Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY314309 Unique Reference Number 29 November 2006 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies 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 2006. He lives with his wife who is another registered childminder and his two children aged eight and 13 years old, in a three bedroom maisonette in the London borough of Southwark. The whole of the childminder's house is used for minding. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. The childminder works jointly with another childminder and together they may care for a maximum of six children. The family have no pets.

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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 ensures that the premises are cleaned on a daily basis and that good procedures are in place to protect children's health and well being. For example, gloves are used when changing children's nappies and children are encouraged to wash their hands before handling food and after using the toilet. Procedures are in place to protect children from infection if they become unwell and parents are notified immediately. The childminder keeps appropriate records of any accidents or medication administered but has not obtained written permission from all parents to administer medication. This means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of first aid procedures. This helps to promote children's health and well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most children benefit from a healthy diet and the childminder ensures that any dietary needs are discussed with parents. However for those parents responsible for providing meals, the food does not always reflect healthy eating. Although the childminder recognises the difficulties with some of the parental choices for meals, He does not work actively with parents to educate them in healthy eating or offer an alternative meal. This means that children sometimes eat meals that are not nutritionally balanced or meet their dietary requirements. Children enjoy a range of physical activities when visiting the park and are able to use a variety of large and small equipment which help them to maintain good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment. They are helped to stay safe through the use of safety gates, which are positioned to prevent unsupervised access to areas such as the stairs and kitchen. However children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded as the glass panel in the enclosed balcony is a potential hazard. It is easily accessible to children and is not made of toughened safety glass. The trailing telephone wire in the hallway is also easily accessible to children and is a potential tripping hazard. Children use a suitable range of toys and equipment which are easily accessible and meet safety standards. This means that children can play freely and independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's safety when going on outings by making sure that children hold hands when crossing the road. He also ensures that younger children are securely strapped in the pushchair. The childminder is familiar with child protection issues and has devised a child protection policy, however he does not have up to date child protection guidance in line with local procedures. This means that children's safety is potentially compromised.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy the childminder's company as he sits with them and supervises their play. They are happy and settled and relate well to the childminder, so as a result children are secure in their environment. Children benefit from a flexible, varied routine and are interested in the selection of activities provided such as drawing, Lego, musical instruments, balls and electronic toys. Resources are organised in low level storage so that children can choose their favourite toys. This helps to promote their sense of enjoyment and independence. They have many opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups, and enjoy frequent visits to the park developing their confidence, self esteem and social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and have developed a strong relationship with the childminder, which helps to promote their sense of belonging and well being. The childminder communicates with parents on a daily basis about what children have done during the day and reports on their daily progress. Children behave well and the childminder has a sound approach to managing children's behaviour. Clear boundaries are in place and children are praised regularly, helping them to feel secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Resources that promote a positive view of the wider world are limited. However, attendance at drop in groups, enable children to look at books and handle toys that help them to become aware of diversity and the world in which they live. Although no children attend at present who have identified special needs, the childminder has a positive attitude to the inclusion of all children and is willing to support parents, so that the individual needs of children are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder's home is organised so that sufficient space is available to allow children to engage in a selection of activities. The premises are generally safe and children have space for active play, quiet activities, and undisturbed naps. However steps have not been taken to minimise hazards in the balcony area or hallway, and up to date child protection guidance has not been obtained, so as a result compromises children's safety. All required documentation is in place, however parental permission has not been obtained to administer medication. This means that children's health is not entirely safeguarded.

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Organisation

A range of written policies and procedures which help to promote the welfare and safety of children are in place and is shared with parents. The childminder has recently completed a short course regarding Birth to three matters and is interested in attending further childcare courses in order to develop his knowledge and promote children's learning.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provdes.

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Organisation

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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 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): • ensure that low level glass in the balcony and the trailing telephone wire is made safe • obtain up to date child protection guidelines which are in line with local safeguarding procedures • ensure that permission to administer medication has been obtained from parents

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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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