Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336240 Unique Reference Number 16 November 2006 Inspection date Beverly Hallett 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. She lives with her seven year old child in the Grove Park area of the London borough of Lewisham. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local music and parent/toddler group, takes children to the local library and frequently uses the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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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 are well protected from possible infection as the childminder takes positive steps to ensure good standards of hygiene, for example keeping the home very clean and tidy and agreeing good policies and procedures verbally with parents should children become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an awareness of good hygiene procedures as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at regular intervals throughout the day and talks to them about germs and how to prevent infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good quantities of well prepared food and drink and are learning to make healthy food choices as the childminder bases menus on healthy eating guidelines. Children enjoy mealtimes as social occasions and are developing positive attitudes towards eating as they sit together at the table, chatting and relaxing as they feed themselves with support from the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are being active and acquiring good physical skills as they use the large garden in good weather, and take walks in the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play safely in a well thought out, safe and secure environment. The childminder's home is welcoming to children, offering sufficient space in which to enjoy both quiet and active play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play happily with a good range of toys which maintain their interest, are in good condition and support their overall learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe when in the setting as the childminder has a sound knowledge of safety issues and takes appropriate steps to minimise risks, for example by using safety gates and sleep monitors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected from harm and neglect as the childminder's knowledge around child protection issues is sound, and essential documents to ensure children's safety are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are beginning to make positive relationships with adults and each other. They receive gentle support from the childminder as they explore the good range of toys set out for them. As they play, children make connections and begin to understand the world.

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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 Children are becoming skilful communicators, listening and responding and finding a voice as they share stories and rhymes with the childminder. The childminder takes the children to regular music sessions where even the very young can enjoy music and movement and develop their understanding of rhythm and sound.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A child centred routine gives children good opportunities to rest and play according to their individual needs. Activities provided engage the children's interest, and the childminder plans trips to local areas of interest based on children's abilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and secure within the setting, showing enjoyment in being with a familiar and trusted adult. They feel emotionally secure and are developing a positive self image because the childminder treats them as individuals and shows through her interaction that she values their company. However, a lack of positive images within the majority of toys and resources limit children's opportunities to learn about, value and respect different cultures, religions and family backgrounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The welfare and development of children with learning difficulties and disabilities is well promoted as the childminder works closely with parents to provide a high level of support.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave appropriately in the childminding setting and play happily as the childminder ensures each child has sufficient space and resources to keep them occupied.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to support children's consistency of care. Verbal information on children's activities and progress is shared with parents so that children can have their achievements recognised and valued at home.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children are cared for by a competent and understanding childminder who combines an awareness of how to care for children with a well planned, varied and child centred daily routine.

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Organisation

Children play happily in a well thought out, organised environment which encourages all areas of learning. Their individual needs and interests are supported as they are offered good variety of choice of what to play with from a good range of toys and resources. However, these are not well organised and easily accessible to children.

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Organisation

Children's safety is supported by essential documentation which is kept in good order. However, the range of policies and procedures to support good practice is minimal and there is no complaints procedure or complaints log available should parents need to address any concerns.

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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 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): • increase toys and resources which offer children positive images of todays diverse society • ensure toys and resources are organised so that children are able to access them easily, supporting choice and self help skills • ensure suitable complaints procedures and a complaints log are in place to enable parents to express any concerns

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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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