South Lee School

Inspection report for early years provision

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124876 Unique Reference Number 01 September 2006 Inspection date Janet Marie Thouless 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 was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and daughter aged two years in Coulsdon, Surrey.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and there are currently seven children on roll on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to local parks and places of interest and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, they demonstrate this by being aware they need to wash their hands before they have their snack and meals or after they have used the toilet. This helps prevent the spread of infection. The children's health is protected because systems are in place to keep records of their health needs, any accidents they have, and any medicine they need to be given. The childminder demonstrated good knowledge on how to administer first aid in an emergency. However, the first aid certificate has currently expired.

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Helping children to be healthy

Mealtimes are sociable occasions and children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet as they sit together at the table. They receive a balanced range of freshly prepared meals and snacks, which help them to develop a positive attitude towards healthy eating. Children have regular drinks of water throughout the day to quench their thirst. Fresh fruit and vegetables are grown in the garden and used in the preparation of children's meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health, including regular outdoor activities such as outings to the park and the local drop in groups, where there is large play equipment that gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming, child friendly home where children feel safe and secure. They enjoy playing with a good quality range of toys and resources, which provide sufficient developmental challenge, and are maintained in a clean and safe condition. These are stored in easily accessible containers and shelving for the children to self-select. The child-orientated playroom provides an environment where children can confidentially play and explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to safety, ensuring children are well supervised both in the home and when on outings, with clear consistent routines being upheld. Children are encouraged to behave and play in a safe manner, for example, the childminder reminds children to pick up toys from the floor to create a safe environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has an understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection. She is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and has knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any cause for concern. All these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled within the childminder's home. The childminder has established good relationships with the children because she is responsive to their individual needs and participates in their play. The children's self-esteem is fostered when the childminder responds to them warmly and recognises their achievements, for example, when they finish a puzzle by themselves or complete their drawings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore and play in a well-prepared and stimulating playroom. Children enjoy planned and well-organised activities. For example stamp printing and drawing creating a wide range of artwork, they freely select the resources, which allows them individual choice and self-expression.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and caring making children feel comfortable and valued. She has good relationships with the children and enjoys their company. The childminder spends time talking and playing with them, which promotes children's confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued and respected as individuals. They respond well to the childminder's calm approach, which helps them settle quickly and behave well. The childminder has a positive approach towards caring for children with a range of different needs and abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children are encouraged to develop a positive view of the wider community when they look at books or listen to stories that reflect diversity. They also celebrate festivals, such as Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and from established ground rules that are consistently applied. Positive relationships are built with parents. Time is taken to discuss the changing needs of the children and the daily routines reflect the wishes of the parents, which ensure that children receive continuity in their care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder adopts a flexible approach and organises her day effectively to ensure that the care needs of the children are fully met. They receive good adult support and attention to make them feel happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is used well and children are able to initiate their own play from the good range of resources on offer.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. All required documentation is maintained, held confidentially and the childminder understands and complies with mandatory requirements. Children are supervised well at all times to ensure they are protected from visitors. However, the complaints procedure does not

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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 include a record to share with parents as required. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to extend the range of resources to promote equality of opportunity, extend sickness procedures to include the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and make available to parents procedures to be followed if they have a complaint.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Resources have been sought and arranged in the playroom to promote equality of opportunity and the procedures for sick children have been extended to include the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious. The complaints procedure has been extended and made available to parents, along with details of the regulator. These measures ensure the health and well-being of the children attending and keep parents fully up to date on current policies.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection 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 childminder 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): • ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained at all times. • update written complaints procedures to include a complaints record to share with parents.

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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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