Wolfenden, Sarah Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294881 Inspection date 13 September 2005 Inspector Laura Brewer

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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 November 2004. She lives with her husband and two children ages 4 and 2 years. They live in a house situated in Beckenham. There are shops, schools, parks and a main line station within walking distance. The kitchen, play room and upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is first aid qualified and currently provides full day care, Monday to Thursday for one child aged 4 years.

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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 clean and well organised home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before meals and after using the toilet, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children are well nourished and benefit from well planned, nutritious meals that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day. The childminder develops children's understanding of healthy eating practices for example, during discussions about which foods help to strengthen teeth and bones. Children take part in a varied range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as practising climbing and balancing in the well-resourced garden. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a full understanding of the correct procedures to be followed for recording accidents and medication. Children's health is extremely well supported as the childminder gives

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Helping children to be healthy

high priority to children's wellbeing by building secure relationships and taking detailed information about the child's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move freely and safely around the home because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. Children have access to a wide range of good quality resources which the childminder ensures are suitable for their stage of development so they can play safely. The childminder gives high priority to maintaining children's safety, for example by closely supervising them at all times, and ensuring information about child protection procedures is easily accessible. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare. Children learn about the importance of staying safe in a variety of ways, for example, they regularly practice fire drills to ensure they are familiar with the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are developing confidence and high levels of self esteem. They choose from a wide range of developmentally appropriate resources, both indoors and out. They show great enthusiasm in their activities, such as making their own sandwich for lunch and helping to prepare a fruit salad. Children freely ask questions and initiate conversations with the childminder and her own children. Children's social development is encouraged by the childminder's positive interactions. Their learning is extended and they develop a good sense of

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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 achievement through the childminder being interested in their activities and using good questioning techniques. Children are very settled and confident in their surroundings. They have built up good relationships with the childminder and her family. They are able to co-operate, share and take turns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's routines and individual needs to ensure they settle well and experience consistent care. Comprehensive, well written polices and procedures are in place to support the childminders work which enables parents a clear view of the service offered. Children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder's consistent use of praise and encouragement builds children's self esteem and enables them to achieve well. Children have access to the full range of activities offered and the childminder ensures resources are available that promote a positive view of the wider community.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the organisation of the home including a well resourced playroom. The childminder has increased her knowledge by attending various training course, although she has not yet completed the mandatory pre-registration training. Clear, well written policies and procedures work in practise to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and communication systems set up with the parents. Parents are consistently informed about their child's day and the care provided. Documentation is well maintained and kept confidentially. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Complaints 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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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 pre-registration course approved by the local authority is completed.

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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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