Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307924 Inspection date 09 May 2006 Inspector Lorna Lorraine Hall

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and their three school age children in a two bedroom flat. The lounge of the childminder's house is used for childminding. Children do not have direct access to outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under 12 months. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 benefit from outdoor activities that promote their well-being. Constant attention to hygiene encourages the children to develop good hygiene practices and minimises the spread of infection. For example, surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray. Children's eating and sleeping routines mirrors their home routine. This ensures continuity of care. The childminder has first aid boxes to use indoors and outdoors. This safeguards the children's welfare. However, she has not completed a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children. This compromises the children's welfare. Some records are in place to ensure medical information meets requirements. However, there are no procedures in place to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. This would delay children receiving medical treatment in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's dietary needs are effectively met because the childminder works in partnership with their parents. Minded children are offered water throughout the session to ensure none remain thirsty.

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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 well organised environment. There is ample space for babies to crawl and learn to walk in a safe environment. The children have day long access to suitable and sufficient learning resources to promote their all round development. They have use of child size furniture suitable to promote their independence. For example, baby walker. Effective measures are in place to ensure children's safety in and outside the home. For example, parents give permission for the childminder to transport the minded children in her car. During discussion, the childminder identified areas that could be used in an emergency escape. Suitable fire fighting detection are installed. This safeguards the children's welfare. The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows who to contact to report concerns. This safeguards and promotes the

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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 satisfactory. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. They engage in play activities where they are able to use their senses to interpret their experiences. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and how children learn. She is in the very early stages of using the Birth to three matters framework to chart the children's progress and to ensure activities are appropriate to individual learning needs. Children benefit from outings to a local parent and toddler group which provides ample opportunities for them to interact with other children and enjoy play on a wider scale. The children relate positively with the childminder and through interaction, she ensures all the children enjoy learning through play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. They have ample opportunity to maximise their learning through play. Children learn about other cultures through discussions. The childminder has a positive attitude with regard to providing a service to children and families who have special educational needs. Children are well behaved because the childminder has a sound understanding of why children misbehave. Suitable and appropriate strategies are in place to manage young children's behaviour. Minded children respond positively to the childminder's appropriate use of praise and encouragement. The childminder enjoys a positive relationship with the parents of the minded children. Parents are asked to provide detailed information to ensure appropriate care. Time is made at the beginning or end of the day to discuss the children's progress with their parents. This means parents are able to chart and contribute to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their children's learning. Written agreement with parents is stored on a disc and was not available for inspection.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that enables them to engage in structured and free play every day. The childminder organises her day to ensure the minded child is well supported throughout the day. The childminder has not completed a local authority approved childminder's

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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 pre-registration course. She was unable to produce a copy of the National Standards and guidance for day care and childminding. As a consequence, some of her childminding practices are not consistent with the said National standards. This compromises the children's welfare. Records on the children are stored on a disc and were not available for inspection. This means there is insufficient evidence that records on the children meets regulations. However, the childminder stores basic information about the children and other members of their family in her mobile phone. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has 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 permission from parents to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • attend and complete a first aid course which includes training in first aid for infants and young children • develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework • complete a local authority approved childminder's pre-registration course

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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 • obtain a copy of the National standards and guidance for day care and childminding • ensure records are always available for inspection.

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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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