Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316866 Inspection date 15 June 2006 Inspector Sarah Morfett

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged 15, 12, and four in Bexley, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child full time and one child after school. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog and a

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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 hamster.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their health and well-being. Each day there are physical activities which help them to develop control of their bodies; for example, outings in the buggy, walking the dog and playing games such as "Row Row the Boat" help the children to be active and get regular exercise. Trips to the local park mean that children have opportunities to develop their large physical skills whilst playing on the large apparatus like the swing. Children enjoy regular exercise. Children are gaining a sound understanding of hygiene practices. The childminder takes time to talk to them, in language they can understand, about why they wash their hands after touching the dog and before eating. Younger children show an awareness of themselves; for example, the child is tired and snuggles in for a cuddle while she has a bottle. There are systems in place to record accidents and

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Helping children to be healthy

medication. However, there is no written permission from parents to administer medicine. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder involves them in their food choices. They can choose from a healthy selection of snacks, such as fresh fruit. They are provided with nutritious lunches as the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. All children's dietary requirements are recorded and their likes and dislikes are taken into consideration. Drinks are readily available and children can help themselves when they need to. Children's dietary needs are considered.

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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 warm and welcoming environment where risks have been identified and minimised. This enables the children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children make independent choices from a range of stimulating activities which are displayed invitingly at their level and can be easily accessed. All the toys are cleaned regularly and checked to ensure there are no broken pieces. Children benefit from the good condition of all resources. Children's safety in the home is promoted. There are systems in place to protect the children; for example, kitchen cupboards are fitted with locks, there is a smoke alarm in place and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Children learn about road safety, they are encouraged to hold hands when out. The childminder talks to children about how to keep themselves safe in the park as she teaches them to hold onto the equipment

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safely and she tells them they mustn't talk to strangers. Children begin to learn about protecting themselves.

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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 The childminder has some of the documentation in place to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, she has a register and a book to record accidents. However, there are no written permissions from the parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment, to transport children and to take children on outings. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and she understands the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. Children play in a safe and secure environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled at the childminder's house and they appear confident with the childminder. Toys and resources, such as bricks, dolls and the role play equipment, are readily available and children enjoy choosing from a stimulating range of experiences which are displayed invitingly for them. These suit the children's needs and cover the areas of development. Children learn from the good range of resources. Children enjoy well thought out activities. The childminder provides opportunities for the children to learn new skills, such as developing hand-eye co-ordination by passing cards from one hand to the other. The children can access toys and resources which provide balance and challenge because the childminder plans the children's activities each week; therefore, children's interest is maintained. Children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities are developed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a close relationship with the childminder, she listens and responds to them and communication is good. Therefore, she is helping them to become skilful communicators. Children are able to learn social skills, such as sharing and building relationships as they socialise with the childminder and her older children. Children thrive within the warm relationships.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a positive view of the wider world around them. They are able to play with a range of activities which increase their awareness of diversity, such as small play people and books which reflect faces from different cultures. Activities provided are age appropriate and are anti-discriminatory. Children are able to explore within the close relationship that is developed with the childminder, this leads to the growth of self assurance and promotes a sense of belonging. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards behaviour management. Strategies used are adapted for the ages of children attending. Children feel acknowledged as important individuals because the childminder gives attention for positive behaviour and ignores unwanted behaviour. Therefore, children behave well and make the most of their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 valued as individuals. Their needs are met as their normal daily routine is shared verbally each day with parents. The childminder makes sure that the parents are well informed of the care their children receive when they first start. The childminder takes time to talk to them and make them feel confident. Children are very happy with the childminder and make good progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children appear at home and at ease in the adequately organised environment. They receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Children's welfare and care is suitably promoted as the childminder discusses regularly with parents the care she provides for their children. Well thought-out planning contributes to sound experiences for children. Children make steady progress in all areas of development. Most of the documentation is maintained to a suitable standard. However, the childminder does not have public liability insurance at present. The childminder has a positive attitude to keeping her knowledge of children's development up-to-date. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children for whom it 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 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written permission from parents to administer medication. • Obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment, to transport children and to take children on outings. • ensure that there is current public liability in place at all times.

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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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