Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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510811 Unique Reference Number 02 March 2007 Inspection date Justine George 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 lives with her husband and three children aged 22, 14 and seven years. They live in a four bedroom house in Plumstead. The home is close to shops, schools, parks and bus routes.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the ground floor sitting room for quieter activities, kitchen/dining room for play purposes and also have access to an enclosed garden. Children also have access to the first floor bathroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since November 2000. She currently cares for two children aged 22 months and four years. Care is provided on a full and part-time basis.

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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 have access to a clean and hygienic environment and good steps are in place to minimise the spread of infection. The childminder ensures her home is clean and hygienic as daily routines and the removal of shoes prevents the spread of outside dirt and bacteria. The childminder ensures nappy changing procedures are hygienic as gloves are worn, mats are wiped after each use and waste is disposed of in outside bins. The childminder also ensures consistent hand washing routines for both herself and children. Bathroom areas are clean and the provision of soap and fresh towels prevents the risk of cross infection and promotes good personal hygiene habits. Children's health is further protected as in the event of them becoming unwell, parents are contacted and children are excluded from the setting until better. In administration of medication, the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in recording the required details,

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional health is suitably fostered as the childminder liaises with parents to find out about any dietary needs. As a result, children are fed in line with parents wishes. Children receive a reasonably nutritious and balanced diet as the childminder provides a range of freshly prepared meals such as pasta or rice dishes with fresh vegetables. Processed meals are given as are occasional treats and fresh fruits or yoghurts. Children are regularly asked if they would like a drink to ensure they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is well fostered as healthy life styles are promoted. Children have access to an enclosed garden and daily walks or trips to the park ensures they have fresh air and exercise. Children also have opportunities for sleep and rest in quieter areas of the home. Children sleep in their buggy with a blanket to ensure they feel cosy and older children participate in reading stories with the childminder to help them wind down after lunch.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a safe and secure environment which is made welcoming. Toys are stored at floor level or in boxes where they can reach them easily and safely. Toys and equipment are safe and suitable for children's age and stage of development. However, the space available is not spacious for children to ride wheeled toys. Children often ride them up and down the length of the kitchen and as a result, often crash into furniture or topple over. Furthermore, when the cooker is in use, children's access is not minimised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures the home is safe for children as most hazards are identified and minimised. Children benefit as evacuation procedures are planned and practised with children and fire detection equipment of a fire blanket, extinguisher and smoke alarms are in place. Other safety steps includes locking doors to prevent children from leaving the premises unsupervised or gaining access to certain areas of the home. Stairs gates minimise children's access to upstairs and children are supervised at all times, where they can be seen or heard. In the event of an accident, children are protected as the childminder has kept her first aid

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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 knowledge up-to-date and is aware of recording accidents and parents signing any entries made. As a result, parents are informed of their child's wellbeing. Children are cared for in line with parents wishes as written consent is obtained to take children on outings, use transport and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. However, this is not available for all children at the time of inspection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit as the childminder supports their learning in how to keep themselves safe. They are encouraged to tidy up toys after they have finished playing with them to minimise tripping hazards. Furthermore, on outings, children are supported in crossing roads safely as they are encouraged to look out for cars before crossing. Children behave well on outings, holding onto the childminder's hands at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from unfamiliar adults as they are never left on their own at any time. Should an unfamiliar adult turn up to collect children, children are not allowed to go off with others until contact has been made with parents. Written details are kept of adults who have permission to collect children. Vulnerable children are protected as the childminder is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and the referral procedures to follow. A child protection policy is in place although, it does not inform parents of the childminder's responsibilities in contacting the relevant agencies should there be a cause for concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's emotional wellbeing is well fostered as the childminder has developed positive relationships with the children and they are secure and settled in the home. This is supported by a settling in procedure suited to the needs of the family. Parents visit the home with children allowing them to familiarise with the new environment safe in the knowledge that parents are close by to support them. Gradual periods of separation are extended until children feel safe and secure in being left with the childminder. Children are confident in exploring their emotions and the childminder ensures children develop healthy dependence, enabling them to make sense of their feelings. Children benefit as the childminder ensures they receive cuddles and support when they are feeling sad, and at times when children find it difficult and become emotional, for example, when they have to share, the childminder uses appropriate strategies

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to support children in developing fairness. An example of this is providing alternatives for children to explore or encouraging them to share and take turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have access to a good range of toys including exploratory push button toys and shape sorters, books, puzzles, cars and road mat, dinosaurs and mark making equipment. Children further benefit as the childminder takes them to local parks and various groups to widen their interest further and develop social interaction. The childminder is aware of children's individual developmental needs and provides experiences to support such needs, for example the development of language. Children use books, sing songs and are encouraged to name familiar objects and repeat words to develop their communication. Although, such strategies are basic and as a result, children do not always respond.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy sitting with the childminder to listen to stories and snuggle in closely enjoying the individual time spent together. The childminder introduces number by counting objects

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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 and children join in, showing an awareness of counting. Children also show good levels of concentration and listen as the childminder introduces initial letter sounds in words.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy experiences of colouring and are developing their pre-writing skills through handling writing tools to colour pictures. Children also develop awareness of colour choosing from the range of pencils available and making random marks. Children also very much enjoy physical play opportunities and especially enjoy pushing themselves along on wheeled toys. Children use the garden on occasions and have use of balls, bats, a see-saw, prams and sand and water play. As a result, children develop their balance and co-ordination, large motor skills and negotiate space and avoid obstacles, developing spatial awareness.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit as the childminder ensures an inclusive environment for all. The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning disabilities and/ or difficulties in which respite care is offered. The childminder is also proactive in seeking training and has attended courses in Makaton signing and developing awareness of Autism. The childminder liaises with parents to find out about children's individual needs and ensures effective communication by talking with parents to share any concerns or issues with regards to children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Equal opportunities is well promoted in the setting as the childminder ensures children develop awareness of the local community by visiting places of interests such as local groups or parks and also finding out about any local events to develop their awareness of the multicultural society in which we live. This is further supported as children have access to provisions that reflect anti-discriminatory practice. Play people and dolls reflect various cultures and books and puzzles depict positive images of culture and people with additional needs in the community. As a result, children develop a positive attitude towards others. Children have access to a range of resources suitable for both boys and girls. Children make independent choices of what they would like to play with enabling them to develop their own play ideas. Furthermore, free choice minimises gender stereotyping.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Overall children behave well, although at times show challenging behaviour. At such times the childminder is calm and consistent in her approach in managing such behaviour. Good strategies are used including explanations to develop children's understanding, ignoring unwanted behaviour, use of distraction or a firm "no". To encourage positive behaviour, children are encouraged to share and take turns, supporting them in developing fairness and respectful attitudes. This is further developed as children are also encouraged to use their good manners of "please" and "thank-you".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good and parents praise and feel reassured by the care children receive from the childminder. Parents receive good information about the setting as written polices and procedures are in place. Although, a complaints procedure with Ofsted's contact details and child protection referral information is not yet made available. The childminder promotes professional relationships by ensuring regular communication on a daily basis. Parents are well informed of how their child has been and information is passed on from school. Parents

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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 further benefit as the childminder shares information about children's progress and stage of development and any strategies used to support their development further.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has completed the required level of training and has recently completed her NVQ level 3 qualification. The childminder keeps her knowledge up-to-date by attending courses to ensure children receive care in line with current practice and procedures. Recent training includes policy writing, Makaton sign language, Birth to three matters and first aid training. The childminder has had the required checks carried out to ensure suitability and ensures children are protected from un-vetted adults as they are never left alone with others at any time.

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Organisation

The childminder complies with her registration conditions in which adult: child ratios are maintained, and the attendance record consolidates this. The registration certificate is displayed during hours of operation, in line with regulations. The childminder has most of the required paperwork in place. Children and parent records are stored confidentially and this ensures the childminder is aware of children's individual needs and enables contact to be made easily, if required. However, not all paperwork is organised effectively as items have to be searched for and some is not available for inspection. The childminder has taken the time to devise policies and procedures to inform parents of her responsibilities in caring for children and this ensures the safe and efficient management of the setting. Although, parents are not informed of the referral procedures in the event of any child protection concerns and a complaints procedures

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Organisation

with Ofsted's contact details is not made available.

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Organisation

The home is suitably organised to ensure children's needs are met effectively. Children use the lounge for quieter activities and play in the kitchen/ dining room. However, children use wheeled toys and space does not provide room for them to manoeuvre safely. Children benefit as the childminder ensures their individual needs are well met. Children are taken to nursery or various groups of interest during the week and also spend time in the home having meals together or relaxing.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder was to consider attending training for children with special needs and provide written policies and procedures for parents. The childminder has been proactive in attending training courses for children with additional needs to ensure their individual needs are met. The childminder has also attended training in policy writing and written information is made available to parents to inform them of some of her responsibilities in caring for children.

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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

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 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): • minimise children's access to the kitchen when the cooker is in use and ensure children have suitable space to ride bikes and wheeled toys safely • ensure parents are made aware of Ofsted's contact details in the event of a compliant or concern • ensure paperwork is organised effectively and available for inspection.

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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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