Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY332558 Unique Reference Number 06 November 2006 Inspection date Susan Linda Capon 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and their seven year old child in a house situated in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the home are use for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. She is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis. The childminder's husband works with her as an assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has an NVQ Level 2 qualification in childcare and currently works as a support worker in a local day nursery. She uses the local amenities on a regular basis.

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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 children are free from infection and cross-contamination as the childminder uses good hygiene routines in line with her health and safety policy and procedures. For example, she cleans her work surfaces with anti-bacterial spray and uses a laminate floor cleaner daily downstairs. She washes her hands before preparing food and has a covered bin in her kitchen.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children follow good hygiene routines throughout the day as they wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Liquid soap and a clean towel are always available and the children are developing their understanding of keeping themselves free from infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The family hamster does not pose a risk to children. It lives in a cage on the floor at the sitting-room end of the large dining room. It is healthy and regularly cleaned out to prevent the spread of infection. The children discussed their family pets, with one child telling the childminder about the girl cat she had chosen.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to sand and water play during the warmer weather. The childminder checks they are clean and safe for their use. There is a cover available to prevent the cats and foxes from fouling in the tray.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive suitable treatment if they have an accident. The childminder has recently updated her first aid qualification and keeps a suitable first aid kit in the home. This is inaccessible to the children. Written parental permission to seek emergency treatment is in place and parents see the records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected through the sound medication policy and procedures followed by the childminder. Written parental permission is required identifying the specific medication and dose to be administered. Parents see the records.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate treatment when they become unwell while at the childminders. The childminder checks their temperature, makes the child comfortable and contacts the parents to discuss an early pick-up if required. Parents are fully aware of the childminder's sickness policy and procedures. For example, they know they should not send an infectious or contagious child to the setting to help prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are free from cross-contamination through the childminder's good understanding of safe food handling including suitable storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to participate in regular physical activities as they play in the garden and visit the local parks. The childminder has a useful under cover outdoor play space. Children use this when the weather is cold or wet. For example, children can play table tennis or use the slide.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access a good range of large play equipment in the garden. This if fully secured to ensure children are safe. The childminder has a written policy for the use of large play equipment.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Parents see the policy. Children particularly enjoy skipping games and swimming at the local pool.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children access regular drinks during the time they are with the childminder. The childminder is aware of individual favourites, making these available on request. For example, one child enjoys fruit juice or squash.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children enjoy healthy, nutritious, varied meals each week. The childminder cooks the evening meal each day ensuring fresh fruit or vegetables are always included. She is fully aware of the individual likes and dislikes of each child and takes these into consideration when planning her menus. For example, she knows one child enjoys cauliflower. The childminder does not add any salt to the meals as she knows this is a more healthy option for children. Children are developing their awareness of healthy eating and some children know vegetables are good for them.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder discusses her menus with the parents and gathers information about any specific dietary needs. She has previous experience of providing special food for children with specific needs and always considers individual needs when providing food.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy the social occasion as they sit at the dining table with the childminder and her family to eat their meals. The childminder and her assistant discuss the children's day and give them sufficient time to eat their meal without rushing. The children are encouraged to use their knife and fork correctly. They are developing good table manners as they use "please" and "thank you" appropriately. The children are encouraged to develop their independence skills as they take their dirty plates and beakers to the kitchen at the end of the meal.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, warm, welcoming, child-orientated home. It is well-decorated and light throughout, making it a pleasant place for children to spend their time. The children are comfortable in their surroundings as all the home furnishings are clean, safe and in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have ample space available to them, enabling them to move around freely. The rooms are uncluttered and well-organised providing optimum space for the children. For example, the childminder pushes the dining room table against the wall.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children access a wide range of play equipment which is suitably stored in the downstairs playroom and one upstairs bedroom. The range available meets the needs of children up to the age of eight years. Toys and games are stored on low shelving or in large labelled containers, enabling children to make their own selection. All the toys and equipment seen are clean and in good order. The childminder ensures she regularly rotates the equipment to provide variation and a stimulating environment. She is aware of individual children's favourites, making sure these are always available. For example, one child enjoys playing with the card games.

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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 Children under two years old use suitable toys and equipment to meet their individual needs. For example, booster seats for eating at the table and potties for toilet-training. All the equipment is in good order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are generally safe in the childminder's home as she has identified most of the potential hazards, making them safe or inaccessible to the children. For example, there is a gate to the kitchen preventing access and fire guards protect young children from hurting themselves on the hearth. Some cleaning fluids are a potential hazard as they are not inaccessible to the children. The outdoor play area is safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The emergency procedures generally protect the children well. The childminder has working smoke alarms on both floors and a suitable emergency evacuation plan is in place. A fire blanket is available in the kitchen. This requires securing to make it available in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe when they are away from the premises. For example, they use appropriate seats when travelling in a vehicle and written parental consent is available. When walking close to busy roads children are encouraged to hold hands. The childminder uses special safety wrist bands when taking the children swimming.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are unable to leave the premises unnoticed as the childminder uses good arrival and collection procedures. The assistant supervises the children while the childminder answers the door and talks to the parents. All keys are readily available to the childminder while being inaccessible to the children. For example, keys are on a hook out of the children's reach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are safe through the childminde'rs public liability insurance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, keeping children safe and secure at all times. She has attended child protection training and has the local procedures to hand in case of need.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are very secure in the setting. They are confident to choose their own games and ask for help when they want to find a favourite game. For example, when they want a particular game of cards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children settle quickly through the good settling-in procedures used by the childminder. They feel safe and secure with the childminder and have developed good relationships with other family members. This makes them feel at home and part of the family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing imaginatively with the toys and equipment. For example they develop their own creations through drawing and painting activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are confident to talk and participate in lively discussion at the dinner table. They talk about their day at school and things they have done at home during the weekend. For example they discuss attending firework parties and collecting fallen leaves to make a picture.

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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 The childminder listens to the children well encouraging their discussion and helping them to extend their vocabulary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy selecting their own resources from those readily available to them in the playroom and child's bedroom. The childminder rotates the equipment regularly to provide the children with an interesting and stimulating environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are encouraged to develop their independence skills as they use the bathroom independently, dress themselves when going home and deal the playing cards for a game.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy relaxing in the childminder's home, watching some television or playing on the computer. The childminder limits the time spent at these activities to ensure children do not spend too long watching a screen. The minded children particularly enjoy drawing, painting, doing puzzles and playing games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children interact well with one another and the childminder and her assistant. They share the toys and equipment well and co-operate with one another when playing games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are developing their awareness of other people and the world about them through the good range of positive images readily accessible to them. These include books, figures and dolls. Children are encouraged to play with all the resources and participate in all the activities available. For example, girls enjoy playing football. The children particularly enjoyed a trip to Hornimans museum.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The husband and wife team provide good role models for the children and they fully implement the equal opportunities policy and procedures at all times. The childminder ensures she has detailed information regarding the individual care for each child, which she uses to ensure appropriate care is given at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children settle quickly which enables parents to return to work safe in the knowledge that their child is enjoying themselves with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's previous experience of caring for children with special needs. The childminder has been trained to administer an epipen in an emergency. She makes regular observations on the children and will discuss any concerns relating to a child’s development with the parents, encouraging them to get help and advice if required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well in the setting. They are fully aware of the basic house rules. For example, they remove their shoes in the hallway and sit down to eat and drink. The childminder and her assistant use positive behaviour management, including regular praise and encouragement. They have a consistent approach in line with the suitable strategies identified in their policy and procedures. A "good behaviour" certificate encourages children needing help and support to develop good behaviour.

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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 Children benefit from the good relationship the childminder develops with their parents. The detailed written contracts and full discussion prior to a child attending the setting enable the childminder to meet the individual needs of each child and provide good continuity of care. All required written consents are in place and parents receive good verbal and written feedback about their child's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The parents are fully aware of the childminder's policies and procedures used in the setting as they see the portfolio of information prior to the child attending. They are fully aware of the complaints procedures and know they can see the record maintained on request.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder will only release the children to the named individuals supplied by their parents. This ensures the children's safety at all times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are care for by suitable people. They are never left with unvetted persons, keeping them safe and secure at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder's husband supports the childminder well, as he works as her assistant. He occupies the children in a wide range of activities enabling the childminder to prepare the children's meals safely.

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Organisation

The children benefit from the childminder's previous experience of working with children. She has a recognised childcare qualification demonstrating a reasonable understanding of child development. The childminder takes her role seriously and has attended a range of training opportunities to develop her role as a childminder. For example, she has completed the policies and portfolio and national standards workshops. She intends to continue to attend trainings when possible to extend her childcare knowledge. This can only benefit the children in her care.

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Organisation

The children enjoy one-to-one attention from the childminder and her assistant on most days. This helps them to form a good relationship with the childminder and her family, developing the children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains her correct registration at all times and records the children's arrival and departure time each day. This ensures children receive appropriate care and attention, keeping them safe and secure.

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Organisation

The children play in a very well-organised home. They have suitable areas for playing, "messy" activities, eating, resting and time outdoors on a regular basis.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the well-written policies and procedures implemented in the setting. They demonstrate how the childminder organises her business to provide good care for children.

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Organisation

The children's records are suitable, well-organised and suitably stored to maintain confidentiality at all times.

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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 The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. She displays her certificate and insurance and makes the inspection report readily available to parents.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action 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 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): • improve the safety in the home by making all cleaning materials inaccessible to children and securing the fire blanket in the kitchen for use in an emergency.

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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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