Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY318373 Inspection date 26 June 2006 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since March 2006. She lives with her three children aged 16, 12 and 10 years. They live in a house in Bellingham, Catford. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding and a bedroom upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for one child on a part-time basis.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from illness and infection through effective procedures that work well in practice, however parents have not yet given written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical assistance. This means parental wishes are not known. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine such as washing their hands before mealtimes. They have use of personal towels reducing the risk of cross contamination. Children benefit from nutritious meals that ensure their individual dietary needs are met as the childminder takes account of the children's likes and dislikes as well as any special dietary requirement. She ensures any food provided by the parents is given to the children and they are informed of how much was eaten. Healthy living is encouraged because the childminder provides healthy snacks such as fruit and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

cheese. Children take part in in a range of activities both indoors and outdoors that contribute to their health and physical development such as attending local toddler groups; visiting physical play centres and the local park. Children's health is well supported as the childminder gives high priority to children's well-being by building secure relationships and taking detailed information about the child's individual needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely and safely around the home and garden because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them. The home is organised to make it welcoming to children with resources stored at a low level to enable easy access. She is aware of potential risks in her home and has put effective measures in place. For example, stair gates and a fire blanket. This ensures that hazards are minimised to keep children safe. She puts high priority on children's safety and supervises them at all times. She helps them to understand road safety when on outings. Children are well protected because the childminder recognises her responsibility towards the children in her care and understands the child protection procedures she must follow if concerned about a child's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled and make themselves at home within the

p.3

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 comfortable setting. The children relate well to the childminder because she joins in with their play and knows them well. Children experience a wide range of activities inside and outside the home. The children enjoy small world play, manipulating play dough and singing action rhymes. This contributes well to their development. The childminder regularly takes the children out to local parks, physical play centres and toddler groups. Children also have direct access to the garden, which promotes their physical development and enjoyment of the outdoors. There is a consistent routine which helps children to feel secure. The childminder encourages the children to express their thoughts through good questioning and supportive interaction. This encourages the use of language and fosters children's

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

self-esteem. Children are learning to be independent when they access resources for themselves and make choices in their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with the parents. Good settling in procedures and detailed records of children's individual needs ensure they settle well into the childminder's home. There is a verbal agreement for the childminder to transport the children in her car, this is not in writing so it is not clear. The use of home visits allow good opportunities for the parents and childminder to begin to work together and share information. The relaxed introduction helps children to begin to trust the childminder and has a positive impact on their development and learning. Children's self-esteem and confidence is supported through the positive, gentle and supportive interaction of the childminder. The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, which takes into account their age and stage of development. Her realistic expectations help children to behave well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides activities and play resources that help children to value differences and appreciate the world around them. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is conscientious and has a satisfactory understanding of the National Standards. She is well organised, however, the complaints procedure is not yet in line with current legislation. There are good verbal and written agreements with parents, however not all parental consents have been agreed in writing which means they are not clear. All required records are maintained including the attendance record, although this lacks detail. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised child orientated environment which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's play

p.4

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 opportunities are maximised because of the skills of the childminder who ensures she understands the children's interests and abilities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care and learning. The childminder is attending training to ensure her service is up-to-date. She has not yet completed a first aid course but is booked onto the next available course. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to Ofsted to report. 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 all written parental consents are in place • improve the complaints procedure to bring it in line with current legislation. • improve the attendance record to include children's times of arrival and departure.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5