Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY289555 Inspection date 28 June 2005 Inspector Laura Brewer

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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 since August 2004. She lives with her husband and 3 children ages 10, 7 and 4 years. The family live in a house in Beckenham, within the London Borough of Bromley. The property is close to local schools, shops, parks and transport services. The whole of the house is used for childminding except the main bedroom. The living room, dining room and conservatory are used as the main play areas. Toilet facilities and sleeping provision is available upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have one dog.

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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 currently provides fulltime care for one child age 1 year.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well organised home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before meals, which reduces the risk of cross contamination. Children are well nourished and benefit from well planned meals that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day. They take part in a varied range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as playing outdoors on a regular basis and practising fine motor skills through putting puzzles together. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a full understanding of the correct procedures to be followed for recording accidents and medication. Children's emotional health is extremely well supported as the childminder gives high priority to children's well-being by building secure relationships and ensuring that she is thoroughly informed about each child’s individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move freely and safely around the home because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. Children have easy access to a wide range of good quality resources, which the childminder ensures are suitable for their stage of development so they can play safely. The childminder gives high priority to protecting children from harm and to safe guarding their welfare, for example by closely supervising them at all times. She has good knowledge of child protection matters and she ensures that information about child protection procedures is easily accessible. Children learn about the importance of staying safe in a variety of ways, for example, by holding hands and staying together whilst on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the setting. They choose from a wide range of developmentally appropriate play equipment and books, which enables them to make good individual progress. They eagerly play with their chosen activity, such as experimenting with a large bouncy ball, completing puzzles and exploring with a varied selection of creative materials. The children benefit from a range of interesting and varied outings, such as visits to parks, childminder drop-ins and musical groups. Outdoor play, fresh air and exercise plays an important part in the daily routine.

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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 Children respond well to the childminder's positive interactions, which enables them to develop their language and social skills. They receive strong support and encouragement in their chosen activity. Their learning is extended well and they develop a good sense of achievement through the childminder being interested in their play and introducing new ideas and concepts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's routines and individual needs to ensure they settle well and experience consistent care. Well written polices and procedures are in place to support the childminders work, which enables parents a clear view of the service offered. Most of the required parental consent records are in place, except consent to transport children in a vehicle. Children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement builds children's self esteem. Children have access to the full range of activities offered. There are some play materials provided which promote a positive view of the wider community, although there are insufficient resources to promote positive

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment, which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the organisation of the home including a well resourced play area within the conservatory. Clear, well written policies and procedures work in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are effectively met because of the good relationships and communication systems set up with the parents. Parents are consistently informed about their child's day and the care provided. Documentation is well maintained and kept confidentially. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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 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): • obtain written parental consent to transport children in a vehicle; • increase play materials and resources, which reflect positive images of disability.

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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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