Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335743 Unique Reference Number 30 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 and lives in a one bedroom flat in the London Borough of Southwark. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there are enclosed communal gardens available for supervised outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and to provide overnight care for two children at any one time. There is currently one child under five on roll. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family do not have any 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 promotes the good health of children. She ensures that the premises are clean and that children take responsibility for their own personal hygiene. For example, children wash hands before and after eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outside. Children's health and well being are promoted, through the childminder keeping appropriate records of any accidents or medication administered and sharing this information with parents She is aware of procedures to follow should a child in her care require emergency treatment or medical advice. However, she has not obtained written permission from all parents to seek further treatment if an emergency situation occurred. This means that children's well being is not always safeguarded.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children enjoy a wide range of meals and snacks which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to the park, where they are able to use larger equipment such as the swings and slide, help to promote their physical skills. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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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 able to explore their surroundings with confidence because the childminder has stored potentially hazardous items out of reach. However, children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded due to: the low level lock on the front door, which means that children are able to leave the premises unsupervised; and low level glass in the display cabinet, which is a potential hazard as it is not suitably protected to make it safe. The childminder has minimised potential fire hazards by ensuring that a fitted fire blanket is in place and that smoke detectors on the premises are in good working order.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times. They can select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards; this helps to promote their safety and well being. Consideration is given to children's safety when they are on outings. However, the childminder has not obtained parental consent to take children out. This means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded. The childminder is familiar with child protection issues and is aware of procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a flexible routine, which provides a good balance of play and learning opportunities, both in the home and outside of the childminding setting; promoting their confidence and social skills. Resources are organised so that they are readily accessible to children and promotes their independence. Children enjoy activities such as play dough, painting and games and develop their sense of imagination when playing with lego or dolls. Children receive plenty of individual attention from the childminder; they enjoy quiet times spent alone

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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 with the childminder, increasing their sense of wellbeing. Children are happy and settled and have a good relationship with the childminder, which helps to develop their confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works in close partnership with parents so that the individual needs of children are met. Daily discussions are held with parents so that they are aware of their child's progress and development. Children are treated with equal concern and are respected and valued. This helps to develop their self esteem and promote a positive self-image. The childminder has a good approach to working with children with additional needs and actively promotes an inclusive environment. Resources reflecting diversity are few. However, the childminder ensures that children experience opportunities to develop a positive attitude towards others, when attending drop in groups or the library. The childminder ensures that consistent boundaries are in place; she uses appropriate behaviour management strategies with sensitivity and a reassuring approach. This helps children feel secure in their environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have opportunities for both quiet and active play. The childminder has ensured that space is utilised effectively to meet children’s play and learning needs. The premises are generally safe. However, steps have not been taken to ensure that the premises are fully secure to prevent children leaving unsupervised or that low level glass is made safe; this compromises children's safety.

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Organisation

Appropriate records are kept relating to childminding activities which enables children's care needs to be met. However, consent for emergency treatment or outings have not been obtained from parents. This means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded.

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Organisation

The childminder is due to attend her first aid course and is interested in undertaking further training so that she can enhance her childminding practice.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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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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): • ensure that written permission for emergency treatment is sought from all parents • ensure that premises are secured to prevent children leaving unsupervised, low level glass is made safe and consent for outings is obtained from all 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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