Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY258579 Unique Reference Number 13 November 2006 Inspection date Linda Margaret Nicholls 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 2003. She is registered to care for five children and is currently minding two, none of whom are full time. She is registered to care for overnight care. She lives with her husband and two children in Erith, Kent.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Ground floor rooms and bedrooms are used for childminding purposes. The garden is not used for childminding. The childminder walks children to and from local schools and nurseries.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about personal health and hygiene through every day experiences. Children are protected from cross infection because the childminder ensures play equipment and play

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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 surfaces are clean. They are protected from contagious illnesses because the childminder does not care for children who are sick. Children learn to wash their hands before eating food, after playing outside and messy play. The childminder washes her hands before and after changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity during walks to and from school, visits to local parks and activity centres. They enjoy their time in the ball pond activity at a local venue. Children know how to relax, they go the childminder for close contact or sit on the sofa quietly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's appetites are met because the childminder presents foods supplied by the parents. Family wishes and requirements are discussed at first meeting. Children have access to fresh water throughout their stay. The childminder has attended a food safety course and stores foods appropriately. A sample menu is provided should parents wish her to provide meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual needs are met because the childminder keeps clear and current records. All required documents are maintained. Signed consents and emergency contact numbers are held. Parents are informed and prepared well for emergences, for example, when children may be taken ill or there may be a serious accident requiring emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play safely in an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered and sufficient toys, games and books are available for imaginative play. There is adequate natural light and ventilation. Décor is clean and children learn to keep floor space tidy and to clear toys away as they play. They select activities from free standing items, toy boxes or a cupboard. Items are checked regularly for repair or replacement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because the childminder ensures sharp instruments, cleaning liquids and the adult bedroom are secured so that children cannot access them. She routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They do not enter the kitchen unsupervised nor do they jump on furniture. The garden is well maintained, fenced and gated although it is not used for childminding. A London Fire Brigade representative has visited the home, safety recommendations are met and an exit plan has been considered. Parents are aware of the childminder's general safety procedures and public liability insurance is renewed annually.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel cared for and secure as they are closely supervised at all times both in the home and during outside play at a variety of venues. Road safety knowledge is reinforced daily during walks to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has refreshed her child protection knowledge and has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Local and national contact numbers are held and are available for parents. She explains her professional role to parents and her procedures conform to local and national requirements.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are supported, stimulated and can engage in a range of activities of their own choice. The childminder ensures there is sufficient equipment such as books, games, construction blocks, dolls and small world play items vehicles. Children are introduced to the Spanish language via everyday talk and dual language books. They learn English together with the childminder as they watch children's TV and attend clubs to develop social and physical skills. The childminder encourages children to enjoy books with regular trips to the library and through reading stories. Children use their imagination to link their play with knowledge of the world via computer games, music and musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to respect physical, cultural and racial diversity. They take part in annual festivals and local activities arranged by Sure Start. They learn to know right from wrong, to develop self control and to share toys and equipment. Children are developing a sense of time and personal history. They celebrate their birthdays with a party at the childminder's house.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are valued and allowed to feel good about themselves. She organises her time to respond to their individual needs and takes family preferences into account. She takes children to a wide range of activities held within the local community, such as the library, parks and sports centres. Children learn about their local community and about many cultures during Black History Month, Christmas and Chinese new year. The childminder has items which depict several of the cultures of Spanish-speaking South America including dual language books, embroidery and music. The childminder is aware to adapt activities to meet every child's specific need and to support families with children with learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explains how she meets the individual needs of children in her care. She discusses family preferences and individual routines with parents at initial meetings and records children's details. She discusses her behaviour management with parents and teaches children to care for things and other people. Sharing is encouraged and children learn to know right from wrong. The childminder explains she provides a role model by talking quietly but firmly and giving simple consistent explanations for the effect of unwanted behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is satisfactory. The childminder makes time to inform parents of their child's daily experience with her. She explains the procedures she follows at their initial meeting and provides documents in a folder for them to view. Written agreements are held and individual details are recorded, including GP details, medical information and the names of adults identified to collect children. Signed permissions are held as part of the contract, although permission to take photographs or to use public transport are incomplete. Parents are reassured and happy with the care she provides celebrating their children's birthdays in her home. The childminder is aware to maintain a record of complaints she receives.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and demonstrate established self confidence and a sense of belonging in an organised and welcoming home. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged because the childminder plans activities and provides suitable equipment to meet their individual abilities and needs.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains all required documents to a satisfactory standard. Records and information are readily available for inspection. Registered ratios are maintained and the record of attendance notes when children are present and why they are absent. The childminder holds a current certificate in first aid for children and babies. She is pro-active in updating her professional training. The registration document is displayed. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of any changes to her circumstances that may affect the welfare of children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to review the storage and maintenance of toys and equipment for children. Children make independent choices from directly accessible well maintained toys, toy boxes, a cupboard and free standing equipment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection actions were set to ensure fire safety precautions were in place. A fire blanket is visible, smoke alarms are fitted and a London Fire Brigade certificate has been issued. Children play in a safe environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection an action was set to ensure glass panels are safe. Glass panels are now safety filmed. Children play in a safe environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection an action was set to make kitchen and bedrooms safe. Home moving packaging has now been removed and the home is established. The kitchen and bedrooms are safe for childminding purposes. Children play in a safe environment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection an action was set to make the garden safe and secure for children. The garden is clear of rubble, securely fenced, gated, neat and well maintained however it is not used for childminding. Children enjoy outside play daily with planned activities and social events to parks, activity centres and walks in the locality.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 Ofsted received a complaint relating to National Standard 1 - Suitable person. A joint visit was made by a social worker and a child care inspector. No evidence was found that National Standard was breached. The provider remains suitable for registration.

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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): • consider updating knowledge of how children learn through accreditation training offered by local authority. • ensure written and signed consents are signed prior to taking photographs or using public transport.

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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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