Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY283596 Inspection date 25 October 2005 Inspector Debra Davey

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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 2004. She lives with her daughter and her partner in a three bedroomed house near Shooters Hill. The whole ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding one under five during the day and four children over five after school. The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local playgroup, library and toy library. The family have one snake,

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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 kept in an aquarium in the living room. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about health and nutrition through daily good practice at the childminders house. For example, there are books available to help children learn about allergies and the childminder provides healthy meals and snacks. The children are able to discuss what keeps us healthy such as food and exercise. They learn good hygiene practice when washing their hands before meals and after playing in the garden. There are measures in place to ensure that children are kept healthy; the childminder is qualified in children's first aid. There are good systems to ensure that children are kept safe from cross infection such as regular cleaning of tables and equipment, as well as a sickness policy to exclude children who are ill. Every day, children have the opportunity to play outside in the garden or the park. They enjoy a variety of games and sports such as football and skipping which helps

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Helping children to be healthy

them to learn about balance and co-ordination. They become increasingly aware of what happens to our bodies when we are active, due to freely chosen outdoor activity such as the ball pool.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Effective risk assessments are undertaken and the childminder ensures that children are well supervised in the home and on outings. However, at the time of the inspection, there was no lock on the garden shed, meaning that younger children could access garden tools. The childminder responded well to discussion around this issue and has agreed to address. Children benefit from a range of stimulating, safe equipment that they are able to access easily. Children help to set out the activities and learn to be aware of their own safety; for example, they know there are rules, such as to stay close to the childminder when on outings. Equipment is checked regularly to ensure that it conforms to safety standards. The childminder has a good understanding of issues relating to child protection and know what to do if she suspects a child is at risk. This ensures that children are kept safe from harm or abuse. Child protection procedures are shared with parents

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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 are able to freely select from a comprehensive range of art and craft activities, reading, or outdoor games. Older children are able to sit quietly and do their homework together if they wish. This helps them to develop independence and learn to co-operate with one another. The childminder is not currently using birth to three matters, as she is caring for children over three years of age. Children concentrate well on activities of their choosing; they learn to share and take turns and enjoy each others company. Well planned art and crafts ensure that children are able to enjoy a good range of interesting activities such as painting, drawing or making collage using materials they have made. Children produce good examples of work to take home; this enables them to feel proud of their achievements. There are regular visits to the library, where children are able to choose books of their own interests. The range of good quality toys available to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

support role play helps children to develop self-awareness and creativity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children get to know each other well and useful information is obtained from parents to enable the childminder to provide for children's individual needs. The childminder provides some equipment that reflects areas of equality but this needs to be extended in the setting. Discussions are followed on from school that reflect a range of cultural backgrounds to help children learn about the wider world. The childminder has experience of working with children with special needs and has attended training in this area. Children respond well to the sensitive support of the childminder and their behaviour is good. She provides a positive role model for the children, explaining rules to them when needed, and adapting activities to cater for the different ages of children attending. Older children are given the opportunity to organise some activities which helps them to take responsibility and develop their self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. Adults in the household have undergone appropriate checks. Parents are given a clear induction process to ensure that they are aware of policies and procedures. The childminder works well to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for the children. Organisation is supported by clear and detailed documentation which is organised in the childminder's file. The information covers all current legislation such as health and safety and equalities issues. This helps to ensure that the childminder is able to meet the requirements of the National Standards for Childminding.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Complaints 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 then those made to Ofsted. There are no complaints to report.

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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): • make use of a framework such as birth to three matters to enhance the care of babies. • make garden tools inaccessible to the children • increase the range of toys and materials to positively reflect areas of equality.

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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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