Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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159386 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Jane Wakelen 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 satisfactory. 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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and 8 year old child in a house situated in the London Borough of Bromley. The whole of the childminder's house, apart from the main bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children, one under eight years and two over eight years after school. The childminder collects from two local schools by car.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, tidy home where they learn the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating, however they are not fully protected against cross infection as they use the same hand towel to dry their hands. Their health is promoted as the childminder is fully aware of each individual child's needs and ensures parents are alerted if their children are ill or need a visit to the doctors, however in an emergency, parents have not given written consent for emergency medical treatment and do not give written permission for the administration of any medication, although they sign the medication book.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered healthy choices for tea and are involved in planning their weekly menu. They have a variety of different dishes including some options which are particular to their culture and are encouraged to try different foods as a new experience. Children are encouraged to eat their meals, before having a desert, often fresh fruit. Children are comfortable in their environment and feel free to state their likes and dislikes and are able to help themselves to drinks as and when they need one.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to use the garden on a regular basis to benefit from fresh air and exercise. Occasionally children have the opportunity to visit the local parks, when they do not have clubs after school, to use the large play equipment or feed the ducks and enjoy the large open space to run around. Children have access to a good range of play equipment outside in the garden such as swing ball and football, encouraging them to play together in pairs or small groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a warm, welcoming environment, where they have plenty of room to move around freely and independently. They have easy, safe access to resources and equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are confident to approach the childminder for additional resources or alternatives and report any problems with various equipment. Children show respect when using different equipment, such as the piano and help tidy away their toys when asked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the childminder's constant reminders about being careful, such as not to sit on the window sills. She encourages all children to help each other stay safe and is aware of possible hazards within the home, such as the kitchen, where older children help the younger children learn about the dangers of the hob and not going too close. The childminder has carried out a risk assessment of her home, although a fire escape route has not been identified if children are playing upstairs, and the window key is not situated near the window for emergency evacuation.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding about child protection procedures and knows who to contact if she has any concerns. Documentation is available if any incidents occur.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the childminder's home and feel confident to move around freely, making choices about what to play with. Children readily approach the childminder for support and she is receptive to their needs, such as reaching the snacks from the cupboard or finding alternative toys. Children make choices about whether to play indoors or outdoors, using equipment suitable for their age. The childminder is fully aware of the different needs of the children and ensures they learn to share and find activities that all children can be involved in and learn to play co-operatively. The childminder interacts well with the children, developing positive relationships and constantly monitors whether children are content and settled. She involves children in decision making such as what they would like to eat for tea and if children are interested she involves them in cooking activities, such as making the tea for the following

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children feel valued and respected as individuals because the childminder maintains good eye contact and shows an interest in each child, asking questions about their day at school and home. She encourages children to recall past events and takes their opinions into consideration when organizing menus and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with respect and acknowledges their individuality. She works in partnership with the parents, such as obtaining recipes for certain meals, that their child would have at home, to make them feel valued and gain a sense of belonging. All children are included in activities and routines and learn to accept and understand each others differences, through activities and discussion. Regular praise and acknowledgement of children's achievements helps children develop a good self-image.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminder's home and have a good understanding about the expectations of the childminder and house rules. They are included in routines within the home, such as setting the table and given responsibilities such as watching that the younger children do not touch the cooker, when the childminder has to leave the kitchen. Children learn to keep themselves and others safe, such as not sitting on window sills or playing football away from the concrete steps, helping them take responsibility for their actions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children experience continuity of care because the childminder works in partnership with the parents keeping them informed about their child's day and passes on information from the school when applicable. However, parents do not have a full knowledge of the care and procedures the childminder offers because there is not any written information about the care the childminder provides.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming environment that meets children's needs. She holds a current first aid certificate and understands this is valid for three years. Children benefit from basic procedures to protect their welfare, such as ensuring they are always within sight when on outings and only leave with their parents or a familiar adult with prior agreement from their parents. All required documentation is in place, although children's arrival and departure times are often recorded in advance on the attendance record and not signed by parents as a true record. This is a potential hazard in the event of emergency evacuation. Paperwork is kept together but not well maintained and there is no written information on the procedures the childminder follows. The registration certificate is available to parents in a file, but is not displayed for parents to see. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to meet one recommendation from the previous inspection. This was to record the times of arrival and departure of the children on the attendance register.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Times and arrivals are now recorded, although some times are recorded in advance, therefore not providing an accurate record of attendance. Each child has their own attendance record and the system is not user friendly or provides a record that can be used in an emergency. This remains a recommendation from the previous inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which thy 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 satisfactory. 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):

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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 • obtain written consent from parents for the administration of medication and consent for emergency medical treatment • devise and implement an emergency escape plan and ensure all smoke alarms are maintained in working condition • ensure an accurate record is kept of children's attendance • display the registration certificate at all times whilst childminding is taking place on the premises

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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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