Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY286180 Inspection date 21 November 2005 Inspector Alison Joan Wadley

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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 lives close to Charlton train station. There are a selection of parks close by one of which is accessed through the childminders garden. She lives in a three bedroom house with three teenage children and her partner. The property has a garden which is not currently used. She is registered for three children under 8 years old of whom two can be under 5 and one aged under a year. The childminder is a member of the local childminder Network Group and attends this and other playgroup sessions regularly.

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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's good heath is promoted by the provision of a clean and well maintained environment. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure good hygiene standards when preparing foods, for example and by making sure work surfaces and areas which the children use for playing are clean. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent infection in this way and has policies to uphold her good practice. Children benefit from regular outdoor play and fresh air which is incorporated into the childminders routine. They are well cared for when they are ill and the childminder maintains full communication with parents to ensure children's good health and care. She has a full first aid certificate, consent for emergency treatment and has made good provision for the children in case of her own illness. Children benefit from a healthy diet which includes regular drinks, fruit and vegetables and often share family meals which are well balanced and nutritious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs including religious and dietary differences are well catered for, recorded and supported through regular communication with the children's parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being in a safe and secure environment which is welcoming and uncluttered, leaving good space for the children to play safely. The childminder knows how to keep children safe, for example by providing well organised trips to the local park whilst the garden is undergoing refurbishment. The children benefit from a routine which is well thought out, using equipment and toys which are safe, clean and well maintained. They make worthwhile choices in an environment which is free from hazards and are able to move around the ground floor freely as a result. The childminder further ensures children's safety by providing fire hazard equipment and by talking to the children, for example, about the noise the smoke alarm makes if there is a fire. Children's accidents are recorded appropriately and shared with parents when they happen. The childminder has a good general knowledge of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection procedures but is unsure of local area guidelines in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual ability and learning is well catered for and the children are able to extend their interests in the stimulating environment provided by the childminder.

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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 For example, the childminder gets to know the children well by listening and communicating at their level. She knows their favourite toys and extends learning by encouraging projects such as scrapbooks and photographic records. Children benefit from being able to choose from a variety of toys which are appropriate to their age and stage of development and regular visits to local network childminding groups helps them to socialise with other children in a new environment. Children's progress is further supported by good communication levels between the childminder and children's parents so that the routine is familiar and care consistent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play in an inclusive environment where they are able to gain a positive view of the world and of peoples differences. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of discrimination issues. The children benefit from being able to play with a good selection of resources such as books which reflect different cultures and small world people with disabilities which help their understanding in this area. The childminder knows the children well through constant communication with them and their parents. As a result children's individual needs and personalities are well catered for and their care is consistent between home and the childminders. Behaviour is well managed, for example, through praise and encouragement and the children confident in the environment as a result.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is an experienced mother and seeks appropriate training to ensure her knowledge is up to date, for example, through attending local childminder network groups. Children's time spent with the childminder is enhanced by the well organised and clear daily routine which is shared with the parents. Space and resources are well set out to meet children's individual needs and are further supported by visits to local playgroups and nearby parkland. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of, and uses appropriate documentation to ensure the welfare, care and learning of children attending. For example, she keeps an up to date register and has consent from parents where necessary. She has formulated many of her own policies to further safeguard the children in her care and communicates her ideas to children's parents. Overall the provision 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 are no complaints to report. 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): • seek further information on the local area guidelines for child protection.

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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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