Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY284132 Inspection date 27 June 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, and has five years experience of working with children in a primary school setting. She lives with her three children (two teenage and one four years old ), in a 3 bedroom house situated in the London borough of Lewisham. The house is located close to local transport links, parks and amenities. Children mainly use the living room for activities. The childminder takes children on regular trips to the local park, library and toddler 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 The childminder is registered to care for up to three children 0 - 8 years, and is currently minding one child under two years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children receive a range of healthy meals and snacks including fruit and this encourages them to develop healthy eating practices. Meals are planned and prepared that take account of children's individual dietary needs, for example the preparation of vegetarian food. Babies are able to develop independence as they learn to feed themselves and are confident in expressing their needs if they want help. The individual routines of babies for eating and sleeping ensure continuity of care and contribute to their well being. Children are happy and confident in the care of the childminder. Their emotional well being is fostered by the childminder as she responds to children in a warm and caring manner, helping them to feel secure in her care. The childminder has effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection to children. She uses the local health authority guidelines for exclusion periods if

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Helping children to be healthy

children have an infectious disease. If a child becomes ill while in the care of the childminder she contacts the parents and makes sure that the child is comfortable while waiting. If children require medication while in the care of the childminder she ensures that parents give written consent to administer medication that ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Children are developing good personal hygiene routines and self care skills as the childminder ensures they wash their hands before eating. The children independently use disposable wipes, for their hands and faces after eating. The childminder does not use her garden at present, however the children do have regular exercise and fresh air as she takes them for regular visits to the park, where they have access to a range equipment that gives them plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a clean, spacious and well organised environment that allows them to move around and play safely. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for their stage of development. The safety and well being of babies is monitored by the childminder, for example she makes regular checks on them while they are asleep to make sure they are sleeping

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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 well and safely. Children are kept safe because the childminder has taken measures to ensure that children do not have access to potential hazards in the home. For example, the low level glass on the French doors is protected. Carefully selected equipment ensures children are kept safe when travelling in the childminder's car and she regularly checks that all car restraints are in good working order and that children have suitable car seats, for example the baby sits in a car seat that meets safety standards. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she is concerned about a child. This is supported with the effective child protection procedures that are in place to promote and safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children learn to communicate and develop good relationships as the childminder encourages young children to express their thoughts and feelings. Good questioning and repeating children's responses encourages use of language. Children confidently approach the childminder for support indicating good trusting relationships. Children are developing their natural curiosity for learning as they explore and investigate their environment, independently accessing a good range of toys and resources that helps them to make progress in all areas of learning. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as painting, sticking colouring and role play equipment. Their art work is displayed on cupboard doors and on the wall enabling children to feel valued and to develop a good sense of themselves and their own personal worth. The childminder has also completed a scrap book of the children's art work with photographs of themselves,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

that effectively encourages children to develop their understanding of past and present experiences. Children show interest in the resources provided, and are able to spend time concentrating on their chosen activity. Children make good progress as the childminder provides opportunities for them to extend their learning and understanding. For example the childminder uses the building blocks to introduce a simple game of colour matching. The childminder is skilful in gaining the children's attention. The children experience learning as fun and enjoy a good range of stimulating activities and meaningful experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing good social skills as they interact positively with each other, due to the childminders consistent approach to managing behaviour. The childminder acts as a positive role model as she sits with the children and joins in with their play

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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 helping them to engage positively, by being kind and polite to one another, for example, when one child takes a toy away from the other child the childminder reminds them to say please and thank you, and supports them by encouraging them to listen and be heard. Children are beginning to develop their understanding of equality as the childminder treats them fairly and equally, for example, girls and boys play alongside each other with the dolls and buggy. Books and puzzles reflect different cultures and race helping the children to gain a positive sense of themselves and others. The regular trips the children take to the local library and community groups helps them to gain understanding of the wider community. The childminder communicates with parents daily to ensure that the individual care

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs of children are met and monitored for example, children's sleep patterns are maintained enabling children to feel relaxed and comfortable. Children are developing a sense of belonging as the childminder values their individual contributions by listening and responding positively to their needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children move around the home freely and confidently because the childminder organises resources and equipment well. Children benefit from a well organised environment where they receive good support from the childminder to help them feel secure and confident. The daily routine gives children structure, children are developing a firm sense of belonging. Children are developing and learning because the childminder uses her understanding, knowledge and experience of how children grow and develop to provide activities that enhance their learning. Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. Regular informal discussions with parents ensures continuity of care. Although not required for her registration, the childminder plans to provide in writing the policies that underpin her practice. Overall the needs of the range of children in the setting are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminders first inspection following registration

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints since registration.

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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): • provide written policies and procedures to support the childminding service

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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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