Childminder in BromleyOfsted inspection, 9 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296008 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Juliette Lloyd

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 is registered to provide care for up to 3 children from 0 - 8 years. She lives with her husband and 4 children aged 15, 14, 11 and 4 years. She is currently caring for 1 minded child. The childminder lives in a 3 bedroom house located in the London borough of Bromley, close to local transport links and amenities. Minded children have access to all areas on the ground floor including a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the premises.

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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 Minded children go on regular outings to the library, toddler groups and local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. From an early age children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. For example, the childminder ensures children have access to hand washing facilities and reminds the children about hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. The environment is clean and tidy and children are protected from the spread of infection through the childminder's careful attention in ensuring that children's personal items, such as babies bottles, are properly sterilised. Children enjoy an extremely good choice of well planned nutritious meals. This helps children to develop good healthy eating habits. The individual dietary needs of children are met as the childminder incorporates any cultural, religious and food allergies into meals and snacks provided for children. Outings to the park and regular trips to the local library and community centre, where

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Helping children to be healthy

there is large play equipment, gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills and have fresh air. This supports children in developing a healthy lifestyle. Babies receive lots of warmth and affection. This enhances their emotional wellbeing and gives them the confidence to explore new experiences. The childminder follows babies individual routines for eating and sleeping. This ensures continuity of care and contributes well to their physical development. Babies develop confidence and self-esteem as they learn to feed themselves with lots of caring support from the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. The childminder has organised the indoor space effectively, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. The outdoor play space is fully enclosed with a padlock on the side gate ensuring children are kept safe. However, there are a couple of concrete paving slabs that are uneven that are potentially hazardous to children. Very young children can crawl and learn to walk in a child-friendly environment because the childminder makes sure that items with small parts that could cause choking are not accessible to babies. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures throughout the home. For

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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 example, electrical socket covers, stair gates, effective emergency evacuation procedures and a secure outdoor play area. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe with good routines and gentle reminders that encourage children to learn about safety within the home. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She has clear procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child that promote and safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies and young children explore and experiment through a range of well-planned activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. Children are happy and confident, they are able to choose independently from the wealth of resources that aid their all round development and growth. The childminder interacts well with the children, she asks open-ended questions to challenge and stimulate their understanding. Children feel valued and develop positive self-esteem as the childminder shows interest in what they are doing and listens to what they have to say. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, sticking, listening to music and experimenting with musical instruments. Babies and young children develop good communication skills and are able to express their thoughts and feelings both verbally and non-verbally. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

responds well to the needs of children as she has a firm understanding of the different developmental needs of babies and children, enabling her to plan good opportunities for them to learn. Children relate well to the childminder and each other, they confidently approach the childminder for support indicating good trusting relationships are built.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has a positive attitude toward diversity. Children become aware of their own and other cultures through a range of resources, planned activities and as they celebrate a variety of festivals. There are lots of toys and resources that show images of all aspects of society, for example puzzles and books with people of different cultures and race. Children who speak English as an additional language are supported by the childminder who has learnt some words in the children's home language so she can understand their basic needs. This helps children to feel valued and develop a sense of belonging.

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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 There are no minded children in attendance with identified special needs. However, the childminder has an inclusive attitude toward the care of all children, she ensures the individual care needs of children are catered for by working in close partnership with parents. Children are very well behaved and caring toward each other as the childminder acts as a positive role model, demonstrating warmth and care. Children respond well to the childminder's praise and encouragement. They feel secure in their environment because the childminder is consistent in her approach to behaviour management. Excellent communication with parents and regular feedback about children's progress ensures that children are cared for according to their parents wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The premises are very well organised, demonstrating the childminder's understanding of her role in supporting the children in their play and learning. Children benefit greatly from being in an environment where they receive good support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder has a commitment towards her own personal growth and development and ensures she is kept up-to-date with current childcare practice by attending training organised by the Local Authority. This enables her to effectively provide children with a wide range of learning experiences. The childminder has excellent policies and procedures that guide her daily practice. This ensures children's needs are met and all relevant information is shared with parents verbally and in writing. A good two-way flow of information ensures children's care needs are closely monitored and evaluated. All relevant information relating to

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Organisation

the care and developmental needs of children is recorded, demonstrating to parents that the children are being provided with a stimulating routine offering suitable challenge to their development. Overall the needs of the children for whom the childminder cares are being met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • carry out risk assessment of the outdoor area and take necessary precautions to minimise risk to children

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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