities both indoors and outdoors, which positively contributes to their good health and encourages them to develop a healthy lifestyle. Children have the opportunity to learn life skills such as learning to ride push bikes. Children thrive due to an excellent balance of a healthy diet and exercise. A varied range of meals and snacks encourage children to prepare and try new foods and subsequently widen their

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Helping children to be healthy

tastes. A comprehensive menu takes into account all children's individual dietary requirements and information is readily on hand as how to deal with allergies to foodstuffs such as peanuts.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The premises are safe and secure for their purpose and children have good space to play in a very welcoming and appropriate location. Children are protected exceptionally well from risk of accidental injury which means they can move freely and safely around the setting enabling their overall independence. This is because the childminder gives top priority to ensure that effective risk assessments are routinely done. Children know how to keep themselves safe through an excellent range of activities which include general health and safety aspects; such as, using equipment safety and road safety. Children are kept safe during outings as the childminder follows effective procedures and uses appropriate well maintained equipment. Children can choose from an extensive range of quality play materials that are in excellent condition. Furniture, equipment and toys are appropriate for their purpose

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Child sized furniture and easy access to toys enable children to feel welcome and secure.

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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 Children's welfare is well protected because the childminder has a thorough understanding of her role within child protection. Robust policies and procedures ensure that children's overall well-being is paramount and the childminder has undertaken additional training to keep herself up to date with current issues and practices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children develop strong relationships with the childminder, who is responsive to their individual needs and ensures that their development is promoted well. She knows the children exceptionally well and devotes her time to them to enhance their sense of well-being and emotional stability. Children take part in a excellent variety of well planned activities and experiences that support their development in all areas. Themes are planned in advance and topics carried out to incorporate festivals such as Chinese new year. Children are enthusiastic when playing and enjoy activities that are available to them especially art and craft activities. The childminder is effective in moving children on to the next level of their development and to provide challenge. They have excellent opportunities to explore the local community such as visits to the local fire station. Young children's needs are fully met as the childminder has a excellent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

understanding of their developmental needs and uses the Birth to three matters framework exceptionally well to enhance this. She plans activities according to their needs and records their development and progress, which is shared with parents. Children quickly become competent communicators because the childminder uses supportive and enthusiastic interaction at all levels, this enables children to develop confidence and make progress in their social learning and with their communication.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children respond extremely well to the childminder's consistent, calm approach. As a result children's behaviour is very good and subsequently they play harmoniously together. The childminder has completed additional training in this area and enforces positive strategies to manage behaviour. These are appropriate to the age and understanding of all children, including children who display more challenging behaviour. Children receive meaningful praise which encourages their confidence and self-esteem. Children's individual needs are given top priority at all times. All children are included and are encouraged to have a positive view of the wider community. Children learn about the world around them on outings and through planned topics such as looking at celebrations around the world. The provision of toys and resources that positively reflect the wider community successfully enhances children's understanding and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 very aware that some children have specific needs and is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Excellent steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting, in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties. Children with identified special needs thrive from adapted and well planned activities. Children benefit from successful and effective professional relationships between their carers. Purposeful two-way sharing of information ensures high quality, consistent care both at home and in the childminding setting. Parents state that they are more than satisfied with the service that the childminder offers and highly praise her communication skills and organisation of activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from having a highly qualified and skilled childminder who is dedicated to childminding and providing outstanding care for children. Children flourish in a setting that is exceptionally well organised, with consistent routines that allow time for quiet and active play. They receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and confident to allow them to make good progress in their overall development Well written, comprehensive policies and procedures guide and enhance the childminder's daily practice. Overall, the high quality of the provision means that the childminder 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 two recommendations were given in respect of fire prevention and record keeping. Improvement has been made to fire prevention procedures and smoke alarms are now in situ at each level of the house, therefore ensuring that the childminder and children can act quickly should a fire start. Children details are now kept up to date and are recorded clearly to ensure that any changes to the children's care are fully implemented immediately.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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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