Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231163 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2006 Inspection date Michelle Smith Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and three children age 17, 11 and five years old. They live in a terrace house in Catford, close to local shops and schools. The childminder uses the ground and first floor for childminding. There is a lounge and dining area. The kitchen is located on the ground floor. The bathroom is located on the first floor. Children use an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is a fenced area available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their health. Children access regular outdoor activities to help them develop their co-ordination. For example, as they jump on the trampoline and run around in the garden. Regular access to the garden improves children's physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm and adequate home, where they are developing a understanding of good hygiene and personal care. They are developing a clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilets, to reduces the risk of infection. Parents are aware of the sick children guidelines. All required documentation is in place, pertaining to administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a understanding of healthy eating. They are provided with healthy choices. They have drinking water and milk throughout the day. The childminder provides snacks that appeal to children and meet their dietary needs. Children food intake is shared with parents. Children feed themselves and are becoming independent. They confidently meet their own personal needs. Children's good health is valued and promoted by the good level of care. The clear policies and procedures protect children from cross contamination and the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe, secure and well organised. There is ample space to meet the needs of the children. This mean they are able to move around freely and independently. Children enjoy a good range of toys that is safe and meets safety standards. They enjoy the outdoor area that is safe and secure. The toys and resources are in good condition and accessible to the children. All safety equipment in place, is in working order. Children travel safely in the childminder's car. The children are well supervised inside and outside of the home. The childminder implements clear procedures for outings and keeping children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes the necessary steps to minimise risk within the home. She has required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded. For example, she has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has updated her knowledge in child protection, via training. Therefore children's well-being is protected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and move around the home confidently. They make themselves at home. Children are developing social skills, through visits to the local park. They are beginning to understand the importance of turn taking and playing co-operatively. Children become

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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 independent as they choose between a range of toys, books and role play activities which appeal to their personal interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes the children's interest into account. For example, they enjoy playing with water, therefore she provides them with different water activities. The children play and communicate well together, they enjoy each others company. For example, they play hide and seek joyfully. Children are provided with opportunities to make choices in their play. For example, they can play indoors and outdoors. The childminder gets involved in the children's play, they welcome and value her input. For example, she help one of the children find somewhere to hide. They dress up and enjoy taking on different roles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework. However activities and play opportunities provided are age appropriate and promotes younger children's learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider community, which increase children's awareness of diversity. For example, they access toys and resources that reflects positive images of other cultures. Children interact and socialise with children and others of different cultures. There are limited opportunities for children to develop a positive attitude towards disability, due to a lack of resources. Children learn about their local community as they visit different local places. For example, outings to local parks and shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder follows a well organised routine, that meets the needs of the children. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and independently taking themselves to the toilet. Children benefit from time to relax as well as to be active. Good relationships have been established between the childminder and children. For example, during a activity the child and childminder laugh together and discuss favourite colours. Children are well behaved and feel a sense of belonging, due to the consistent boundaries set by the childminder. The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn, they are becoming competent learners. The childminder is very caring and affectionate towards the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

She has developed good working relationships with the parents, which impacts positively on the children. They feel comfortable and reassured in their learning environment. Children benefit from the well established relationships built with the childminder, that ensures continuity of care. For example, information is shared regards to children daily activities and routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service, activities and any changes. This contributes to

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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 continuity in the children's care. Children benefit from the effective systems in place to monitor, keep children safe and to enable good progress in all areas of their development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to improve her knowledge in child protection, access to the cupboard under the stairs, the low level glass in the cabinet. She has completed a child protection course, the cupboard under the stairs now has a high level bolt, the cabinet with the low level glass has been removed. Therefore children move around the home safely and their welfare is safeguarded through the improvements she has made.

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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): • make sure children access toys and resources that reflects positive images of disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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