Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319625 Inspection date 29 August 2006 Inspector Susan Linda Capon

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and their three children aged two, five and eight years. They live in a bungalow situated in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the home are used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play. The family has no pets. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years and is currently minding two children, one full-time and one part-time .

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly uses the local amenities including parks, parent and toddler group and the library.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children enjoy physical exercise and outdoor play on a regular basis, contributing to their good health. They walk to local parks and use the large climbing apparatus, developing their climbing, jumping and sliding skills. The children enjoy playing in the well-organised garden, whenever they can. They play dodge ball on the large trampoline, kick a ball and enjoy riding the bike. The children have access to a good selection of climbing apparatus relative to their individual age and stage of development. The childminder uses good hygiene routines throughout her home, minimising the spread of infection. For example, she uses anti-bacterial spray to wipe down all her work surfaces and she cleans the potty thoroughly after use. The children are developing their awareness of good hygiene routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Each

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Helping children to be healthy

child has their own colour coded hand-towel. The childminder washes these frequently. The children use liquid soap to wash their hands. When the children have an accident the childminder manages the situation appropriately. She calms the child down, gives first aid and writes a record. Parents see the record when they collect their child. The childminder keeps the children safe through her detailed policy and procedures for administering medication when required. Parents give her full details of any medication their child requires. The childminder stores medication appropriately out of children's reach. Parents see the record. All parents are aware they must not send their child to the childminder if they are unwell, with an infectious or contagious illness. The childminder has good procedures for keeping parents informed if their child becomes unwell while in her care. She has additional information available to parents, relating to incubation periods for infectious

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Helping children to be healthy

illnesses. The children enjoy healthy, nutritious, balanced meals each day, in accordance with their parents wishes. All her meals are home-made, using fresh ingredients and minimal processed foods. The childminder provides parent's with information relating to the types of foods she offers. The children are developing an awareness of healthy eating, as the childminder encourages them to eat "five-a-day", providing fruit and vegetables for snacks and main meals. She has a special certificate she awards the children when they try new

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 foods. This encourages them to develop good eating habits and builds their self-esteem. The children enjoy icing biscuits for a snack. They are limited to a maximum of two each. Younger children are developing their awareness of the importance of not eating food they have dropped as they will "get germs". For example, one child dropped his biscuit onto the grass. The childminder explained why he must not eat it and he made a fresh one. The children eat well and are developing appropriately. They sit together at the dining table for their meals, enjoying the social occasion as they chat about their day. Younger children are learning to use a knife and fork appropriately and developing their good manners. For example, they use "please" and "thank you". The childminder stores, prepares, cooks and serves all the food appropriately

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in clean, warm, welcoming, well-maintained environment. It is child-orientated, bright and well-ventilated, making it a pleasant place to spend their day. The children have ample space to move around and explore their environment freely. During the better weather they can freely access the garden through the open conservatory doors, giving them the choice of playing indoors or outdoors during the day. The children access a good range of toys and equipment indoors and outdoors. These are accessible around the home. They are tidy and well-organised, enabling children to make their own choices and selections. Some toys are available in the main play area. The childminder rotates the toys regularly, promoting a stimulating environment. Children under two years access suitable equipment to meet their individual needs. For example, a travel cot and high chair. The childminder keeps these clean, safe

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and in good order. The childminder has identified all potential hazards in her home and garden and minimised these to keep the children safe and secure. For example, her sockets are covered and her door keys are inaccessible to the children. She has risk assessed large play equipment, making it safe for the children to use. For example, the large trampoline is very secure, has a safety net and parents have given written consent for their child to use it in accordance with the childminder's policy and procedures. The children only access it under the direct supervision of the childminder. The childminder has not informed her insurance company. Children are unable to leave the premises unnoticed as the front door and garden are

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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 secure. The childminder has suitable "lost child" procedures in place. The children are developing their awareness of keeping themselves safe and know they must take care when using the large trampoline and climbing equipment. The childminder has good emergency evacuation procedures in place. She practises these regularly with the children. In the event of being unable to return to her home the childminder has arranged the use of another nearby premises. This ensures the children are safe at all times. Children are safe when they are out and about during the day. Younger children use a buggy or reins when walking close to busy roads. All the children are developing their awareness of the dangers of traffic and use the Green Cross Code. In the park they know they must keep close to the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe when using the childminder's vehicle. She has suitable seats for each child and ensures she fits these correctly. All her car documentation is in place and she has written agreements to transport children in her vehicle and to go on outings. All the home furnishings are very suitable, clean and safe for the children's use. The children are very safe and secure through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of how to manage child protection issues appropriately. Parents see her policy and procedures relating to this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are fully stimulated throughout the provision. There is a good range of toys, equipment and activities readily available to them each day. The children enthusiastically make their own selections and choices. The childminder listens to the children well. She talks to the children about their day, helping them to develop their language skills. The children are encouraged to make their own choices at an activity. For example, they chose the colour icing and the decorations to use on their iced biscuit. The children enjoy having their photograph taken when they dress up. For example, when they are dressed as a king or queen after a visit to a castle. The children enjoy singing along to the karaoke machine, for example, singing "Happy birthday to you". The childminder incorporates regular visits to places outside her home to help the children to develop their social skills, as they meet other children of a similar age.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

She regularly attends local parent and toddler groups and the Tufty club. During the holidays the children enjoy visits to other places further away. For example, Bodiam

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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 castle. The children are developing their confidence with animals as they regularly visit Christmas Tree Farm. They enjoy feeding and stroking the animals. Younger children benefit from the planning and activities used to implement her Birth to three matters training. She has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and uses regular observations to chart the children's abilities. She uses this information to plan for their progression and shares the record with the parents. The children are very confident in their surroundings. They have developed a good relationship with the childminder and her family. This makes them feel at home and very safe and secure in their environment. The children are developing their awareness of right and wrong. They know they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

must share the toys and equipment and play well together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is pro-active in promoting equal opportunities in the setting. She has a good range of resources promoting positive images for all areas. These are readily accessible to the children and include dolls, books and puzzles. Children are developing their awareness of their local community as they regularly visit the childminding drop-in, other childminders and local parent and toddler groups. The children are encouraged to develop their independence skills. For example, they put on their shoes to play outdoors and select their own toys. The childminder incorporates the individual needs of each child into her setting. She maintains individual sleep and rest patterns for younger children, providing good continuity of care. This helps children to settle quickly as they feel safe and secure. The children benefit from the childminder's previous experience of caring for children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

with special needs. She has a good understanding of the importance of including everyone and working with other professionals to help children reach their full potential. The children behave well. They know the house rules and boundaries. The childminder calmly manages any undesirable behaviour. For example, she reminded a younger child not to climb on the table and he immediately got down. All the children respond well to the praise and encouragement used by the childminder. They play well together and are developing their understanding of sharing the toys and equipment. Children benefit from the excellent relationships the childminder has built with their parents. Parents completed a questionnaire and identified their child's care as very good overall.

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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 The childminder provides parents with very good written information about their child's day. Parents are able to add their own comments, helping to keep both parties fully involved about the child. The childminder supports the parents well. She has written agreements to bath or shower the children at the end of this day. This enables the parents to spend some quality time with their child before bedtime, helping to maintain the bond between them. The childminder keeps the parents fully informed about her setting through her well-organised portfolio, including policies and procedures. She reviews these regularly to ensure they meet the National Standards.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are cared for in a well-organised provision. They have access to suitable areas for resting, sleeping, eating, playing, "messy" activities, cooking and time outdoors on a regular basis. All the available toys and equipment are well-organised and of good quality. The children benefit from the childminder's professional approach to her work. She is fully committed to providing good care for children, taking her role and responsibilities seriously. She has undertaken a range of additional training since her registration earlier this year. For example, Birth to three matters and child protection. She is very interested and motivated in her work and intends to study for her NVQ3 in childcare. The childminder has developed good routines for the children's arrival and departure keeping them safe and secure. She maintains a daily register, detailing which children are attending each day.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps her numbers low at any time, providing some one to one care for children during the school day. This enables the children to develop a good relationship with the childminder promoting their individual progress and development. The childminder's portfolio and detailed records, demonstrate how she organises her business professionally, offering good quality care for children. Her records are suitably stored to maintain confidentiality at all times. The childminder keeps fully abreast of the National Standards. For example, she displays her certificate and makes the inspection report available to parents. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of any complaints made by the parents, which should be available on request. The record may include 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 the use of the large trampoline is covered by the insurer.

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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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