Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319695 Inspection date 29 August 2006 Inspector Christine Lynne Hodge

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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 2006. She lives with her 19 month old daughter in a semi detached house in Plumstead SE18 in the Borough of Greenwich. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The childminder may care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. She is currently minding a two year old child on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are cared for in a clean, homely environment where the childminder has very effective procedures in place to promote children's health, for example, children are learning good personal hygiene by being encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and brushing their teeth after lunch. Children who are unwell are required to stay at home in order to prevent cross infection. Regular play in the well equipped garden and trips to the local swing park provide children with lots of fresh air and exercise helping to promote their physical development. Children can rest during the day according to their individual needs. Children are protected as the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures for recording accidents and medication and has obtained written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical treatment/advice. Appropriate treatment and care will be given to children in the event of an accident occurring as the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder has completed first aid training and has an accessible, fully stocked first aid box. Children benefit from the childminder's good awareness of healthy eating. Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks and freshly cooked meals which include lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and yoghurts. The childminder talks to parents about children's likes, dislikes, allergies and special dietary requirements and keeps them informed of any new foods she introduces to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can play and relax in a safe, secure home setting where they can move around freely and confidently. The spacious play room and lounge provides children with a welcoming child friendly environment. Play resources and equipment which are in good condition are stored at low level so that children can access them easily and make independent choices. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety and ensures that risks are minimised, for example, safety gates, socket covers, radiator covers and smoke detectors keep children safe. The fully enclosed garden has a safety surface under the slide and swing to prevent children from hurting themselves. Children's safety and well being is assured as necessary checks have been completed and the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of child protection. She would be able to recognise possible signs of abuse and is very clear

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about her role and responsibility for recording and reporting any concerns.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and very much at home with the childminder and her family. Although the childminder has not yet begun using the Birth to three matters framework she organises a good range of activities throughout the day which promote children's learning, development and enjoyment. These include messy activities such as, sand and water play and painting. Children move confidently around the setting, choosing what they want to play with from a good range of play resources which promote all areas of their development. Play provision includes a wide range of resources for imaginary play, various building bricks and puzzles for construction, musical instruments and art and craft materials for creative play, V Tech and Leap Frog educational toys and an excellent range of books. The well equipped

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

garden provides good opportunities for physical play. Children enjoy running around in the fresh air and riding in the Little Tykes car, climbing up the slide and riding on the swing. Children also benefit from meeting up with friends and regular outings to the library, swing park, ball pool and farms where they can learn about the wider world and socialise with other children. Children enjoy a close and affectionate relationship with the childminder, for example, when waking from a morning nap children like to sit on her lap for a cuddle until they are fully awake. They enjoy her company as she joins in their play, building bricks, drawing round their hands and pretending to cook dinner for her whilst playing in the play kitchen. Out in the garden children have great fun with lots of laughter as she pushes them on the swing. The childminder continually talks to children to extend their language development and uses activities to help younger children learn their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder who takes time to talk to parents at the initial meeting about the family background, children's routines, language, culture and special needs. Children learn to value and respect diversity and special needs through play resources such as dolls, small world play people, puzzles, play kitchen utensils and books which promote positive images of other cultures and disabilities. The childminder uses lot of praise and encouragement to reinforce positive behaviour and to promote children's self-esteem. As a result, children are happy, confident and well behaved. Children benefit greatly from the strong links with parents and the information shared. Contracts, child record forms and consent forms are completed ensuring that the childminder and parents work in partnership to meet the needs of the children.

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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 Children benefit greatly from the childminder's extensive childcare knowledge and experience. She is a qualified nursery nurse and is keen to continue to up-date her childcare practice by attending further training. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and of the National Standards in order to promote the health, safety and well being of children. Children receive lots of attention and good support. They enjoy their time with the childminder because the days are well planned with time to play, rest and eat according to the individual needs. The childminder's home and play resources are well organised so that children can play safely and make independent choices. All necessary documentation is in place and is well maintained. The attendance

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Organisation

register is completed as children arrive and depart. Medication and accident records are completed appropriately and signed by parents. The childminder does not have any written policies and procedures which promote her childminding practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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): • become familiar with the birth to three matters framework

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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 • develop a set of written polices and procedures promoting your childminding practice

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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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