Childminder in MertonOfsted inspection, 6 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311582 Inspection date 06 April 2006 Inspector Lindsay Ann Farenden

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged 18 months. They live in a house in Morden, in the London Borough of Merton, close to parks and schools. The whole of the house is used for childminding. The first floor is used mainly for sleeping purposes. There is a suitable garden for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for three children at any one time and overnight care for two children. When working with an assistant the childminder is registered to care for four

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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 children at any one time. She is currently minding three children on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm home where they are helped to learn about good hygiene practice, such as washing hands before meals. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness, when preparing foods and during nappy changing to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from nutritious snacks and meals, such as freshly cooked foods, with vegetables and fruit at snack times. This helps children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children are provided with foods, which meet their dietary needs. Children are provided with ample drinks, to ensure they do not get dehydrated or thirsty. For example, drinks are kept at children's level, so they can access them at all times. Children have opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health and physical development, through using bikes and climbing equipment in the garden and at toddler group. Children benefit from visits to parks on a regular basis, where they are able to run, use swings and large climbing equipment. This promotes children’s physical skills and ensures they receive plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children have time to relax as well as be active.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health and welfare are protected because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box is suitably stocked. This means children are safeguarded in the event of an accident. For continuity of care parents are informed of any accidents and medication given. Parents provide appropriate consents in relation to medication and emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around the home generally safely because the childminder has taken action to minimise risks and by making most hazards inaccessible to them. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. However children's welfare is not fully safeguarded because she does not have the local authority child protection procedures. Also the opening of the chest freezer has not been made inaccessible to children. Children are well supervised throughout the day, due to the appropriate organisation of the childminder and the layout of the areas used. The risk of accidents outside the home are reduced, because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, children wear appropriate restraints when travelling in vehicles. The childminder talks to

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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 crossing at the green man and about the dangers of the road. Children are learning to use the slide and other play equipment safely, because the childminder reminds children holding on when necessary. Children choose activities from a good range of clean, quality toys. The childminder makes sure they are suitable for their age and stage of development so children can play safely. To protect children all fire precaution equipment is fitted appropriately and the smoke alarms are in working order. Children and the childminder practise the written fire evacuation procedures on a regular basis. This helps children become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are settled and confident within the childminder's home and relate well to her, because she plays with them and shows them warmth and affection. This contributes to their sense of belonging when they are with the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation of the play materials to meet children’s individual developmental needs and interests. This results in children spending their time purposefully and motivated to play. They enjoy choosing from a good variety of toys, books and which appeal to them. Children are helped to learn through every day play. For example, the childminder talks to children about the different coloured crayon as they draw. Children are helped to develop fine motor skills within the home. They enjoy mark making with crayons and are given lots of opportunities to do puzzles and play with toys, which require them to push and turn

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

buttons. Children visit the library regularly, which helps to develop their interest in books. They enjoy looking at books and having stories read to them by the childminder. This contributes to the development of children's language and communication skills. Children use their imagination well, using the role play materials, for example making cups of tea for the childminder and putting dolls in buggies. Their creative development is encouraged, because children do a variety of painting and craft activities. For instance making hand prints with paints and making celebration cards. Children gain from attending toddler groups, where they have opportunities to meet other children and adults and access further activities. This contributes to their enjoyment, creativity and enhances their all round development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well, as the childminder undertakes discussions with the parent's regarding children needs and routines before they start. She follows their normal routine as much as possible and discusses any changes to their child's day. The childminder and the parents work

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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 well together and exchange information on a daily basis. She also provides parent's with daily written information about their child's day. This keeps them well informed of their child's day and ensures continuity of care. The childminder has devised information folders for parents to view. These include details of the childminding service she provides, polices and information on her qualifications. Children learn about their local community through regular outings to parks, toddler groups and the library. They learn about the wider society and develop respect for others, because they are provided with a good range of anti-discriminatory books and toys. The childminder uses lots of praise to reinforce positive behaviour and acknowledge children's efforts and achievements. This contributes towards their high level of self

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Helping children make a positive contribution

esteem and confidence. They play and behave well and are encouraged to share toys, take turns and show consideration for each other. The childminder has a wide experience of working with special needs. She works closely with the parents to find each child's stage of development. She makes sure they have access to appropriate toys to meet their needs and are stimulating for them. The childminder adapts activities and routines so children with special needs are fully integrated with all the children. The childminder has attended Makaton training and uses this sign language to support communication with children with special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and secure in a well organised home This helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's paintings are displayed which shows their work is valued and respected. The environment is well laid out to make the most of space and maximise children’s play opportunities, so they are able to play freely and safely. Children receive the childminder's full attention, as she dedicates her time to them, when they are present. The childminder makes good use of contracts to invite discussions with parents about child's individual needs. All required documentation is in place. Policies are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to the continuity of the children's care. The childminder attends regular training, which ensures she keeps up to date with current child care practices. This

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Organisation

benefits the children's overall care and learning. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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 the registration 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 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): • ensure the chest freezer is made safe or inaccessible to children and obtain the local authority child protection guidelines for childminder's

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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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