Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY333757 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2006 Inspection date Judith Harris 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 with her husband and four children aged 12 months, nine and 12 years and an adult daughter in Charlton South East London. The sitting/dining room, hall and children's bedroom are the areas of the childminder's house used for childminding and the children will go to the park for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five part-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local groups and parks.

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 are gaining an understanding of good hygiene practice. They are learning good hand-washing routines and the childminder uses hygienic routines when changing nappies. The home is clean and the childminder ensures that the children's good hygiene practice is supported on outings as well as at home.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with balanced and healthy meals, snacks and drinks through the positive partnerships with parents. The childminder talks to parents about providing meals for children and agrees how this will be done and what she will provide. The childminder takes information from parents about the children's dietary needs and ensures these are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

At home the children have clear floor space allowing them to move freely. On outings the children walk if possible and they have daily outings to local parks and groups to provide opportunities for exercise and developing physical skills.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. Parents are provided with a written policy for the administration of medication. The childminder has the required records and shows a good understanding of how to complete these.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, well organised home where they can move around safely. The children play in the sitting/dining room where they have safe access to a basic range of toys and resources. The childminder has carried out risk assessments on the home and taken suitable steps to minimise any risks. A suitable range of safety and fire safety equipment is in place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe both at home and on outings as they are directly supervised at all times. On outings the youngest children travel in buggies and older children hold hands or hold on the buggy. The children are learning the use of good road crossing practice.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have a satisfactory range of toys and equipment that are suitable for their ages. The childminder monitors the children's choice of toys to ensure that they are safe. The childminder keeps the toys clean and well maintained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection. She has a well written policy and procedure which she is able to put into practice when necessary.

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 are provided with a wide range of activities and experiences which are suitable for their ages and clearly support their learning and development. Children have weekly visits to the toy library and local library. The childminder takes the children to a drop in group where they take part in creative and messy play activities. The children can play in the garden at the group and they go to the local park where they can visit the wildlife area. At home the children are provided with activities planned through the daily routine. They have a basic variety of toys, books and resources. The childminder engages well with the children she encourages them to make choices about what they will play with and allows them to lead the play. She encourages them to use their imagination in their play and supports them to develop language skills. Children play with the childminder they are animated and involve her in their play. The

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder uses this interaction to challenge and extend them. The childminder has completed training for the Birth to three matters framework. She uses the framework to develop the activities and experiences she provides for the children to support them to become competent learners and skilful communicators.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of activities at home and at groups which support their understanding of the wider world. The childminder has a positive attitude and has a written policy for ensuring children are treated with equal concern.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is confident about caring for a child with learning difficulties. She has a clear understanding of the level of care children may need and would want to ensure she was able to meet the child's needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and the childminder uses praise and positive strategies to encourage the children's good behaviour. Children are busy and well occupied and the childminder is aware of what may cause them to become upset or frustrated. She monitors children closely and steps in to diffuse any situations. The childminder takes the children to groups which supports them in learning to share and take turns. There is a written policy for managing behaviour which is effectively used and supports the childminder's positive attitude.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a policy for supporting partnership with parents. She uses contracts and records show that parents are happy with the care of the children. The childminder speaks to parents daily to continue to exchange information about their child's needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder has completed the registration course and has continued to take a variety of training to enable her to improve her service and to develop her professional skills.

p.4

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 The childminder provides a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which clearly explain her service and show how she will effectively meet the needs of the children in her care. Parents are asked to sign these to show they have read and agree with the policies. There are weekly menus provided and daily routines with activities and plans for each day. All records relating to the service are present and excellently well organised. All records are up to date and the childminder has clearly given thought to the way in which her service is arranged and delivered. She demonstrates a clear view of the way in which she aims to develop her service.

p.4

Organisation

The space is very well organised, and the children have clear floor space for play. The day is planned to ensure children's needs are met and times are planned for meals, rest and sleep.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 records 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): • continue to build up the range of toys and equipment to meet the needs of children.

p.5

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

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.5