Jacobs, Lisa Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314546 Inspection date 27 June 2006 Inspector Elizabeth Anne Coffey

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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 has been registered to care for children since January 2006. She lives with her husband and three children, a six year old and three year old twins. They live in a five bedroomed house in Forest Hill, in the London borough of Lewisham. All of the ground floor and the first floor toilet and children's bedrooms are used for childminding purposes. Children do not use the top floor where the childminder's own bedroom is situated. Children have use of a secure back garden, which they access via the kitchen/diner. The childminder is registered to care for three children and is currently minding two

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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 on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are learning to develop control of their bodies through activities both in the home and at local community resources. They frequently visit parks and playgrounds where they use the swings, slides and climbing equipment. Children make good use of the garden where they can enjoy fresh air and exercise. They play bat and ball and develop coordination and balance as they manoeuvre the variety of wheeled and sit and ride toys. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Their individual toileting and nappy changing needs are well met by the childminder who demonstrates an awareness of, and commitment to, preventing cross-infection. For example she wears gloves when changing babies' nappies and reminds older children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Babies and young children are able to sleep comfortably

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Helping children to be healthy

in a travel cot in the bedroom at times that meet their needs. Children enjoy a healthy, nutritious diet and menus are planned to provide a balanced intake. The childminder encourages the children to develop good eating habits, for example encouraging them to finish their lunch before dessert and to drink plenty of water. Children eat at the dining table and a highchair is available for use by younger children. Children are reminded to eat at the table and the childminder does not allow them to walk around with food or drinks. This promotes children's health as it minimises the risk of them choking on food or slipping on spilt drinks. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate. She has appropriate record keeping systems in place for the recording of accidents and medication. However, parents do not sign to acknowledge when the childminder has administered herbal remedies. Parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is not held. This

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from close adult supervision, as they independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder protects babies and young children from choking hazards by ensuring that toys and materials within their reach do not contain small or detachable parts.

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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 learn valuable lessons in personal safety, such as holding on and walking in a safe manner when out of the home with the childminder. She teaches them how to cross the road safely in line with the green cross code. The childminder regularly plans outings with other childminders to ensure that additional responsible adults are available for extra support and supervision. This promotes children's safety. Children are protected from harm by the childminder who has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection and understands her responsibilities in following correct procedures in the event of a concern. However, referral details of who to contact are not readily available. Children are kept generally safe because the childminder has identified and minimised most risks in the home. She makes appropriate use of window and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

cupboard locks and stair gates to protect children from danger. Cleaning materials and hazardous tools and utensils are stored out of children's reach. However, the two toilets on the first floor both have locks that are not child safe. Some low level glass which does not meet safety standards poses a risk to children. Although fire protection equipment is in place there is no smoke alarm on the top floor and an emergency evacuation plan is not available. This compromises children's safety

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and confident in the childminder's care. They settle in well and form a strong bond with the childminder because she takes time to get to know each child's individual likes and dislikes. Babies and young children enjoy cuddles and games with the childminder. She chats to the children in a relaxed manner and responds readily to their needs. Children enjoy playing with the wide range of toys and play materials that are readily available to them. This includes both indoor and outdoor toys and resources in the well stocked home and garden. Children are provided with well planned imaginative activities that stimulate and interest them. The childminder supports and encourages the children well in their activities. She gets down on the floor to play with the children, for example when helping them to complete puzzles. They enjoy reading stories and looking at books with her and delight in reading familiar stories over and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

over again. In the garden she spontaneously joins in ball and racquet games with them and encourages the children to play cooperatively together. Children enjoy a wide range of outings outside of the home, including visits to local parks and children's centres. The childminder makes very good use of local toddler groups and drop-in sessions to extend children's social skills and provide fun and interesting activities for them. She regularly plans outings together with other childminders which increases children's opportunities to mix and develop friendships with a wide range of children of a similar age. Children are happy and settled. They benefit from a daily routine that accommodates their individual sleep and feeding patterns. The childminder plans her day well to balance the needs of her own and minded children and to accommodate children's

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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 school and nursery runs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop their understanding of the local community through regular outings outside of the home and by mixing with others at local toddler groups and drop-in centres. The childminder provides a good range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, including dolls, books and puzzles that reflect different abilities and cultural backgrounds. This helps to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of different lifestyles. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of needs and abilities. Although she does not have direct experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she demonstrates how she would adapt her service to ensure she provides fully inclusive care which is accessible to all children. Children's self-esteem is raised by good use of praise and encouragement by the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. She encourages the children to play cooperatively together and to share and take turns. Children learn the importance of good manners and are gently prompted by the childminder to say "please" and "thank you". She uses age appropriate strategies to deal with children's behaviour and encourages the children to develop self control and to understand the consequences of their actions. Parents' views are respected and they are kept well informed about how their child has been during the day. This is further enhanced by an individual daily diary which the childminder completes on babies and young children and shares with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her daily routine around the children's needs. The day is well planned to accommodate journeys to and from school and nursery and to allow the children adequate time to rest, play and eat. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced. She balances the needs of her own family and minded children well. This promotes the welfare of children. Documentation is generally well maintained and most record keeping systems required for childminding purposes are in place. Information is treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. Where additional documentation is needed, such as parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment or child protection referral details, the childminder is keen to address this to ensure her service reflects best practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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): • ensure emergency evacuation procedures and all required fire safety precautions are in place including smoke detectors at every level • ensure low level glass does not pose a hazard to children (display cabinet and mirrored bedroom door) and that children are safe whilst using the toilet • ensure required documentation is in place including parental consent for emergency medical treatment and referral details in the event of a child protection concern • ensure parents sign the medication record to acknowledge the entry

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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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