Childminder in BromleyOfsted inspection, 20 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 159385 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Anne Coffey

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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 has been registered to provide care since May 2001. She lives with her two sons, who are aged fifteen and seventeen years old. They live in a second floor maisonette in Anerley, in the London borough of Bromley. All of the downstairs of the home and the upstairs bathroom and childminder's own bedroom are used for childminding purposes. There is no direct access to an outdoor area. The family have one pet cat. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 in childcare

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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 and education and has previously worked in a variety of daycare settings. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years. She is currently caring for one child on a full-time basis and one child on a temporary contract.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which contribute to their good health. They regularly uses swings and climbing apparatus at the local parks and visit indoor and outdoor play centres where they get plenty of robust physical exercise. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn the importance of healthy lifestyles and personal care. The childminder herself demonstrates good hygiene awareness and her practice helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs.

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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 generally safe home where most risks are identified and minimised. Where hazards are identified the childminder is keen to address these to promote children's safety. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring that children are well supervised when on outings. They learn how to keep themselves safe for example by explanation of how and why they need to use swings and climbing apparatus properly and how to cross the road safely. Children independently select activities from a range of suitable toys and materials. Equipment is kept clean and in a good state of repair and regularly checked for safety. The childminder has required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. Written procedures about child protection and collection of children are shared and discussed with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They relate well to the childminder and each other. They join in enthusiastically with action rhymes and games. Young children are introduced to early number and colour recognition. They use books, toys and equipment purposefully. Children enjoy a wide variety of outings outside the home. They use the library,

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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 parks, toddler groups and one o'clock clubs. The childminder plans these outings well and uses them as effective opportunities to help children's learning. For example, an outing to the library, is planned so that children can borrow books about a subject which has caught their interest and an outing or game is combined with learning about the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about the local and wider community through daily walks in the immediate neighbourhood and regular use of community facilities such as libraries and toddler groups. They mix with a wide variety of people from different cultural backgrounds and learn to value diversity and respect others. Parent's views are sought and the childminder works closely with them to provide a service that matches their expectations. There is very good sharing of information with parents by use of individual daily diaries which the childminder records on each child. The childminder cares for children with a range of different needs and abilities. Children behave well and play together harmoniously. They have clear boundaries that they understand. The childminder uses age-appropriate strategies to deal with negative behaviour. Children's self-esteem is raised by good use of praise and

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. The childminder works closely with parents to provide a service that effectively meets the children's needs. The childminder holds a level 2 childcare qualification and is proactive in attending ongoing training and workshops which help to underpin her childminding practice. She understands and generally complies with regulatory requirements, although some required details relating to a child being cared for on a temporary contract are not held. Where weaknesses in the system are identified she is keen to address these in order to ensure that the service reflects best practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: ensure that a first aid kit is available and complete a first aid course; ensure that persons over the age of 16 years living in the household are subject to required checks; ensure that required policies and procedures are in place and that children's hours and days of attendance are recorded. The childminder has completed a first aid course and a first aid kit is available. All persons over the age of 16 years have been notified to Ofsted and checks are being processed. Required policies and procedures are in place. A record of children's

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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 hours and days of attendance is maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been two complaints relating to Standards 1, 6 and 11 concerning alleged smoking on the premises, supervision of children and behaviour management. An inspector made an unannounced visit on both occasions. No evidence was found of a breach of the National Standards. The provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure children are kept safe whilst using the toilet and bathroom (locks) • ensure that all required records are in place (children's details)

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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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