Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292279 Inspection date 29 June 2005 Inspector Lara Hickson

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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 outstanding. 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 with her two daughters aged fourteen and nine years in a two bedroomed terraced house in Erith, close to local amenities including schools, parks, shops and public transport. The whole house is suitable to be used for childminding purposes although the childminder generally uses the ground floor. There is a downstairs bathroom and an enclosed garden for outside play. There is off-road parking to the rear of the property for the safe arrival and collection of children.

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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 The family have a cat. The childminder holds an N.N.E.B qualification in childcare and has experience of working in a day nursery and as a nanny. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid qualification which includes training in first aid for babies and young children. She is a network childminder. The childminder has been registered since August 2004 and is able to care for up to 5 children under the age of 8 years, only 3 of whom may be under 5 years and is currently caring for three children on a full-time and part-time basis. Overnight care is not included in the registration.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a broad range of appropriate activities which contribute to their general good health, growth and development. They are able to play with resources that are clean, safe and in excellent condition as a result of the childminder's regular checks regarding safety and cleanliness. Children benefit from the effective cleaning and hygiene routines in place to prevent the spread of infection and the positive steps taken by the childminder to protect their health. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained home where they learn about the importance of appropriate hygiene procedures and develop self help skills from an early age e.g. finding their own tissues, wiping their own noses and discarding their dirty tissues in the rubbish bin to avoid the spread of infection. The childminder effectively promotes healthy eating and encourages the children to

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Helping children to be healthy

develop their understanding by providing a range of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder works in partnership with parents ensuring children's individual dietary needs are met. Children have an excellent understanding of what foods are good for them because the childminder talks about the importance of eating a healthy diet. Children have daily access to physical activities which support and encourage them to develop control of their bodies and practice a range of physical skills. Children benefit from the clear, comprehensive records and appropriate procedures in place regarding accidents, first aid and the administration of medication. Sick children benefit from the childminder's warm, caring and committed approach. The childminder holds a valid paediatric first aid qualification and is able to provide appropriate care to children if they become unwell or have an accident in her care.

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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 Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment where risks have been identified and minimised by the childminder, ensuring that their safety is fully promoted. During play activities the childminder closely supervises the children whilst allowing them to develop their independence. An extensive range of toys and activities suitable for the children's ages and stages of development can be safely and independently selected. Children benefit from the childminder's regular checks on the toys and equipment with regards to safety and cleanliness. All toys, resources and equipment are kept safe, clean and in good condition due to these checks and the childminder's understanding of age appropriate activities.. Children's awareness of safety is well developed. The childminder uses simple

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

explanations to encourage the children to move around the home setting safely and to show an awareness of others. They are learning the importance of simple rules and boundaries to help keep them safe e.g. not throwing toys and tidying up resources once they have completed an activity. They are protected in the sun and wear sun hats willingly, understanding the safety implications and consequences of the heat. Children learn about fire safety and opportunities are provided for them to practice emergency evacuation procedures Children are protected from harm by the childminder's clear understanding of child protection procedures and keeping up to date information and documentation. A Child Protection Policy is available for parents to read and to understand the childminder's responsibilities with regards to recording and reporting any signs of abuse or neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has created a relaxed home environment enabling children to be happy and settled. They are able to play and learn independently. The children are able to approach the childminder with ease and confidence and she is aware of their individual needs and stages of development. The children benefit from the close relationships that have been formed with the childminder and the individual attention and support they receive. The childminder encourages the children to acquire new knowledge and skills and develops their independence through simple challenges e.g. using the bathroom unaided. Children have the opportunity to self select toys from the extensive range available and their play is supported and extended by the childminder. The children relate well to each other and are encouraged to share and take turns. The children benefit from the childminder playing and interacting with them, supporting their learning and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encouraging their language and communication skills. Children enjoy playing with a sorting set with her and she uses the opportunity to develop their understanding and concept of number, colour, shape and development of vocabulary e.g. by asking children to identify the objects and colours. Children have the opportunity to play with an extensive range of imaginative resources which the childminder supports and extends. All of the children enjoyed

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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 playing with the pretend food and they made up stories about going to school and needing a packed lunch and going to France on a train. Children are taken on outings in the local community and their social skills are encouraged during trips to music groups, toddler groups and playing together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from being treated as individuals by the childminder who knows their unique personalities and stages of development extremely well. Excellent systems are in place for exchanging and sharing information with parents, keeping them up-to-date on their child's progress and development. An highly effective settling in procedure ensures that the children are familiar and happy within the childminding setting, giving opportunities for the children, their parents and the childminder to get to know each other. This ensures consistent care is provided and encourages the development of close relationships with parents. Children are very well behaved, they are busy enjoying the activities offered and their good behaviour is supported and valued by the childminder. The childminder has appropriate yet realistic expectations of children's behaviour and sets clear consistent

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Helping children make a positive contribution

boundaries to enable children to become familiar with the house rules. She encourages positive discipline as an effective way of setting limits for children. The childminder demonstrated a positive yet realistic approach to minding a child with special needs and explained that she would assess the level of care and support required. It was evident during the inspection that the childminder ensures that all children are fully included in the life of the setting and any additional needs are supported appropriately. Children have access to a wide range of toys and activities reflecting positive images of race, culture, gender and disability promoting their awareness of diversity within the community.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the childminder's excellent organisation. All required documentation which contributes to children's safety, health and general well being is in place. The well organised home setting enables children to develop their independence, move freely and self select age appropriate toys and activities from the broad range available. The childminder demonstrates an organised, professional approach to maintaining good quality records. All documentation sampled was appropriately recorded, shared with parents and securely stored. The childminder has regular routines in place which help children to feel confident, settled and cared for in a safe, stimulating and loving

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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 environment. In addition to the required documents the childminder also has an extensive portfolio containing written policies and procedures including settling in, sickness, child protection and behaviour management. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she cares.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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