Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309358 Inspection date 15 August 2006 Inspector Donna Bonner

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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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2005. She lives with her husband in a ground floor one-bedroom flat in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole flat is used for childminding and includes a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed communal garden available for outside play. The childminder currently provides after school care for one child aged two and a half years and two children aged six years on a part time basis.

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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 childminder holds the NVQ level three qualification in early years child care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is inadequate. Children play in a clean and hygienic environment that encourages their good health. They benefit from regular fresh air in the garden when they plant flowers in containers. The childminder practises good hygiene and children benefit from toys that are clean and so prevent the spread of germs. Children's health is discussed and recorded but as the childminder is not first aid trained and emergency medical treatment is not requested, there is no evidence that children may be cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Children's individual food and rest routines are followed and this ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical well-being. Children are developing healthy eating habits as the childminder cooks nutritious meals such as lentil soups or pasta and always provides freshly made salads. Children are encouraged to drink water regularly and eat fresh fruit as snacks which also encourages their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children benefit from playing in a welcoming, spacious and organised environment where they move around and play with good quality equipment. Children play with a range of safe toys and resources that are appropriate for their age and conform to safety standards. All areas of the home are safe as the childminder limits risk ,for example, childproof locks are in place. Children also help to keep themselves safe when outside as they hold hands and do not run. Children's wellbeing is not fully protected as although the childminder has some understanding of child protection issues, written documentation is lacking. This means that the childminder is unable to refer such concerns in order to protect children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is inadequate. Children enjoy varied play opportunities. They choose from a range of activities such as drawing with coloured pencils, or dot to dot workbooks and this contributes to their creative development. Children try new experiences such as sand and play dough, but these opportunities are limited as these natural materials are in meagre amounts for children to fully experiment. Children lack challenge as equipment to support their play, such as spades or shape cutters are also in small amounts. Toys and equipment are presented with insufficient consideration to ensure children play comfortably and so encourage their all round development. In addition, the storage is not thoroughly organised to increase children's independence. Children visit the local

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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 library regularly but as one o'clock clubs and parks are visited infrequently, this limits their opportunities to develop their wider social skills and gain knowledge of their local area. Children are encouraged to play co-operatively as the childminder interacts with them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are supported in their play as the childminder engages positively with them. Children's efforts are praised by the childminder and she uses realistic methods to manage their behaviour. The childminder offers clear explanations or gently encourages an apology which encourages acceptable behaviour. Children benefit from speaking Spanish, their first language, whilst in the childminder's care and also have toys and books that reflect different backgrounds. The childminder understands the need to meet needs of children with special needs by working with parents and other professionals to maximise their enjoyment and potential. Children benefit from consistent care as the childminder discusses their individual needs with their parents and respects their wishes. Children's progress is discussed with their parent on collection which encourages parents to be involved in their child's care. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

welcomed into a friendly environment and this helps to build strong and trusting partnerships.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children benefit from childminder's knowledge but the lack of organised resources limits children's wider learning and play opportunities. Children are comfortable with the balanced routine that is planned to meet their needs. Parents are kept informed about the childminder's practice through discussion and this encourages their partnership. Parents also share information which offers continuity of care but the childminder does not request all documentation from them which takes into account children's individual needs. The childminder updates her knowledge by attending courses which help to support children's learning but she does not hold a first aid certificate. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • plan and provide a suitable range of activities and resources for children that are well organised and readily accessible to support children's play and learning • make arrangements to complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children and request parent consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • obtain and be familiar with child protection guidelines "What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary'. • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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