Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290129 Inspection date 26 May 2005 Inspector Juliette Lloyd

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged four, and two years in the London borough of Lewisham. There is an open planned kitchen/dinning room for childminding and a spacious loft conversion that is used solely as a play room. The childminder attends the local parent /toddler group and takes the children to the library and park. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum four children at any one time

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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 and is currently minding one child under two years and two children over five years after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home, where they are developing an understanding of the importance of good hygiene practice. The childminder gives good attention to the children's personal hygiene needs, for example washing children's hands and faces before and after meals. Children's good health is promoted through the childminders provision of freshly prepared meals that take account of their individual dietary requirements. Children are able to choose from a range of healthy snacks that are available, for example a selection of fresh fruit and yoghurt. Children's emotional well being is promoted through the caring relationship that the childminder establishes with them. They feel secure and happy in their environment and are developing a sense of belonging, as the childminder is attentive to their emotional needs, supporting and encouraging their development. Children are able

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Helping children to be healthy

to seek and receive reassurance from the childminder and they are confident and secure in her care. They are beginning to develop a good sense of themselves as the childminder interacts positively with them, she gives them cuddles and smiles, acknowledging and valuing them as individuals. The childminder has clear procedures in place to ensure that children are not unduly exposed to infectious diseases. Children's medication and health needs are met as the childminder ensures she receives clear instructions from parents as to how medication is to be administered. However to improve practice the childminder will need to ensure that she records the individual medication requirements for children before administering any medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The premises are well maintained both indoors and outdoors and there is good space for children to play freely and confidently. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that children do not have access to hazardous materials. All play equipment is regularly cleaned and maintained in good condition. Children have safe and easy access to toys and equipment that are safe for them to use and play with. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe through the clear guidance that the childminder provides. For example, children learn about the importance of road

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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 safety, as the childminder has clear road safety rules that she discusses with the children so that they know and understand the importance of being safe when on outings. Children's welfare is protected through the clear systems in place to ensure children who are at risk of harm are protected. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection matters and the procedures for reporting any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of how children develop and learn to plan meaningful experiences from which children develop and learn. Children have plenty of opportunities to practice and develop physical skills; for example, the toddler that she cares for is well supported to use a wooden walker to strengthen his legs and gain confidence in walking. Through the childminders persistent praise and encouragement, he demonstrates perseverance as, he gets up each time he falls and happily tries again. The childminder's acknowledgement of the toddler's achievement contributed positively to his self esteem. Children are learning and developing good communication skills as the childminder sits with them at their level and is attentive to their needs by listening and responding to them. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder, and are learning to participate in reading by turning the pages, pointing to, and naming familiar objects.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have fun as they explore and experiment with different musical instruments. They are developing their imaginative skills as they participate in role play, independently accessing a good range of material including clothes for dressing up and play food and cooking equipment. Children are able to express themselves creatively as they explore using art material; such as painting and sticking to make pictures. The childminder displays their work creatively enabling the children to develop a sense of pride and achievement in their own work and celebrate each others efforts.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel relaxed and comfortable, as they are welcomed into the childminder's home with care and affection. Parents are free to discuss their child's individual care needs with the childminder who takes account of their wishes. Children are treated with equal concern as the childminder ensures that their individual and cultural needs are met. Children are able to follow cultural practices from their home and they have opportunities to gain understanding and develop respect for themselves and others as they access books, puzzles and role play material that positively reflect race, disability and gender. They learn about the local community through regular visits to the local library, park and toddler groups.

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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 Children are learning to take turns and share as the childminder plays with them, role modelling good behaviour. Children develop their social skills and play co-operatively. Children feel confident and secure in the care of the childminder because she sets clear consistent boundaries for behaviour using skilful strategies to distract negative behaviour and encourage children to interact positively with one another.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminders knowledge and experience of child development - they have opportunities to extend their learning in all areas in a well structured, caring environment. Children develop independence as they freely access well organised toys and resources that are within easy reach, affording them choice and variety. Effective systems are in place to ensure that each child's individual needs are identified and met. Necessary documentation is maintained, although there is need for improving the recording of information relating to the administration of medication. The keeping of the register accurately monitors and records children's attendance. Overall, the needs of the range of children for whom the childminder provides is met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable. This is the childminder's first inspection since registering.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • make sure that a written record of medication to be administered to children is kept

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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