Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278995 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2006 Inspection date Jeannette Waring 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 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 lives in a three bedroom end of terrace house in a quiet residential close in Abbey Wood. The house is located close to shops, schools and pre-school and there are good public transport links. Children have the use of the lounge and the hallway for their playspace. the family do not have any pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since February 2004 and may care for a maximum of two children under the age of eight years. She is currently caring for two children.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean home, the childminder has good cleaning routines in place and encourages children to learn about the importance of good hygiene as she reminds them to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Because the childminder is aware of the importance of keeping careful accident and medication records which are shared with parents children's health is protected. Children have some opportunities for physical play when they visit toddler groups or at nursery, however, they do not currently have daily access to vigorous physical activity outdoors.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the balanced, healthy meals that the childminder provides. She cooks both traditional English and African food for the children and ensures that meals contains fresh vegetables and that children have plenty of fresh fruit. Children enjoy frequent drinks throughout the day and are offered either fruit or crisps for a mid morning snack.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken appropriate steps to ensure that children are safe and secure within her home. A safety gate is in place at the kitchen door in order to ensure that children do not have access to the kitchen if the childminder is cooking or making hot drinks. Another gate is kept at the base of the stairs and the front door is secured with a high level bolt. This allows children the freedom to play safely in the comfortable lounge or in the hallway. Currently children do not have access to the garden for outdoor play as it is not securely fenced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys are stored in large tubs in the lounge and children are able to access them safely for themselves. However, it is sometimes difficult for children to make choices because they cannot see what is available to them easily.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm or neglect because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to refer any concerns to the local social services department. She demonstrates an awareness of the procedure and has access to appropriate referral forms and contact numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, settled and secure in the childminders care. They are relaxed , sociable and friendly and they enjoy playing together with the toys provided. They like to draw and enjoy using the easel and chalks and the drawing package on the computer. The childminder provides activities such as painting and takes children to local toddler groups, the library and on trips to the local shops. During fine weather they sometimes visit a local park.

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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 Older children enjoy a snack when they come home from school and then either watch some television, do their homework or play with the toys provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures she is able to meet children's individual needs. She talks to parents and makes sure she is fully aware of each child's background including their religion, culture and home language. When caring for children who speak English as an additional language she makes sure she learns a few key words which helps children to feel settled and valued. She demonstrates a sympathetic understanding of the needs of families with children who have additional needs and said that she would work in partnership with parents to ensure children's needs were met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved, polite and well mannered. The childminder sets clear boundaries for children which they know and understand and she patiently re-directs them if they need reminding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Because the childminder builds good relationships with parents and makes sure that she spends time each day exchanging information with them about children's needs, children benefit from good continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has completed all required training and has a positive approach to further training. Because the childminder has clear routines in place, such as the school runs and regular meal times and provides children with a suitable range of activities and outings children feel settled and secure. Although the childminder is aware of the importance of her conditions of registration she had not requested a change to the ages of children she cares for, and at the time of the inspection, she was caring for more than the registered number of children under the age of five years.

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Organisation

All documentation sampled was in place and maintained to a good standard. This ensures that children's health, safety and well-being is appropriately supported.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints to Ofsted 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 provider 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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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop understanding of the National Standards and associated regulations specifically those relating the conditions of registration • provide suitable toy storage so that children can freely access play provision for themselves • ensure that children have regular access to outdoor play

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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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