Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY241282 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2005 Inspection date Claire Jean Douglas Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2003. She lives in a two bed-roomed house on a main road close to local shops, parks and bus routes in Croydon. Minded children have access to a lounge, dining room, bathroom, separate toilet and kitchen on the ground floor. One bedroom is included in the registration for children to sleep in. The garden is not used for childminding; local parks are visited for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children. She is currently caring for two children on a full time basis, and threechildren part time. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have varied opportunities to develop their physical health and well-being, through a range of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, children frequently experience physical

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 exercise when visiting local parks and childminder support centres, which in turn, helps to keep children healthy by improving their physical skills and strength.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they access freely available drinks and are positively encouraged to eat a well balanced diet where dietary requirements are respected.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 the good use of a sickness procedure and good hygiene practices. All legally required documentation, which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being, is in place and regularly reviewed.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is fully aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and adapts activities to suit the ages of the children she cares for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 fire drills are regularly practiced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of 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 all the required procedures and documentation in place. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure 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. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They relate well to the childminder and each other. They confidently approach the childminder for support, indicating that good trusting relationships are built. The children are able to socialise with others, within the setting, as well as through attendance at local childminder support centres. Children become independent, as they choose between a good balance of toys, puzzles and well-planned activities. These contribute to their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. The children join in enthusiastically with stories and learn about the meaning of words through hearing expressive reading. 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 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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine acknowledges and mirrors their home routine. Parent’s views are sought and the childminder takes on board any concerns they have and adapts the care provided to meet their wishes and the child's needs. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn about their local community through walks and discussions; however, the childminder provides a limited range of activities and resources, which promote positive views of the wider world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and play together harmoniously. The childminder uses age appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self-esteem is raised by good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the child focused environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The indoor space is limited which, if not kept organised, can prevent the children's needs being effectively met. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and is keen to further her knowledge and qualifications by studying for an N.V.Q in childcare. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares these regularly, with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to ensure she had written permission from parents before and after administering medication to children and to establish a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements (one of the children present at that time, was described by the childminder as an emergency placement and no written agreement was in place). The care of children's health has improved by thorough use of medication records and the universal use of written agreements, shared by parents and the childminder ensures that all arrangements are agreed before placements begin. This helps to ensure that children receive agreed continuity of care and that the agreed wishes of the parents are met.

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Complaints 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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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): • Obtain further resources which promote equality of opportunity and develop children's understanding of diversity. • Organise space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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