Childminder, Out-of school day care in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316778 Inspection date 13 July 2006 Inspector Kay Bateson

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and young son age 19 months, in a flat in the residential area of Bellingham. The home is within walking distance of local shops, schools, parks, and transport links. The minded children have access to the whole of the property. The living room is used as the main playroom and sleeping provision is provided in the childminder's bedroom. The childminder takes children out daily for additional physical play, to explore the

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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 local community and walks to collect older children from school. She takes young children to toddler groups and regularly uses the local library. She uses her car for minding purposes. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Lewisham childminding network. She attends workshops and trainings organised by them. The childminder is currently registered for three children under eight years at any one time and currently has two part-time children under eight years on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are learning about the importance of good hygiene practices and personal care, through their daily routines. The childminder models very good procedures when caring for young children, as seen during nappy changing, before and after meals. Babies demonstrate a growing awareness of following these procedures as join in with cleaning their teeth or handling wipes. This heightens the children’s awareness of the importance of good practice and keeping themselves free from infection. Children and babies have very good support and provision for their physical development. The childminder fully supports their individual needs for rest and active play. They have regular naps and can play indoors in sufficient space to master the growing skills of walking, bending, rolling and tumbling. The childminder takes them on daily walks in the fresh air when collecting children from school. She takes them to

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Helping children to be healthy

local play facilities or parks to run, play ball and use large play equipment. Young children are confident when selecting, handling and manipulating toys with their hands. They are learning about their bodies as they identify different parts and watch with fascination how they work. This is apparent when babies watch toes wiggling, touch them and try to copy. Children receive a choice of freshly prepared snacks and meals, planned in accordance to the wishes of the parents. The childminder pays particular attention to include healthy options for children to choose from, which support their dietary needs. She ensures they have sufficient drinks throughout the day to satisfy their thirst. Young children acquire new tastes and are encouraged to develop good eating habits, as they sit together eating. The childminder correctly warms and prepares the food and drink provided by the parents for babies. This complies with the baby’s

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Helping children to be healthy

individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing freely in a safe, pleasant, bright and welcoming home. 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 childminder pays good attention to protecting children from possible hazards or risks indoors and when on outings. She reminds older children of important safety messages when walking home from school and when playing in the park. She fully supervises children at all times, especially when they are playing, toddling in and out rooms and asleep. She is very vigilant with babies and young children. She is quick to distract them from throwing toys. She puts a hand out to stop them falling back when babies bump down on their bottoms near to hard surfaces and removes toys from the floor to ensure clear pathways. Therefore, the children are learning about keeping themselves safe and the importance of reducing accidents when playing. Children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder good

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect; also who to contact for advice. Children are learning about keeping safe when out as they wear restraints in car seats or buggies; hold hands and are reminded not to wander far. She has secure systems in place to record accidents and has all the necessary parental agreements in place. The latch on the flat door is within the reach of older children. The childminder is receptive to upgrading the safety of children, ensuring they are unable to leave the flat unsupervised.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident, curious and become involved when playing with the good selection of toys provided by the childminder. They are able to make choices, select toys themselves and are learning to play harmoniously together. This is apparent when children play with toy phones, use the ride on truck, and manipulate buttons on interactive toys. They receive equal attention from the childminder who interacts with them very well. She actively joins in their play ideas and responds to the actions of babies. She reinforces their emerging talk by naming objects, describing what they are doing, singing nursery rhymes and songs with them. This encourages and develops the early conversation of children. Children’s newly acquired skills are encouraged and supported by the childminder. She skilfully uses a pull along toy to encourage a toddling infant to follow her to change his nappy. She acknowledges and celebrates achievements as children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

manage new skills. This is clear when young children climb on and off the ride on toy, find the dog on the poster and put the bowl back onto the changing unit. She encourages young children when they explore new ideas, for example looking through their legs upside down and wanting to clean their own teeth. This supports their emerging self-help and independence skills. Older children benefit from the opportunities provided to support their learning and achievement. The childminder organises time to reinforce what the child has been learning at school. She organises trips to the local library to choose books to share in order to help and encourage reading skills. She has numerous posters around the room that provide information to children and provides suitable activities or games that interest and provide challenges for them. Therefore, the childminder supports the individual learning needs of the children.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder’s home. They are very happy, settled and at home as they play. They are making firm relationships with the childminder and family members. This is apparent in the warm, mutual affection observed as the childminder talks to them while preparing their snack, playing, changing nappies and speaking gentle reassuring words when they wake up. This ensures children feel valued and emotionally secure while away from their parents. The children are discovering and developing a positive understanding about their diverse community they live in. This is through the childminder providing toys, books, pictures, and dressing up clothes that reflect different cultures and backgrounds of people. Children with special needs make good progress as the childminder supports their individual needs. They are making good progress and their self-esteem is boosted by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the overall approach and strategies used. The childminder works closely with the parents and the school staff. This ensures a consistent approach and the maintenance of good communication links. Children behave well as they are cared for in a calm, pleasant and child organised environment. They receive consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder that encourages them to learn about good social skills. This is clear when both young children want to ride on the truck at the same time. The childminder skilfully introduces the idea of taking turns to ride or push. This helps with their growing understanding of sharing and knowing right from wrong. The parents of the current children attending are extremely happy with the quality of care provided. They have built good working relationships with the childminder, who keeps them well informed through her clear organised portfolio and contractual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

agreements in place. She verbally shares daily information about the child’s day and discusses any concerns as they arise. This ensures children are well looked after according to their wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children play in a well organised setting, where they are able to access age appropriate toys easily and independently with sufficient space for active and quiet play. The childminder organises the day around the varying needs and ages of the children. She includes daily outings to local places with the children to broaden their experiences. The television is on in the background whilst children play with their selected toys. This impacts on occasions on the concentration span of the children and does not sufficiently add to children's experiences and learning. The childminder is currently reviewing its use. The childminder manages the numbers of minded children alongside those of her

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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 family members well, giving equal attention to the different ages and needs. She keeps accurate records and agreements with parents. She is aware of the importance of keeping documentation and training up to date. She has secure systems in place to record accidents, medication and the attendance of the minded children. The certificate of registration is filed away rather than on display, so that the registered numbers are not clearly on display for parents to see. This is being addressed by the childminder. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children of whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have 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 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): • display the certificate of registration during the hours of childminding • reflect on the organisation of television viewing times in order that they support the age, learning and development of young children.

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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:

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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 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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