Cottrell, Alicia

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307245 Inspection date 26 June 2006 Inspector Elizabeth Anne Coffey

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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 to care for children since August 2005. She lives with her husband and five year old daughter. They live in a three bed roomed house in Catford, in the London Borough of Lewisham. All of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom and middle bedroom are used for childminding purposes. Children have use of a secure back garden, which they access via the kitchen. The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently minding two children, one on a full time and the other 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are learning to develop good control of their bodies through activities both in the home and at local community settings. Children make good use of the garden where they can enjoy fresh air and exercise. They climb, slide and learn to peddle and manoeuvre wheeled toys. Babies and young children have good opportunities to practise their crawling and walking skills and are helped to develop good muscle control and coordination. Children have fun while keeping fit, for example joining in a charity fundraising event where they raised sponsorship by completing the "Big Toddle". Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Their individual toileting and nappy changing needs are well met by the childminder who demonstrates an awareness of, and commitment to, preventing cross-infection. For example she uses separate

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Helping children to be healthy

wipe-clean changing mats for each baby and provides children with their own individual wash bags complete with toothbrush and flannel. Babies and young children are able to sleep comfortably, in one of two travel cots, at times that meet their needs. Children enjoy a healthy nutritious diet and menus are planned to provide a balanced intake. The childminder encourages the children to develop good eating habits, for example eating fresh fruit and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. Children eat at the dining table and two highchairs are available for use by younger children. The childminder has appropriate record keeping systems in place for the recording of accidents and medication. Parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment is held. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder identifies and minimises risks in the home. She carries out regular risk assessments as well as daily inspections of all equipment and toys used by the children. She reviews her practice and adapts the activities and equipment depending on the age and ability of the children she is minding and the areas of the home that she is using. Required fire protection equipment is in place and there is a written evacuation plan on display. Children learn valuable lessons in personal safety, such as holding on and walking in a safe manner when on outings with the childminder. The childminder walks to and from school with the children and ensures that babies and young children are safely and securely strapped in their pushchairs. Written policies, including action to take in

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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 event of a child being lost, are available and shared with parents. Children benefit from close adult supervision, as they independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder protects babies and young children from choking hazards, by ensuring that toys and materials within their reach do not contain small or detachable parts. Children are protected from harm by the childminder, who has a sound knowledge of child protection and understands her responsibilities in following correct procedures in the event of a concern. She has attended specific training in child protection and has appropriate referral details in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with the wide range of toys and play materials that are readily available to them. This includes both indoor and outdoor toys and resources in the well stocked playroom and garden. Children are provided with well planned, imaginative activities that stimulate and interest them. They develop a strong bond with the childminder because she is attentive and responsive to their needs. Babies and young children develop mobility skills and learn to crawl and walk with encouragement and support from the childminder. She sings and chats to them and they gurgle and coo as she repeats familiar rhymes and action songs with them. She provides a good balance of one to one and small group activities with the children. She plans her day well to make sure that she has individual time with each child. Children enjoy a wide range of outings outside of the home, including visits to local

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

parks and children's centres. The childminder makes very good use of local toddler groups and drop-in sessions to extend children's social skills and provide fun and interesting activities for them. Children are happy and settled. They benefit from a daily routine that accommodates their individual sleep and feeding patterns. New children are helped to settle in because the childminder is calm and patient in her approach and takes time to get to know each child well. The childminder plans her day well to balance the needs of her own and minded children and to accommodate children's school runs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop their understanding of the local community through regular outings outside of the home. The childminder provides a very good range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, including dolls, miniature figures, books and puzzles that reflect different abilities and cultural backgrounds. This helps to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of different lifestyles.

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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 The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of needs and abilities. Although she does not have direct experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities, she clearly demonstrates how she would adapt her service to ensure she provides fully inclusive care which is accessible to all children. Children's self-esteem is raised by very good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder. She works closely with parents to ensure that children are given clear and consistent messages. A written behaviour management policy is available, which is shared with parents. The childminder encourages the children to be kind and considerate to others and to share and take turns. She uses age appropriate strategies to deal with children's behaviour. Although physical intervention has been

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Helping children make a positive contribution

used appropriately to prevent a child harming themselves or others a record of this has not been made. Parents' views are respected and they are kept informed about how their child has been during the day. This is further enhanced by the individual daily diaries which the childminder completes on each child and shares with parents. Clear, well-written policies and procedures are made available to parents and this helps to promote positive working relationships and identifies the expectations of all parties.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation. The childminder organises her daily routine around the children's needs. The day is well planned to accommodate journeys to and from school and to allow the children adequate time to rest, play and eat. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced. She is proactive in attending further training in a range of childcare related topics. Knowledge gained through such training helps to underpin her childcare practice and ensures that she keeps up-to-date with relevant changes in legislation. This promotes the welfare of children. Documentation is well maintained and record keeping systems are kept up-to-date. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities as a registered childminder. Information is treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. Where additional records are needed, such as the recording of any incident

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Organisation

of physical restraint, the childminder is keen to implement this to ensure her service reflects best practice. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 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): • devise and implement a system, which is shared with parents, for recording any incident of physical restraint

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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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