Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY337775 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2006 Inspection date Debra Davey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives in the Nunhead area of Southwark with her husband and their two children who are under eight years. The whole of the premises is used for childminding except the utility room and study. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Currently, there is one child aged under two years on roll. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups and walks with children to and from the local school. The family pets consist of two cats, one rabbit and a wildlife garden pond. The childminder’s husband supports her as an assistant when needed. The childminder does not provide overnight care.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and welfare needs are well attended to through good procedures, supported by detailed policies which are made available to parents. For example, the childminder has devised a medications policy and sick child policy to inform parents that children should not attend if they are too unwell or infectious. This, in addition to a clear routine for hand washing and nappy changing helps to prevent the spread of ailments.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a wide range of home cooked meals as detailed in the weekly planned menu. This is based on children's individual dietary requirements and includes fresh fruit and vegetables as well as dishes from other cultures. Young children develop understanding of healthy eating habits as they help the childminder grow vegetables in her garden, such as tomatoes, courgettes and pumpkins to display and to use in recipes. Older children learn about the nutritional value of the foods from discussion and helping the childminder to prepare healthy snacks.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children play out each day both in her garden and on trips to local toddler groups. Children experience fresh air and have the opportunity to exercise when planting seeds and bulbs in the garden and using the one o'clock club climbing apparatus and tricycles. In this way children are able to explore and develop their emerging physical skills and muscular abilities.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a secure home where they can move around safely because the childminder pays good attention to risk assessment. For example, all safety features including safety gates and socket covers are in place and help to prevent accidents, as well as regular assessment of toys to ensure that they are safe and accessible to children. Smoke detectors are tested regularly and a written safety evacuation procedure is practised with the children. The childminder has good systems for recording accidents and has obtained written parent consent for emergency medical treatment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are made to feel safe and secure due to the good level of supervision that is provided. For example, when a child awakes from her nap she is cared for gently and sensitively, giving her time to wake up and adjust. As she decides to stroke the family cat, the childminder talks to her soothingly to ensure that the cat is not startled and that the experience is positive. In this way children are very well nurtured by appropriate adult support which builds a strong sense of trust.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder as she understands her role in safeguarding children as illustrated by her own safeguarding children policy that includes a clear procedure to follow should she have concerns. This clear knowledge of procedures and updated legislation contributes to the welfare of children in the childminder's care.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from well planned routines and activities and enjoy visits to local toddler groups and library sessions. Younger children are able to explore the indoor and outdoor environment at their own pace, confident that the childminder is always close by to provide cuddles and reassurance. They are able to freely select from an excellent range of toys which include natural and tactile materials to stimulate their senses, as well as exploring the variety of sensory herbs and plants in the garden. The childminder plans to attend future training in the care of children under three years to build on her current good practice.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's care is further enhanced because they are part of a warm environment which stimulates and challenges their creativity. They enjoy a good range of role play opportunities in the garden role play area as well as exploring rhythm through music and singing on a daily basis. An exciting range of art activities are provided and beautifully displayed for all to admire and enjoy. For example, a theme such as transport involves discussion, outings and painting of different forms of transport including 3D models of cars and trucks. Children's freely drawn artwork, such as their paintings of elephants are displayed on the notice board and included in the excellent photographic log to inform parents of the benefits of play. In this way, children are encouraged to celebrate their own achievements and as time goes on, recall events and activities that they have enjoyed doing.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are made to feel very welcome by the childminder and treated according to their individual needs in accordance with the detailed and useful information obtained from parents. As a result, children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they explore the environment confidently and listen attentively as the childminder spends most of her time playing or talking with them. Toys and resources promote positive images of diversity and include books, dolls and puzzles. Children have opportunities to learn about the wider world through regular outings. This means their awareness of the local environment is promoted well. Children are well behaved and very respectful towards the childminder because she encourages and praises them regularly to help promote their confidence and self esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are addressed. Contact notes are shared as well as individual children's art books which have been lovingly presented to paint a picture of each child's activities and progress. The childminder also gives regular verbal feedback about how children spend their day. She takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed and there are clear business arrangements which are regularly updated to ensure that expectations of both parties are clear.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and settled within a well organised home setting. They feel secure with the childminder who cares for them within a safe, caring and stimulating environment. The registration certificate is displayed for parents and a written service statement ensures they are informed about the service provided. Children's records are well kept, for example the daily attendance records show clear arrival and departure times and accident and medication records are shared with parents. This ensures that current requirements are met.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a positive attitude towards improving the service she provides, for example she is enthusiastic about attending future training to update and enhance her skills. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted due to the full range of policies and procedures which are entirely appropriate to the individual service and underpin the good standard of care.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the childminder offers a professional service and meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • build on current good practice by implementing an effective framework such as Birth to three matters.

p.5

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 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

p.5

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

p.6