Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY288744 Inspection date 22 June 2005 Inspector Cheryl Walker

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and young son in a house in Locks Bottom. There are shops, schools, parks and two main line stations close by. Most of the property, with exception of the second floor, is available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to provide care for three children under the age of eight, two of whom may be between one and five years of age. There are currently five children on roll attending at different times.

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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 have two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder has highly effective practices in place to promote children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children independently wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Pictures and words are displayed that consistently remind children that this is part of their routine. Children are extremely well nourished. They significantly benefit from the provision of fresh, organic foods that promote healthy eating. The childminder talks to children about the food they eat to increase their knowledge and encourage them to make their own healthy choices. She offers new and varied foods to widen their tastes. All the children enjoy regular physical outdoor activities, which contribute to their good health and encourage them to develop a healthy lifestyle. They have access to a safe and secure garden as well as frequent walks and local outings. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder works closely with parents to enable older children to continue with after school activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children and their parents are welcomed into the childminders home. Children play enthusiastically and safely in an environment that is clean and well organised. The childminder gives high priority to ensuring equipment and resources are suitable and safe and closely supervises children to safeguard them from risks without restricting their freedom. Children learn how to look after themselves and their peers because the childminder is proactive in giving them clear information in a way that they understand. For example, fire evacuation procedures are displayed in word and picture form in the kitchen and children are able to explain what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she will quickly recognise when a child is in danger and can act in the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home. They make themselves at home and have a warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder because she knows

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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 them well and spends time with them. This increases their sense of well-being and emotional stability. Children experience a wide and varied range of activities inside and outside the home which contributes to their development, promotes their learning and stimulates their interest in the wider world. The childminder takes children trips to the beach, swimming activities and more local outings within the local community and takes time to talk to them to increase their learning opportunities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder knows them very well. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children experience consistent care. She maintains good relationships with parents by regularly sharing information about their children's progress. Children respond positively to the childminder's calm approach and this helps them to behave well. She uses positive strategies to manage behaviour, which are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Effective planning of space, routine and resources enhance a well-maintained environment in which children feel secure and comfortable. Clear policies and procedures help to support successful partnerships with parents. Most documentation is in place to underpin the efficient management of the childminding service. Although all basic details and emergency information has been obtained for all children in placement, written agreements setting out expectations are not consistently in place. The provision meets the needs of the children for whom it provides care.

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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

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 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 written agreements are in place for all children attending, which clearly set out expectations between childminder and parents.

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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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