Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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510602 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2007 Inspection date Linda Margaret Nicholls 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 1999. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years, and is currently minding five, two full time. She is registered to provide overnight care for two children aged from two years to under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her teenage daughter in Abbeywood in the London borough of Greenwich. Children have access to the living room, dining room and garden for play. The childminder has a dog, two cats and a rabbit as pets. The childminder takes the children out to local groups and places of interest as part of her regular routine. She can collect from Alex Mcleod school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a good awareness of personal health and hygiene practice through a range of every day routines. The childminder ensures the home and play equipment are clean so that the risk of cross infection is minimised. She gives simple explanations to children as to why

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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 they should wash their hands before and after eating food. Barrier gloves are used when changing nappies. Children enjoy regular daily activities as they walk to and from school, play in the garden or explore local parks. They bob up and down, jump with two feet, balance and stretch out during their play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to make healthy food choices. Parents provide some foods and the childminder takes children's likes and dislikes into consideration. They eat cream cheese, biscuits, sandwiches and fresh fruit with relish. They enjoy broccoli and strawberries. They stick pictures of vegetables and fruits on a wall mounted poster. A sample menu includes tofu, vegetables, mini pitta breads and cheese on toast. Fresh water and drinks are available throughout their stay. Children's individual requirements or family preferences are discussed and recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from infectious illness because the childminder does not care for children who are sick. All required documents and signed health consents are clearly maintained. First aid is current and a first aid box is immediately accessible. Parents and children are effectively informed and prepared well for emergencies. Arrangements for emergency cover are in place should children be taken ill or there be a serious accident requiring emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a welcoming, well maintained home. The home and garden are secure. Play space on tables and floors is free from clutter. Sufficient toys, games, books and craft materials are available from accessible storage boxes and shelving. Children make independent choices and extend their play with a wide range of good quality resources. There is good natural light and adequate ventilation. Décor is bright and clean. Items are checked regularly for repair or replacement as they are used or when they are put away at the end of the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children cannot access rooms or items that could be dangerous, such as cleaning liquids or powders, because the childminder ensures these are secured. An emergency exit plan has been considered and parents are informed. Children learn how to keep themselves and others safe because they know the house rules. They tidy away toys they no longer require to prevent trips or falls. Fire recommendations are in place and the childminder ensures children know what to do in an emergency. The childminder holds current public liability insurance and parental consents for outings are held on file.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended local authority training in 2006. She has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Local and national contact numbers are held and parents are informed of her professional role.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are engaged and stimulated as they play because the childminder provides good quality resources and inviting experiences throughout their day with her. They are confident of their own achievements and know their work is valued because it is displayed around the room. The childminder praises them as they count in English and Italian, when they name shapes and when they are considerate of others. Children make purposeful choices regarding their play. They balance as they climb onto a rocking horse, they stack building blocks and select books to read. Younger children press buttons and bob up and down to the jingles they hear. Children are supported in their learning because the childminder asks them questions which make them

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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 think. She introduces them to new words such as 'hare,' 'stirrup' and 'claws.' They enthusiastically sing songs together rhyming nonsense words. Children are given opportunities to make marks, they choose purple and yellow to draw swirls and circles or attempt to write a card and envelope for their mum. They develop good hand and eye coordination as they twist their wrists to place puzzle pieces or use a toy screwdriver on door furniture.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children show a happy contentment as they play in a warm and caring environment. They learn to share toys and develop tolerance of very young children. Children enjoy playing with others after school and during planned outings in the local community. All children are encouraged to play with all appropriate equipment. The childminder has attended an introductory session of the Birth to three matters framework and intends to continue her training for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop personal confidence, are shown respect and learn to feel good about themselves because the childminder praises and encourages them. The childminder has a positive attitude towards physical and cultural diversity. There are a variety of resources available including books, puzzles, games, music and small world figures. She is aware of the supportive role she may offer children with learning difficulties or disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to be considerate of others, are good natured and know how to control themselves. They learn to share toys and take turns during play. They attend social events and clubs. They understand the difference between right and wrong because the childminder gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. The childminder discusses her behaviour management methods with the family at an initial meeting. A record of incidents will be maintained when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Continuity of care is provided with signed contracts and written consents. Individual records hold medical information and the details of adults identified to collect children. Daily information is recorded and exchanged ensuring potential concerns are resolved immediately. The childminder is aware to keep a record of complaints and takes positive steps so that parents are well informed of her policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children show they are confident, content and secure because the childminder enjoys their company and cares for them. Children learn with ease from activities adapted by the childminder to engage their interest and creativity.

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Organisation

The childminder has a caring and a professional attitude. Documentation is kept to a good standard. Records and information are held securely and are readily available for inspection. The registration certificate is displayed and a record of attendance notes when children are present. The childminder is very well organised although she has not attended further qualification reflecting her knowledge and understanding of the way children learn. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of any changes to her circumstances that may affect the welfare of children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to recommendations to meet fire safety recommendations, to record attendance accurately, to obtain written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to store children's bicycles safely. Children play safely because fire safety recommendations are met, documents are in place and children's bicycles are stored securely.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • consider attending further training to consolidate and qualify established knowledge and understanding of how children learn and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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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