Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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161171 Unique Reference Number 05 January 2007 Inspection date Sarer Marcia Tarling 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 outstanding. 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 August 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 8 years. They live in an end of terrace house in Erith. The ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The house is located within walking distance of local schools, playgroups, shops and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a Network Childminder, who has undertaken additional training, as well as being a Support childminder who provides support to new and prospective childminders through their first year of childminding. The childminder attends toddler groups and local childminding support groups on a regular basis. She is a member of both the National and the Bexley 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 The childminder is registered to care for up to six children under eight years and currently has four children under eight on roll. The childminder also provides care for children over the age of eight and has one child on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder has highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's nutritional, physical and health needs. Children are developing a very positive attitude towards exercise as the childminder plans a variety of indoor, and outdoor, physical activities which contribute to their good health. For example, children have the opportunity to explore a wide range of equipment at an indoor soft-play area. The activities and equipment at toddler groups support and encourage the children to develop a wide range of different co-ordination and physical skills. The childminder has an excellent understanding about appropriate levels of support for different ages and stages of children, giving them opportunities to play safely together. Children are able to enjoy running, jumping, they learn to swing themselves and climb on apparatus at the local park. There is a good balance of

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Helping children to be healthy

vigorous and quiet play throughout the day. Children are able to rest in comfort, individual sleep patterns are followed and fresh bedding is provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accurate records ensure children's individual dietary needs are very well met and any special diets and/or cultural needs are catered for. Children are learning what foods are good for them because the childminder talks to them about the benefits of a healthy diet. Mealtimes are a sociable occasion with lots of opportunities to encourage children to try new foods and to become independent in feeding themselves. Children are encouraged to be involved in the preparation of simple meals such as pizza and they learn about the importance of cleanliness in the kitchen when helping to clear away. Children are offered healthy drinks and snacks throughout the day. For example, pure juice, milk or water with fresh or dried fruit and raw vegetables. All meals are nutritious and well balanced and include a selection of dishes from around the world. For example, roast dinners, Spanish omelette, salmon, chicken korma, pillau

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Helping children to be healthy

rice with popadoms, ham and chicken pita pockets. Babies benefit as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure individual feeding routines are followed. Babies are cuddled whilst being bottle fed and appropriate nursery furniture is used to help them sit comfortably.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children obviously enjoy coming to the childminder, they are settled and feel secure in the loving environment. Children benefit as they are cared for in a very clean and comfortable home. The effective cleaning routines help prevent the spread of infection and positive steps are taken by the childminder to protect children's health. For example, the bathroom, kitchen work surfaces, eating areas, baby equipment and floors where babies crawl are all kept meticulously clean. All children are able to explore with play resources and toys which are clean and in excellent condition as a result of the childminder's regular checks on safety and cleanliness. Children are developing an excellent understanding of the importance of good hygiene. They are learning to be independent in their personal care as the childminder ensures they can easily access the soap and hand towel in the bathroom. Effective nappy and toilet

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Helping children to be healthy

training routines protect children from cross infection. Children know they must wash their

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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 hands before eating, after going to the toilet and before taking part in cooking activities. The childminder's sick children policy requests that parents keep their children at home if they are unwell. Children are learning how to help keep themselves healthy from an early age. For example, to help avoid the spread of infection they are reminded to cover their mouth whilst coughing or sneezing. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate and she has an appropriately stocked first aid box. Should children become unwell, or have an accident, they benefit from the childminder's warm and caring approach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a secure and safe environment with high quality equipment appropriate to their age and stage of development. They make the most of their time as they confidently and eagerly explore the childminder's home and garden. The childminder has undertaken training in risk assessment and is extremely vigilant. She has taken steps to remove potential hazards and this helps ensure that risks of accidental injury to children are minimised. Children with a disability are fully included and safe because the childminder sensitively supports and plans adaptations to her home and the activities she provides. For example, the home is uncluttered and well organised which helps all of the children to be able to move around safely and to show an awareness of the needs of others. For example, the children know to tidy away toys once they have finished an activity to prevent someone tripping. Babies are protected as small pieces

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder maintains two working smoke detectors and ensures children are learning about fire safety as she regularly discusses, and practises with the children, a procedure to follow in the event of a fire or emergency in the home. Children are learning the importance of simple rules to help keep them safe when on outings. For example; wearing appropriate seatbelts on a car journey, being strapped in a buggy, wearing security wrist bands and using the stop, look and listen code before crossing the road. Sleeping arrangements promote young children's welfare, as the childminder is vigilant with her checks on sleeping children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Top priority is given to children's welfare. For example, the childminder helps children understand how to protect themselves and maintain their safety outside of the home by talking to them about potential dangerous situations, such as talking to strangers. The childminder's emergency procedures ensure children are only ever left with people who have been vetted and are suitable. Children are protected from harm because the childminder has undertaken child protection and safeguarding children training. As a consequence she has a very secure understanding of the child protection procedures she must follow should she have a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has undertaken training in the Foundation Stage Curriculum and the Birth to three matters framework. As a consequence children are achieving extremely well. Children readily explore the range of well planned activities and resources, which support their learning

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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 across all areas. Routines are flexible and there is an excellent balance between adult and child-led activities which enable children to develop at their own pace. For example, children select what they wish to play with as well as taking part in some planned activities based around topics such as; All About Me, Our Senses, Parts of the Body, Houses and Homes, Animals, and Food. The childminder has a good understanding of the various learning outcomes and ensures activities are sufficiently challenging for individual children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are captivated by the range of stimulating activities and eagerly experiment with paint, rollers and sticking. Children greatly enjoy their time with the childminder as she is enthusiastic and routinely joins in with their play. Children confidently demonstrate their 'break dancing' skills as they spontaneously dance to music. Children's imagination is developing very well. For example, while they play with animals and vehicles on a play farm, role play at ironing and when using tools to measure, saw and hammer at wooden furniture. The childminder is perceptive to children's interests during self -initiated play and supports their enjoyment and learning. For example, by providing additional craft resources so that a child may design and make a costume of their favourite children's television hero 'Sportacus'. Photograph albums and examples of children's activities show their ideas and efforts are all valued. Children feel a sense

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of achievement because the childminder routinely praises their efforts.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit as the childminder ensures there are opportunities for children to play individually and as part of a group, both at home and when at toddler groups. Children have formed very close and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. This helps increase their sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of self. Young babies have a safe and stimulating area in which to lay and play while they watch the other children at play. The older children like include the babies in their games. For example, with the childminders help, they gently listen to the baby's heart with a toy doctors kit. Babies are regularly cuddled, played with, and gently spoken to by the childminder. As a result they are well stimulated, happy and content.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit as the childminder values and respects their individuality. She takes the time to get to know their personalities and individual stages of development extremely well. All ages and abilities are included in activities and as a result children feel welcomed and emotionally secure. Children are encouraged to learn respect for others in the community as they have excellent opportunities to learn about the wider world around them. For example, children play with good quality play resources in the childminder's home and whilst at toddler groups. These include a selection that provide positive images of different cultures and disabilities, such as puzzles, books, dressing-up-clothes and craft activities. Children enjoy helping to prepare and taste dishes from around the world and learn about celebrations and festivals such as, Chinese New Year and Diwali. The children have enjoyed making Chinese lanterns and Rangoli patterns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's positive approach to non-sexist play means that children's play opportunities are not restricted by their gender.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is extremely good. Everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to think how their behaviour affects others. Children develop a sense of their own value and worth

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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 through the childminder's continuous praise, support and involvement in activities. Children are confident, relaxed and polite as the childminder has realistic expectations of their behaviour. There are simple house rules, written as 'The Ten Commandments' in the policies and procedures the childminder shares with parents. These are all positive, explained to the children and consistently used. The childminder has attended courses on behaviour management. She has used reward/star charts and she speaks calmly, giving explanations appropriate to each child's age and level of understanding. Children understand rules about appropriate social interaction and safety because the childminder talks to them and explains both acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of caring for children with disabilities and has attended many workshops and courses which have helped to develop an understanding of how to support children who may have a learning difficulty and/or disability. For example, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Portage. Children benefit as the childminder strives to ensure her home is suitable and that activities are accessible to all. The childminder uses the internet to research specific conditions and is happy to work in partnership with parents, professionals and outside agencies in order to support children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is outstanding and contributes significantly to the children's wellbeing. Excellent systems are in place for sharing written and verbal information with parents, keeping them up-to-date on their child's progress and development. For example, daily record sheets contain information on individual feeding and sleep patterns and the activities children have taken part in. The settling in procedure ensures that children are familiar and happy within the childminding setting, giving opportunities for the children, their parents and the childminder to get to know each other. Parents report that they are "extremely happy" with the service the childminder provides and that the standards of "hygiene, care, play and learning" for their children are "excellent" and outstanding".

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder demonstrates a very professional and highly organised approach in all areas of her childminding. Good quality records are maintained and all documentation sampled is accurately recorded, shared with parents and stored securely. The childminder has an interesting and very detailed information booklet that she shares with parents. This contains a well written and comprehensive set of policies and procedures, reflecting her practice, which she regularly reviews. This helps ensure appropriate procedures work in practice to help keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to the continuous improvement and development to her service. She has attended numerous courses including; The CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childminding Practice, various workshops in relation to the Foundation Stage and the Birth to three matters framework and is currently undertaking a degree in child psychology. The childminder is a Network Childminder who works closely with her local authority and a Support Childminder who provides advice and support to new and prospective childminders through their first year of childminding.

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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 The childminder organises her time well. She plans and prepares meals and activities in advance, in order that she may spend time playing with the children. Due to the well organised routines children feel confident and settled as they are cared for in a safe, stimulating and loving environment. The childminder organises her day around nursery and school runs and incorporates outdoor play, regular outings, visits to organised groups, along with planned activities indoors. The home and garden are organised to maximise play opportunities for children. This enables them to move around freely and self select resources from low level storage boxes. As a consequence children are developing their independence and own interests. Children can take part in arts, crafts, play with dough and puzzles at the dining table. Older children can rest and

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Organisation

relax after school on the comfy settee in the lounge. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she cares.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was set one recommendation which was to continue to update training and ensure that the curriculum activities for children under three years is reflective of their understanding.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since then the childminder has completed training on the Birth to three matters framework. She uses this to help plan and ensure all activities are suitable and as stimulating as possible.

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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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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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 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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