Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331342 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2007 Inspection date Sarah Morfett 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, aged eight and 11 years, in Petts Wood, in the London Borough of Bromley. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding two children part time. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has some fish and a cat

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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 play in a clean and tidy home where good health and hygiene issues are promoted. They independently take themselves to the toilet and the childminder reminds them to wash their hands. They are provided with good resources, such as liquid soap, and they have their own towel which they are very proud of. This ensures they participate in good hygiene routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted because of the strong policy in place. For example, children who are unwell do not attend and recommended exclusion periods are noted and shared with parents. This means that with their help the childminder can minimise the risk of cross infection. Accident and medication procedures are in place. Comprehensive written permissions obtained from the parents mean that children's health and well-being is nurtured.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an active lifestyle. Each day they walk to and from school and have a large garden to play in, with a slide and trampoline. This means that they can develop strong physical skills as they play. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They happily tuck into beans and toast after nursery. They are able to access regular drinks because cups are left within easy reach. Children’s understanding of being healthy is well developed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and bright home. They show independence and are self assured as they move around with ease. Toys and resources are clean and in good condition. The wide range of equipment is suitable for the ages of the children attending. Children benefit from the child friendly setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good systems in place to promote children's safety. For example, a lost child procedure details exactly what would happen if a child were to wander off when out; and a procedure for the collection of the children means that the childminder would never let them leave with people she didn't know. Therefore, parents can feel secure with the strong safety precautions taken.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Daily risk assessment means all hazards are minimised and a good range of safety equipment is in place. There is a well written fire evacuation procedure in place. However, it has not been discussed with minded children, therefore, they would be unsure of what to do in an emergency. Children learn about safety as they walk to school. They know they must hold onto the buggy and demonstrate how they look both ways as they cross the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very good understanding of safeguarding children. She informs parents of her duty to protect children in her care through a well written child protection policy. This safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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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 good. Children are very well settled in the childminders care. They are able to make choices about what they play with because there is a wide range of toys and resources; these are stored on shelves in a play room just off of the main living area. They can self select from age appropriate toys, such as games, puzzles, role play, books and art and craft resources. Children are also able to bring their own toys, which makes them feel included and they learn to share. Very young children have a good range of toys to stimulate them; they enjoy lying under a baby gym and lift their hands up to touch the objects hanging there. They show interest in noises as they turn their heads to hear the rattle and are developing good hand and eye co-ordination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children enjoy good interaction with the childminder. They all snuggle up together to listen to a story. As they play she asks questions that makes them think, such as 'what will you do next', as the children explain how they are going to tackle an activity. Children show care and concern for each other. For example, the younger child is interested whether the baby has eaten their dinner. The childminder includes them in the baby’s care which makes them feel like important individuals. Children are able to develop relationships with others their own age when they attend local toddler groups and soft play centres. Children thrive in the stimulating environment

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. There is good information recorded, such as medical needs, dietary requirements and religion. They develop a sound view of the world around them as they can play with toys and resources which promote positive images of diversity. For example, they can play with dolls, books, puzzles and small play people which offer reflections of other cultures. The childminder is a good role model as she demonstrates a positive attitude to promoting diversity. Therefore, children learn to accept people’s differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well within the clear boundaries set. A list of house rules, such as saying please and thank you, helping to tidy up, not climbing on the furniture and sharing the toys, lets them know what is acceptable behaviour. Strategies used to manage behaviour are sound and the children enjoy playing in the childminders home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's daily routines are shared with parents, either in the form of a contact book for the younger ones or verbal feedback for the older ones. Parents are able to be involved in their child's care, as they make notes in the contact book or discuss issues at home time. Children's needs are met through effective communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure in the well-organised environment. They receive good support from the childminder. They have plenty of space to move around in, helping them to feel relaxed and confident. They are protected from people who are not vetted because the childminder ensures

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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 they are supervised at all times. The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childcare Practice (ICP) course and holds an appropriate first aid certificate. She demonstrates a good attitude to developing her knowledge of children's development.

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Organisation

All of the policies, procedures and appropriate documentation are well-maintained. For example, the attendance record is marked daily and notes arrival and departure times; and the registration certificate is displayed. A well set out portfolio is shared with parents and underpins the childminders good practice. Paperwork and the children's records are stored appropriately and maintain confidentiality. This means the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

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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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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): • discuss the emergency evacuation procedure with the children

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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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