Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293718 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Patricia Chapman

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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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her 2 adult children and 3 year old daughter. The premises is situated in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, the bathroom facilities are also situated on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding two children who both attend on a part time basis.

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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 family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children thrive because they are well cared for and take part in a range of activities which contribute to their good health. These include regular opportunities to exercise while playing on outdoor equipment in the garden and trips to the local park and one o'clock club. The children's health is promoted well by the childminder's knowledge of administering first aid in case of minor accidents and procedures are in place to summon medical help in an emergency. Details of, accidents and medication administered to their children are fully recorded and countersigned by parents; ensuring they are well informed about accidents and treatment their children receive while being cared for by the childminder. Children benefit from the flexible routine which allows them to follow their individual sleeping and eating patterns. The clean and hygienic environment and nappy changing routines followed by the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder ensures that cross infection amongst the children is minimised. The childminder follows good hygiene practice such as washing hands before preparing food and feeding the baby and ensuring that food is hygienically prepared for children. Older children are learning the importance of good personal hygiene as the childminder reminds then to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals and snacks. However, the baby is not encouraged to develop an understanding of good hygiene practice as his hands are not always washed before meals and snacks. The childminder holds a basic food hygiene certificate and follows practices that ensures that food is properly stored and cooked for the children. The kitchen is clean and well organised and children enjoy meal times as a social occasion, however the baby is not encouraged to help feed himself and he displays little independence at meal times. The children benefit from the childminder's good understanding of

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Helping children to be healthy

healthy eating and enjoy healthy snacks and meals. Their dietary needs and parents wishes are recorded and adhered to which ensures the children's dietary needs are met well. Drinks are regularly offered to the children and they are developing a good understanding of healthy eating and the importance of drinking water to maintain their health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are well maintained and comfortably furnished enabling the children to enjoy a safe and secure environment. Children's safety is promoted well with outdoor play activities organised in a secure garden area and play equipment is in good condition and conforms to British Safety Standards. Children are learning to keep

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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 safe on outings due to the procedures and policies adhered to by the childminder when visiting the local One O'clock club, parks and shops. Children's safety is promoted well by: fitted safety gates; smoke alarms; fire blanket; and safety straps fitted to the high chair. The hallway is kept clear which enables the children to be evacuated quickly in the case of fire. All facilities for minding are situated on the ground floor; children sleep in the lounge and a travel cot is made available. This enables the children to enjoy good levels of supervision to keep them safe. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The high involvement the childminder has with the children while they play ensures that their interests and learning are continually being extended. They are able to choose from a good range of play materials which they use in a purposeful and focused way. The childminder interacts with each child in a way that is appropriate for their level of understanding and stage of development, which enables the children to progress well. The minded child enjoys the childminders company and has formed a secure and confident relationship with her. The children laugh and sing together frequently and share activities despite their wide difference in age. They have good opportunities to develop their imagination and enjoy stories and looking at books. They are frequently taken on outings to the park and toddler groups where they have good opportunity to mix with other children and play with equipment not available in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminders home. The childminder frequently undertakes music session with the children and they enjoy singing and playing a wide range of musical instruments. The childminder skilfully interacts with the different aged children while they engage in the same activities, for example, the baby sits up to the table in his high chair and the childminder encourages him to sing songs about squeezing the play dough while the older child is encouraged to talk about shape, colour and number as she roles out the dough and makes shapes. The older child joins in making up songs which the baby tries to copy enthusiastically, jigging up and down in his high chair while squeezing the dough. The happy and relaxed atmosphere and the supportive interaction which the childminder provides enables children to play and interact well together and enjoy activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The positive partnership the childminder has developed with parents ensure the children's continuity of care. They settle well because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's home routines are understood and incorporated into the setting. Parents are well informed about activities that their children participate in and achievements made while attending the setting, giving them the opportunity to extend and consolidate activities in the home environment. The childminder shares

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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 policies and procedures with parents, so they are aware of how their children are cared for and their safety maximised while in her care. Children respond to the childminder and each other in a positive way. They behave well and are learning to share and take turns. They select activities of their choice independently and engage in activities in a purposeful and confident way. Children's awareness of diversity and understanding of others is promoted well as they have access a range of multicultural books and play materials. They have good opportunities to play and form friendships with children from a range of cultural backgrounds while attending one o'clock clubs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed her childminding registration and first aid course, she has also obtained a certificate in basic food hygiene which enables her to meet the needs of the children well. The childminder organises her day very effectively to ensure she is highly involved with the children to support their learning and interests. Resources are organised well to provide a stimulating environment were children are able to select activities and initiate their own play. Children's details are effectively recorded and well organised, they are securely kept and easily accessible for inspection. The childminder has devised good systems to keep parents informed of activities and outings their children engage in and their general day to day welfare. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • support the development of babies independence at mealtimes and their understanding of the importance of hand washing before eating

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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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