Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346756 Unique Reference Number 24 July 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 lives in a house in Bromley, with his wife and two children aged four and five years. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes. It is within walking distance of local parks, schools and shops. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a pet hamster and pet fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Presently there are two children on roll aged under one, and three years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy and well balanced diet, he ensures the children are offered fruit and vegetables every day and encourages them to drink water, fruit juice or milk regularly. Children play games that teach them what is healthy and not so healthy food. This encourages children to make healthy choices. There is a written menu sample for parents' information. The childminder supports the children's emotional well-being by being affectionate and respecting their play choices.

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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 Children take part in in a range of activities both indoors and outdoors that contribute to their health and physical development such as visiting the local park, physical play centre or kneading and rolling play dough.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps good records that are clear and accurate; for example, children's food intake, any medication administered, accidents, sleep periods and demeanour. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

The effective written sick child policy helps to prevent the spread of infection and parents are informed about exclusion periods. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established every day routines. They wash their hands appropriately and the childminder uses anti bacterial gel when there is no access to soap and water. The childminder is qualified in first aid and has written parental consent to seek medical advice or treatment in an emergency. This means accidents are dealt with appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is welcoming with children's work displayed on the walls. Space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely, explore and make choices in their play. Children have access to a good range of quality play resources which they can play with safely as they are age appropriate. The childminder has risk assessed his home and put measures in place to keep children safe. For example, electrical sockets are covered, safety film has been applied on glass and the drains in the garden are covered. All rooms have a fire exit, however the childminder has not yet practised the emergency escape plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The risk of accidents outside the home are reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, he risk assesses venues before he takes the children and talks to the children about road safety. The childminder has a good understanding of his responsibility in protecting children in his care. He understands the child protection procedures to follow if he were concerned about a child's welfare. Clear and comprehensive policies and practice are effective in safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a consistent but flexible routine which ensures he meets the children's physical care needs. The environment is very relaxed and warm relationships are evident. He is attentive to the children and interacts in a gentle and positive way. This helps children to settle well and feel secure. Children develop a sense of belonging through the consistent routine and positive relationships they have with the childminder and each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder organises his resources so that they are readily accessible to the children, they are stored in an organised way and are labelled with pictures and words; promoting children's independence. Their finer manipulative skills and control are actively encouraged through interesting craft activities such as making snowmen and using scissors and glue sticks. They use malleable materials such as play dough and sand. The children attend regular groups and meet up with other children. This enables them to make friends building their confidence and social skills.

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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. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service he offers in his portfolio. The childminder uses a contact book which gives an insight into the child's day and how they are progressing. All appropriate written parental consents are in place ensuring parents wishes are respected. There is an informative notice board for parents in the playroom. The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, and a sound understanding of the differing needs of different aged children. His gentle but firm guidance ensures children play well together. Children are polite and well behaved in response to the childminder's realistic expectations and example. The childminder ensures he takes detailed information about the children in his care to be able to meet their individual needs. The play resources are varied and are not gender stereotyped. The play resources depict positive images, encouraging children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

to respect each other's differences. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the welcoming home which is organised to encourage children's independence. The childminder provides a stimulating environment, taking into good account the children's individual needs when planning their day. He has a good understanding of the National Standards and how this relates to his practice. He has ensured he has attended the required training. Documentation is well maintained to a good standard to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Most fire safety measures are in place. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are kept well informed about their child's progress and the service provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides

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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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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): • improve fire safety by practising an emergency escape plan.

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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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