Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY287348 Inspection date 07 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 2 children ages 12 and 4 years. The family live in a house in West Wickham within the London Borough of Bromley, close to the High Street, schools, parks and transport services. The downstairs is mainly used for childminding purposes which includes toilet facilities. Sleeping provision is available upstairs if required. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have one cat and tropical fish.

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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 has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course and is trained in first aid. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder currently provides fulltime care for one child age 2 years and out of school care for one child age 6 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well 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 benefit from well planned home cooked meals that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day. They take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as playing outdoors on a regular basis or practising physical skills such as putting puzzles together. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and has a good awareness of the correct procedures to be followed for recording accidents and medication. Children's health is well supported as the childminder gives high priority to children's well-being by building secure relationships and taking detailed information about the 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. They independently choose activities from a wide range of good quality resources, which the childminder makes sure are suitable for their stage of development so they can play safely. The childminder gives high priority to maintaining children's safety, for example by supervising them at all times, and by making sure information about child protection procedures is readily accessible. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare. She has developed written fire evacuation procedures, although these have not yet been practiced with minded children. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings, for instance, ensuring the appropriate restraints in the car are used.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing confidence and self esteem. They choose from a wide range of developmentally appropriate resources. They play enthusiastically with their chosen activity, such as experimenting with cups and jelly moulds and completing puzzles. Children respond very well to the childminders positive interactions. She

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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 motivates them well and provides effective challenges to enable them to develop their skills. Their learning is extended and they develop a good sense of achievement through the childminder being interested in their play and using good questioning techniques. Children are settled and confident in their surroundings. They have built up strong relationships with the childminder and her family. They are learning to co-operate, share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. 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 likes and dislikes, 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 gives parents a clear view of the service offered. Written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment needs to be implemented to ensure that parental wishes are formally recorded. Children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder's effective use of praise and encouragement builds children's self esteem. Children have access to the full range of activities offered and the childminder ensures resources and activities available promote a positive view of the

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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. Appropriate policies and procedures work in practise to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are fulfilled because of the good relationships and communication systems set up with the parents. Parents are extremely well 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 children who attend.

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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

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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): • Implement a system where fire drills are practiced with minded children; • Obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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