Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY283497 Inspection date 16 December 2005 Inspector Mandy Mooney

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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 has been registered since March 2004. She lives with her husband and 2 daughters aged 3 years and 6 years in a 3 bedroom house in Erith. The property is within walking distance of several parks, pre-schools, toddler groups and other local amenities and has good transport links. Minded children have use of the ground floor of the house and have supervised access to use the toilet on the first floor and for sleeping purposes. There is a secure, enclosed garden for outside play. There is currently 1 child aged 1 year on roll, who is cared for on a full-time basis. The childminder provides a drop off and collection

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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 service for Colyer's Lane primary school. The family have 2 cats and goldfish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well planned daily routines. They know for example, that they should wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children's health is well promoted as the childminder has developed clear and effective written procedures to help prevent the spread of infection. For example, there is a sick child policy, which is discussed and agreed with parents and actively implemented in the service. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are offered drinks throughout the day and each child has their own individual cup, to encourage independence. They enjoy a balanced and well presented diet, which complies with the wishes of parents and likes and dislikes of the child. This ensures the children remain healthy. Children have many opportunities to take part in a variety of well planned physical activities. For example, there is regular use of the garden, which is supported by

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Helping children to be healthy

appropriate equipment and trips to the park to play football and to collect leaves. This ensures they get plenty of fresh air and helps them learn the importance of regular exercise to keep themselves healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has created a bright and welcoming lounge room, which enables the children to feel happy and settled within the environment. Children use a range of safe, good quality and developmentally appropriate resources. These are well organised at the child's level to enable children to access them independently and safely and to develop a greater sense of responsibility in regards to tidying up and putting things away. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well maintained and organised premises which has good safety precautions, such as safety gates in appropriate places. The childminder has developed a very clear written procedure to follow in the event of an emergency in the home, which is regularly practiced with the children and discussed with parents. This is further enhanced as older children know how to make an emergency telephone call if necessary. Good safety precautions are implemented

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

when the children are taken out. Children learn to keep themselves safe whilst outdoors through the childminder reinforcing effective safety measures to educate them, for example, how to cross the road safely. Children are well protected. The childminder has developed a very clear written

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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 policy on child protection, which is shared with parents. She is confident in her ability to follow current guidelines in regards to protecting children from harm or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at a local toddler group. Children become independent as they choose between a wide variety of toys, books and activities, which appeal to all. The childminder provides a good variety of experiences based on the individual likes and interests of the children attending. She is aware of the Birth to Three Matters framework for the younger children, however, this is not fully used as yet and consequently the benefits for children are not completely apparent. Children spend their time purposefully. Older children enjoy taking part in a variety of creative activities and also relaxing after school. Children enjoy the close interaction with the childminder. Caring relationships help younger children feel secure in the environment and the childminder responds to children's needs. She sits with the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

younger children on the floor, fully involved in their play experiences and encouraging the children to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued as the childminder acknowledges each child's individual contribution to the setting. Activities and experiences are based on each child's interests and likes. The resources to support children's play include a sufficient range to promote a positive image of people in the community, for example, multi cultural dolls, books and small world figures. Although children have the opportunity to socialise with different children, both at the childminder's home and through regular attendance at a local toddler group, the range of activities to develop their awareness of themselves and others are few. The childminder has not cared for a child with additional needs, however, she demonstrates a positive and realistic approach to meeting the needs of all children. Children behave well because they know the rules and boundaries in place and because the childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

all children. Positive strategies, such as, explaining why the behaviour is unacceptable and trying to help the children realise how their behaviour effects others, contributes to the children gaining a greater understanding of their actions. Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The shared information allows the childminder to provide care, which meets the children’s individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a skilled childminder who is committed to continuous improvement and development in her service. She keeps herself up-to-date with changes in childcare through reading relevant information on the Ofsted website and through her links with the childminding network. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. All required documentation, including written policies and procedures, which contribute to children’s health, safety and wellbeing are in place and are regularly reviewed. Accurate recording of children's attendance ensures the conditions of registration are maintained at all times. 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 the last inspection. 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three years by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters • further develop the range of activities to help children learn about themselves and others in the community

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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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