Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316790 Inspection date 20 March 2006 Inspector Janet Sharon Williams

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her 2 children aged 3 and 9 years. They live in Tulse Hill in the London Borough of Lambeth. The lounge, hallway and 1 bedroom are used for childminding. There is easy access to shops, parks, and public transport. The childminder is registered to care for the maximum of 2 children at any one time and is currently caring for 1 child after school and during school holidays. The childminder is a member of the National Childminders Association (NCMA).

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment, where good hygiene habits are put into practice by everyone at all times to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children understand simple good health and hygiene practices. They wash their hands before eating their meals and after using the toilet. Children's individual dietary needs and requirements are met through the childminder providing healthy nutritious meals. For example, meat and fish served with a selection of vegetables. Meal times are used as a social event, where children are seated at the table and children show their awareness of the importance of eating healthily. Drinks are offered at regular intervals. Children enjoy some outdoor activities, which contributes to their good health and extends their physical skills, such as, running and playing ball. The childminder has an effective system in place to record accidents and medication

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Helping children to be healthy

administered. However, she has not obtained written parental permission for emergency treatment or first aid. The childminder has a first aid certificate and well-stocked first aid box in order for her to provide appropriate medical care in event of an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe environment indoors and out. They are supervised at all times. Most areas accessible to the children are safe because the childminder has taken most of the necessary precautions to minimise accidents. For example, the smoke detector is in working order, there is a BS approved fire blanket fitted in the kitchen and windows have restricted opening facilities. Children are kept safe on outings, for example, made aware of basic road safety. The childminder also teaches children boundaries by taking time to explain areas of danger such as, running indoors and how they could have an accident. However, younger children can access the kitchen and older children can reach the key for the balcony door and main entry door system easily. Children have room to move around comfortably, are able to access, and use suitable and safe toys and equipment. They can help themselves and enjoy what

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

they want to play with, as resources are stored at child's level. The childminder regularly checks toys and equipment to ensure that they are safe and in good condition. For example, cars and trains for sharp edges. Children's welfare is safeguarded and protected as the childminder has a satisfactory working knowledge of the child protection procedures in line with the Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access and play with a balance of free choice and adult led activities. For example, building bricks, play characters such as action man and dolls, watching television for a limited period and board games. Children participate in a range of interesting and challenging games and activities that involve and interest them. Children's individual needs and routines are very well met in an environment where they receive consistent care, which encourages them to progress and develop their independence and self-esteem. Children make positive relationships. They relate well to each other, co-operate, share and socialise well. The childminder's interaction with the children is good. She frequently explains things clearly, spends time reading stories, talks and listens which supports children's language development. The childminder also teaches the children basic number skills to enhance their mathematical thinking and learning. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

settle well as the childminder follows individual routines, such as helping children with their homework through consultation with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are met through the childminder's understanding of equality of opportunities. This is further developed by the childminder's approach, for example, by encouraging and enabling children to learn about their own and other cultures. The childminder has a limited range of resources to promote race, religion and culture. She has no resources to raise children's awareness about disability. Children feel valued because the childminder puts considerable care into meeting their individual needs. The childminder is aware that some children may have special needs, would offer appropriate support and make any necessary adaptation. Children understand responsible behaviour through the childminder taking time to explain right from wrong, teaching them how to share and take turns. Children receive good support. Children are settled and comfortable in their surroundings because the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

works well with parents to ensure she meets children's individual needs. These are discussed with parents initially, such as likes, dislikes and meals. Children benefit from the positive relationship the childminder has established with parents, subsequently, information is shared with parents on a daily basis to ensure consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's practice promotes children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and enables them to take an active part in their daily life. The

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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 childminder's ratio positively supports children's care and development. She organises her time well, allowing children time for quiet and active play. Space, equipment and resources are satisfactorily organised and the environment is warm and welcoming to children. Most of the relevant paper work is in place and is easily accessibly. However, the children's attendance records are not kept up-to-date. Children are cared for because the childminder uses the information she holds effectively to promote their well-being. They receive good levels of individual attention and support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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): • obtain written permission for emergency treatment and first aid • ensure the kitchen is inaccessible to younger children • make sure the key for the balcony door and the intercom main door system is inaccessible to the children • provide a range of resources and play materials that promote race, religion, culture and to raise children's awareness about disability

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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 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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