Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY100336 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 2002. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children. At present she has four children on roll aged from two years to seven years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged eight and 17 years. They live in a house within walking distance of local shops, transport links (train and bus), local schools and a park. This is situated in central Bromley. The whole of the house is registered for childminding but the main area for minded children is downstairs. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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. The children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home where they learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine such as washing their hands before mealtimes. The childminder's written sick child policy is effective in helping to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is qualified in first aid which means accidents are dealt with appropriately. However, she does not hold parents' written permission to seek emergency medical treatment which means parents' wishes are not known. The correct procedures are followed for recording accidents and medication which supports children's health and safety. The childminder has a flexible attitude and agreements are made with parents as to which meals and snacks are to be provided. The children are offered healthy and nutritious meals which include daily helpings of fruit and vegetables. Children have access to water at all times. Information is given to

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Helping children to be healthy

parents about the foods offered and children's dietary requirements and allergies are recorded and complied with to keep them healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has taken effective steps to reduce potential hazards. For example, there is a gate fixed at the bottom of the stairs and the fire opening is boarded up. The children learn how to leave the premises quickly and calmly in an emergency because the childminder practises her written emergency escape plan with the children on a regular basis. The home is warm and comfortable and toys are stored to allow children to make choices in their play. The childminder ensures that play resources offered are appropriate for the age and stage of the children playing with them so they can play safely. She ensures her equipment for childminding meets European safety standards. The childminder has completed recent child protection training to ensure her practice is up-to-date. She recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a sound understanding of procedures to follow about any concerns she may have about a child's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled and make themselves at home within the setting. They are offered a variety of activities such as writing stories together, designing out of construction equipment and growing their own plants. Presently they particularly enjoy baking and art and craft activities. The children benefit by the daily outings to local resources. For example, visiting physical play centres, the library, feeding the ducks and visiting the local pet shop. The children attend groups and meet up with other children. This enables them to make friends building their confidence and social skills. There is a consistent routine which helps children to feel secure. Warm and caring relationships are evident as the children confidently approach the childminder for support and affection.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world. The childminder treats children as individuals and takes detailed information about them to ensure appropriate care is given. Her honest approach helps children develop respect for people's differences. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem; this along with realistic house rules help children to behave well. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service on offer in her portfolio. This also displays clear policies and procedures, ensuring that parents are informed about the service offered. Parents are happy with the service provided and made comments such as, 'my child is happy' and 'brilliant

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder'. The flexible and parent led settling in process ensure that children settle well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a warm and stimulating environment. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained, however, the childminder has not obtained the permission, from parents, to seek treatment or advice for their child in the event of an emergency. Nevertheless, policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. The childminder ensures she attends relevant training to keep her practice up-to-date. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection is was recommended that the childminder improve information to parents about the foods she provides and improve fire safety precautions by ensuring a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now lists the kind of foods she provides for the children in her port folio improving information for parents. There is now a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, fully accessible in the kitchen which improves fire safety precautions.

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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 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): • request written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or assistance.

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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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