Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY235290 Unique Reference Number 03 January 2007 Inspection date Justine George 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 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 lives with her husband and three children, daughters aged 15 and four years and a son aged 12 years. All children attend full-time education.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family live in an extended four bedroom house in the residential area of Belvedere. Minded children play in the kitchen/diner and conservatory, and use the lounge for quieter activities. Children also have access to the family bathroom on the first floor and the enclosed garden. The home is close to local shops, parks, schools and the main line train station.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since March 2003. She currently cares for four children aged three, four, five and 11 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of both the National Childminding Association and Bexley Childminding Association and is a member of Bexley's Childminding Network.

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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 have access to a clean and hygienic environment and good steps are in place to minimise the spread of infection. In the event of children becoming unwell, parents are contacted to collect them and they are excluded from the setting until better. Should children need medication, the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in requesting written parental consent and recording the required details, in line with regulations. Although parental consent is not obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, the childminder's contact with parents states that she will accompany children to the surgery or hospital until parents are able to attend. Children learn good personal hygiene habits as they wash their hands after messy play, toileting, being outside and also before eating. The provision of soap and separate towels minimises the risk of cross infection as does daily cleaning routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are fed in line with parents' wishes as the childminder liaises with them to ensure children's dietary requirements are adhered to. Children benefit as they have a range of freshly made and processed meals, although fresh fruit and vegetables are given everyday to encourage healthy eating. Regular drinks are also provided throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical wellbeing is well fostered as they have daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Use of the car is minimised in favour of walking and children visit local groups and parks to get rid of excess energy, and use their large motor skills. Children also have opportunities for rest and relaxation as the childminder is aware of their routines. She ensures time is planned to enable children to sleep or rest on sofas in quieter surroundings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to a very safe environment. The premises are secure and all hazards have been identified and minimised as the childminder has excellent knowledge of the possible hazards and how to reduce the risk of accidents. Children benefit greatly as the childminder supports them in learning how to keep themselves safe, for example when on outings. Children learn how to cross roads safely and know they must not go off, too far ahead. In the home children take responsibility for their own safety, managing stairs independently and abiding by the rules of not accessing areas such as the stairs leading to the loft. Children walk rather than run and participate in regular fire drills. As a result, they are very well informed of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. Children are well protected in the event of an accident as the childminder has kept her first aid knowledge up-to-date and is aware of her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibilities in recording all accidents and ensuring parents sign any entries made in the accident book. As a result, parents are well informed of their child's safety and wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit as the childminder has high regard for their wellbeing and ensures they are cared for by suitable adults only. Children are supervised at all times and are never left alone with others. Visitors are monitored and their details are recorded in a log. Children are collected by named adults only as written details are obtained and password systems are in place. Should

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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 an unfamiliar adult, turn up to collect children, they are not allowed to go off with others until contact is made with parents. Vulnerable children are very well protected as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in safeguarding children. A well written policy is in place and shared with parents and local borough's guidance is also shared. Government guidelines are readily available, ensuring referrals are not delayed. The childminder has excellent knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse, the need for written records and the referral procedures to follow. As a result, children's safety and wellbeing is very well fostered.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have access to an excellent range of toys and equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. Resources support children's learning in all areas of development and their individual interests are well provided for. Children experience a range of exciting places to visit, travelling on various modes of transport including buses and the Docklands Light Railway. They benefit from visits to museums, the seaside, exciting local groups, and attend specific events throughout the year including Black History month. As a result, children are exceptionally well stimulated and experience a superb range of opportunities to widen their experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extremely well settled and secure in the home due to the positive relationships that have formed with the childminder and other children. This is further supported by a settling in procedure that encourages parents to stay with their child. As a result, children familiarise with the new environment safe in the knowledge that parents are close by to support them. Furthermore, gradual periods of separation from parents are extended, all of which fosters children's emotional wellbeing. Children show excellent levels of confidence and self-esteem, making independent choices of what they would like to play with. Children choose from the range of toys and access areas of the home where they feel most comfortable. Children choose to play with a large floor puzzle and take themselves off into the lounge to complete it. Children show excellent levels of concentration, fixing the pieces together. Once complete, they call

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

upon the childminder to show her their success and show delight in the praise they receive.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy drawing and mark making. Younger children are beginning to write recognisable letters and give meaning to their attempts at early writing, informing the childminder they have written the names of their friends. Children also enjoy drawing, creating pictures of people, butterflies and flowers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children very much enjoy imaginary role-play and enjoy acting out real life situations of school. Leaders emerge taking on the role of the teacher. They pretend to call the register and draw on the easel, whilst others sit on the floor to observe. Previous photos also show children involved in many exciting role-play opportunities including setting up a seaside scene using various materials. Photos are shared with children and they explain what is happening which the childminder records and uses to describe what is happening in the photos. As a result, children remember events and have opportunities to remember and revisit exciting experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is exceptionally well monitored as the childminder takes time to write progress reports. Children benefit as the childminder uses the Foundation Stage curriculum

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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 guidance to informally assess their stage of development. Each area of learning is observed and children's skills are recorded and shared with parents. The use of photos support the childminder's findings and as a result, parents are very well informed of how their child is developing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Equal opportunities is very effectively promoted in the setting as an inclusive environment is available to all, ensuring all children and families are welcome. Children benefit as the childminder knows the children well and ensures their identity is well fostered. Children benefit as the childminder is aware of their individual needs and interests, and is aware of children's cultural backgrounds. As a result, children are made to feel secure and their confidence is highly fostered. Furthermore, children have access to a good range of equipment that reflects positive images of culture, developing awareness of the diverse society in which we live. This is achieved through visits within the local and wider community. Information is also shared about the different countries where families come from, developing children's knowledge of others. Children benefit as gender stereotyping is minimised as toys are suitable for both boys and girls. All children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have equal access to the toys available and make independent choices of what they would like to play with, aiding their confidence in making independent choices.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show excellent levels of confidence and self-esteem as positive relationships are formed between them and the childminder. Children benefit as the childminder shares boundaries and gives good, clear explanations to encourage positive behaviour. This develops children's understanding of what is happening and why, for example, the need to talk with visitors to share information. Children also revisit the written rules to remind them of and reinforce positive behaviour. As a result, children are aware of the boundaries in place, preventing confusion as they know what is expected of them. Children are very well behaved as they are exceptionally well stimulated. The range of exciting experiences on offer prevents boredom and unwanted behaviour. Furthermore mutual respectful relationships have developed. Children are encouraged to use their good manners of please and thank you, and also care for living things in the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

environment, caring for plants, helping them to grow. Older children show caring attitudes towards younger members, supporting them during play. As a result, they develop a sense of responsibility, fostering a mature attitude.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of caring for children with Learning Difficulties/and or Disabilities (LDD) and shows a proactive approach in caring for children with additional needs. Training has been attended and includes portage, singing and signing workshops, hearing impaired and autism awareness courses. The childminder ensures an inclusive environment for all children ensuring individual needs are met. The childminder ensures continuity of care by working in partnership with parents and seeking advice from health care and school professionals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is excellent as they are very well informed of the childminder's roles and responsibilities in caring for children. There is an excellent range of well written policies and procedures including a written complaints procedure and log which is available to parents, promoting open and honest relationships. Furthermore, parents are exceptionally well informed of how their children are throughout the day and the progress they make in their development.

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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 Photos, daily verbal communication and regular reports are shared with parents and provide an excellent source of communication. As a result, parents are competently informed of their children's all round development and learning. Written feedback from parents is sort to enable the childminder to reflect on her practice. Positive praise commends the childminder's good care of children and the range of experiences children are involved in.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has completed the required level of training and shows commitment in developing her knowledge further through additional training, for example, supporting children with additional needs. As a result, children benefit as the childminder keeps her knowledge up-to-date to ensure children receive good quality care. The childminder has had the required checks to ensure suitability and ensures children are protected from un-vetted adults at all times.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's organisation. Children have ample room to play and space is organised to ensure they play comfortably. Time is well planned to ensure children's needs are well met and they have a range of experiences to explore. The childminder complies with her certificate of registration as adult to child ratios are adhered to and the attendance register consolidates this. The registration certificate is also displayed during hours of operations, in line with regulations.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures the required documentation is in place to ensure the safe and efficient management of the provision, and to promote the care and welfare of children. Although the childminder does not have written parental permission to seek medical advice or treatment parents are advised that she would do so in an emergency. Well written policies and procedures are in place and shared with parents and excellent child progress reports are devised to monitor their progress in learning and development.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was raised for the childminder to develop her knowledge and awareness of supporting children with LDD. The childminder is proactive in her approach, accessing various training courses to develop her knowledge and understanding of supporting children with additional needs. She also ensures continuity of care by working closely with all adults involved in the care of the child.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 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 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 consent is obtained to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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