Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271774 Unique Reference Number 26 January 2007 Inspection date Christine Lynne Hodge 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 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 has been registered since October 2003. She lives with her partner and nine year old son in a three bedroomed house in Abbeywood in the London Borough of Greenwich. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, together with the first floor bathroom. Older school children also have access to the childminder's son's bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for three children under five years and two school age children, both of whom are under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 cared for in a clean, hygienic home where their health is fully promoted. Good cleaning and hygiene routines ensure that children are protected from germs. For example, the childminder washes her hands after each nappy change and children are encouraged to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before meal times. The childminder's effective sick child policy helps to prevent children from the spread of infection. Children are cared for appropriately in the event of accidents as the childminder has an accessible, fully stocked first aid box and holds a current first aid qualification, although this expires at the end of February. Medication and accident records are accurately maintained. Children benefit from lots of fresh air and take part in a wide range of activities which help to promote their all round physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet which includes home cooked food and regular portions of fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure children's cultural and special dietary requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can play and relax in a warm and welcoming environment where their safety is well promoted. They have access to the whole of the ground floor and can move around the childminder's home confidently and freely as possible hazards have been identified and necessary safety precautions have been implemented. For example, safety gates prevent children from falling down stairs and a fireguard protects children from the dangers of fire. Although the kitchen is open plan the childminder has good procedures in place to keep children safe when she is preparing meals. Furniture, equipment and play resources are in good condition and meet the needs of the children. The childminder keeps children safe on outings by providing appropriate restraints and seats when travelling in the car and by teaching children the Green Cross Code when crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected as all necessary checks have been completed on family members and the childminder demonstrates a good understanding about safeguarding children. She is very clear about her role and responsibility for recognising, recording and reporting concerns to Social Services.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and very much at home with the childminder and her family. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework and during the week ensures that children are provided with a wide variety of stimulating activities. Children confidently move around the setting and have great fun choosing from a good range of toys and resources which help to promote their learning and development. These include building bricks, stickle

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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 bricks, cars, garage, train set, puzzles, drawing, musical instruments, play dough, finger paints, aqua painting, play foods and fruits and dolls. Children benefit from regular outings to the park and play centres for physical play and to toddler groups where they can socialise with other children. Children enjoy lots of cuddles and good interaction with the childminder as she sits with them to extend their play and language development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children from all faiths and cultural backgrounds are welcomed into the childminder's home. Children's individual needs are well met through lots of discussion with parents at the initial interview about children's home background, culture, religion, likes, dislikes, allergies and special requirements. Children learn about diversity and disability through a good range of positive image play resources such as dolls, puzzles, small world figures and books. The childminder has a positive attitude to inclusion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Strategies for managing behaviour are appropriate to children's age and stage of development. For example, distraction is used for younger children and time out for older children. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement to promote their self esteem, as a result they are happy and well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and contributes to the care and well being of children. An effective settling in routine ensures that children can separate from parents with as little upset as possible. The childminder works in partnership with parents and keeps them well informed about their children's day and progress. Contracts and child record forms are completed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiastic and committed approach to childminding. She is keen to continue to update her childcare knowledge by attending further training. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration. Children receive lots of attention and good adult support to keep them safe. Play space and resources are well organised so that children can play safely and make independent choices. The daily routine revolves around school runs and the needs of the children. All necessary documentation is in place and is well maintained, although the childminder does not have a written policies and procedures which promote her childminding practice.

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Organisation

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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her previous inspection the childminder was asked to become more familiar with the Birth to three matters framework and to develop her confidence in caring for children with special needs. She has attended a training course on the Birth to three matters framework and intends to use her knowledge for planning and recording children's progress. She has applied to attend a childminder's Special Educational Needs Coordinators workshop in February.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted received one complaint from a parent relating to National Standard 1:Suitable Person, National Standard 6: Safety and National Standard 11: Behaviour Management. An unannounced visit took place in September 2005 and the childminder was set two actions which were addressed appropriately. The case was closed in November 2005 and the provider remained qualified for registration.

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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): • develop a set of written polices and procedures which reflect working practices • ensure that first aid training is appropriately updated

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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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