Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316346 Inspection date 18 April 2006 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her daughter aged under 2 years. They live in a flat in residential area of Lewisham. The whole of the flat is used for childminding purposes, except for the main bedroom and balconies. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 1 year on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups and takes children to local parks, library and museum. She holds a social work qualification.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well organised and comfortable home. The childminder maintains a good standard of cleanliness in her home, for example, not wearing outdoor shoes where babies crawl. This reduces the risk of cross contamination. The babies take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as, getting fresh air on a daily basis when they visit local parks or practising physical skills such as crawling and playing with the baby gym. Children's home routines are followed ensuring consistency of care. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records, for example, about any accidents that may have occurred. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met. Most parental consents are in place, however, there is no consent to seek emergency medical advice or assistance

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Helping children to be healthy

which means parental wishes are not known. Children are offered healthy choices at snack time when they are offered fruit, breadsticks and rice cakes. This helps them to learn about healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them and carries out risk assessments to ensure there are no hazards that could threaten children's safety. Children are able to move freely and safely around the home because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. She gives high priority to maintaining children's safety, for example, by having written health and safety policies, and by supervising the children at all times. Children are well protected, the childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if concerned about the welfare of a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They begin to explore and investigate within the home, choosing from suitable toys and enjoying activities such as music, sand and water play.

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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 They benefit from regular outings, such as to local toddler groups to socialise with other children or to enjoy the fresh air in the park. Children are confident, settled and 'at home' within the setting. They relate well to the childminder because she interacts in a warm and supportive manner, anticipating their needs. The childminder's positive encouragement helps children to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder makes sure she spends time each day exchanging information with parents, and keeping them up-to-date with what children have been doing. This helps children experience consistent care. The childminder has a portfolio for parents information, ensuring they are clear about the service offered. Children enjoy warm relationships with the childminder. Her realistic expectations help children to behave well and feel secure in her home. The childminder provides activities and play resources that help children to appreciate each other. She takes detailed information about the children and has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive service. This means children's individual needs are well met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and secure in the well organised home, which helps them gain confidence and play happily. The environment is laid out to make the most of the available space and maximise children's play opportunities. The childminder is conscientious and has a good understanding of the National Standards. She is well organised, with appropriate policies and procedures in place. They work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. All documentation is well maintained and kept confidentially. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and communication with the parents. Most parental consents have been agreed in writing. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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): • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical assistance or advice

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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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