Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY317522 Unique Reference Number 20 October 2006 Inspection date Pamela Bailey 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged three and 15 years, in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the childminder's house except for the master bedroom and study is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years during the afternoons. However there were no children present at the inspection. The childminder attends the local children's groups and takes the children to the local library and parks.

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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. The childminder demonstrated a clear awareness of the importance of providing lots of opportunities for children to take part in physical exercise. She organises daily routines so that there is plenty of time to walk to and from school and to the library. They regularly visit the local parks where they have opportunities to use the fixed climbing equipment, run around freely and play ball games to develop their physical skills which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder showed a sound knowledge of how to promote children's good health. The environment is clean and well maintained. She describes how she encourages children to develop good hygiene practices by talking with children about the need to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet, also by supporting and demonstrating to young children how to wash their hands. The childminder ensures she gains all information relating to children's health, such as allergies, medical history and prior written consent from parents to seek emergency advice or treatment. She has all the necessary records in place, such as accident and medication records, and is able to explain her procedures for recording accidents and administering medication. Although the childminder has not yet attended training in first aid she has taken positive steps to secure a place for first aid training in the near future.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder shows a clear understanding of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fresh foods and healthy snacks, such as breadsticks and fresh fruits. She takes times to learn about children's preferences and encourage them to try out new foods. For example, she introduces different vegetables by cooking in a variety of ways to encourage children to extend their tastes and eat food which are good for them. She understands the need for children to take regular drinks and describes how she makes sure that drinks/water are easily accessible to the children so that they can help themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures that the available space is organised effectively to allow children to move around freely and children can safely access a satisfactory range of toys and equipment from toy boxes which are suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder indicates a number of ways in which she promotes children's awareness of keeping themselves safe both indoors and outside the home. For example, she introduces road safety awareness during the journey to and from school, showing children how to cross the road safely, ensuring children hold hands and walk close by her when on outings and talks to children about how to evacuate the premises in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken some steps to reduce risks and hazards to children inside the home. For example, smoke alarms are in working order, safety gates are placed at the top and the bottom of the stairs and sharp knives are inaccessible to the children. However, electrical sockets

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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 in areas used by children are accessible and the windows in the kitchen and living room are not safe and accessible to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and knows what to do if she has a concern or an allegation is made against her. This contributes to her ability to safeguard and promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrated sound knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, child development and how children learn. The childminder observes and records children's play and plans activities according to what they enjoy. She introduces additional learning through play such as naming colours and counting. She sings songs and reads children stories to enhance their language development. She ensures children have opportunities to regularly socialise with other children as they visit the local children's group and participate in regular exercise both indoors and outdoors. The childminder ensures that the routine fits in with children's individual needs, allowing time for children to rest or be active according to their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are very much valued and respected as individuals. She takes time to get to know them well and understand their likes and dislikes. The daily routine is flexible and responsive to their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers lots of opportunities for children to learn about their local community as they use the library, visit local groups and go to the park. However, the childminder has very few resources which promote children's awareness of other cultures and abilities. Although there are no children attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder was able to explain how she would assess the needs of children to determine whether appropriate care could be provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrated sound knowledge and understanding of behaviour management strategies appropriate to children's age and development. She places strong emphasis on politeness, being a good role model and encouraging children to behave well by using lots of praise and encouragement, giving clear explanations and a consistent approach to help children begin to understand right from wrong and why behaviour is not acceptable. Older children help to make the ground rules.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has clear procedures in place to ensure parents are kept well informed about their children's day and developmental progress. For example, she keeps a care diary which she shares with parents on a daily basis. She regularly records children's progress and sets aside individual time with parents to discuss their children's progress. The childminder was able to explain her procedures for parents who may wish to make a complaint.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that she has an organised approach to her childminding role to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Consistent daily routines, flexible planning which takes account of children's interests and information kept about children ensures their individual needs are met. She organises her home so that children are able to relax although she has overlooked some safety aspects.

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Organisation

The childminder attends training whenever she can to help her to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. For example, she has attended training in the Birth to three matters framework. However, she has not yet attended first aid training.

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Organisation

The childminder has established clear procedures for sharing information with parents and ensuring that they are kept well informed about her childminding service. All documentation is in place and readily available for inspection.

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Organisation

Overall, the evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made 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 the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain 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 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): • attend appropriate training in first aid for babies and young children

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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 • make sure that electrical sockets and windows in areas used by children are safe or inaccessible • provide a suitable range of resources that reflect positive images of culture and disabilities

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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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