Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271018 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2007 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 lives with her husband and four children aged under 11 years in Erith, Kent. The ground floor living rooms of the childminder’s house are 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding one, three days a week, part time. Overnight care is not provided. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler and Sure Start activity groups.

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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 satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of good hygiene practice through everyday routines. The childminder ensures the play areas and equipment are clean before children arrive so that the risk of cross infection is minimised. The childminder washes her hands before and after changing nappies which are then disposed of hygienically. Children learn to wash their hands before they eat food because the childminder explains it is necessary as she supervises them in the bathroom. Children enjoy physical activity when they attend local Sure Start events where they can run and play with other children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to make healthy food choices from freshly cooked meals and snacks. They enjoy a range of meals such as Jollof rice or meat and noodles. Slices of fruit such as banana or apple are offered as snacks. The menu is discussed with parents at an initial meeting. Individual preferences and family requirements are met. Fresh water or fruit juice is available throughout the day. The childminder works with parents to encourage children to drink from a cup and increase their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who have an infection do not attend which prevents the spread of contagious ailments. All required documents and written consents are maintained. The childminder chooses not to administer medication and this is discussed with parents. Emergency contact numbers are carried at all times. Parents are effectively informed and prepared well for emergencies, 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 and parents are welcomed by name into a secure home with organised and prepared play rooms. The floor space is uncluttered and tables and chairs are available for activities or meals. There are easily accessible toys, games and books for the age of the children presently minded. The front room lounge has clean bright décor, comfortable furniture, and large windows. The dining room displays cheerful and bright posters, photographs of family members, number and picture friezes although walls and paintwork are marked and grubby. Children extend their play between both rooms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home before children arrive. Electric socket points are covered and wires are neatly maintained. Children cannot access rooms or items that could be dangerous such as cleaning liquids and powders because these are stored on adult height shelving. Safety gates are used for the stairs. Children know to keep themselves safe. They stand by the childminder for security, learn to tidy away toys they are no longer using and sit at the table to eat and drink. The garden is securely fenced and the childminder checks this before children are allowed to play outside. Fire safety recommendations are in place and an exit plan has been considered. The childminder has

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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 attended a fire safety training course and parents are aware of her safety procedures as these are discussed at an initial meeting. Public liability insurance is current.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel cared for as they are closely supervised at all times both in the home and outside. Road safety habits are reinforced when walking daily to and from school. The childminder explains she discusses how they must hold hands, wait at the kerb and look left and right before crossing the road with her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder is confident she has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Local authorities, police and national contact numbers are held. Parents are informed of her professional role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are supported, stimulated and engaged in activities encouraging their development. The childminder provides sufficient space and equipment such as alphabet puzzles, stickle bricks, books, a shape sorting cube and dressing up clothes. Resources are free standing or accessible from storage boxes. The childminder encourages children's confidence by praising them when they do things well. She explains she uses play dough to talk about textures, names the colours and allows them to mix these to make other colours. She uses a calendar to name the days of the week. Children are provided with positive images of diversity from family photographs, action figures, TV programmes, books and puzzles. Children explore their physical skills during attendance at Sure Start group activities where they meet other children and learn to take turns and share toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder talks to children about past and coming events in their life, such as arrivals of new babies and daddy going to work. Children learn to care for others and behave well. They develop good hand and eye coordination as they twist and turn the pieces of stickle brick before pressing them into a chosen place. They are given opportunities to make marks with pencils and crayons. All children are allowed to play with all age appropriate toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are supported well and encouraged to develop independence and personal confidence. They are shown respect and learn to feel good about themselves because the childminder praises them. There are a modest variety of resources available, including books, dressing up clothes, dolls and role play items which provide positive images of physical and cultural diversity. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she can offer children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to be polite, considerate and to share resources. They meet other children and take turns during play at social events and clubs. They understand the difference between right and wrong because the childminder gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. She encourages children to care for themselves and others. For example she provides children with a doll to hold because a new baby is due. The childminder discusses her behaviour

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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 management methods with the family and ensures name calling and bullying do not occur. A record of incidents is to be maintained when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is satisfactory. The childminder takes basic steps to ensure parents are kept informed of all relevant procedures. Written contracts are signed and dated. Children's personal records note medical information and identify adults permitted to collect children. Signed permissions are held as good practice. Daily information is exchanged at the beginning and end of the day ensuring potential concerns can be resolved immediately. The childminder is aware to maintain a record of complaints for parents to view on request.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children play happily and show they are content and secure. The childminder provides resources and activities to engage their interest and to meet their needs.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures all documentation is clearly maintained to a satisfactory standard. Individual records and information are held securely in her childminding file. The registration certificate is displayed, and a daily register shows when children are present and why they are absent. First aid certification for the care of babies and children has been recently attended. The childminder 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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): • continue planned redecoration of walls and paintwork in the areas used for childminding. • consider using the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities for 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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