Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY345874 Unique Reference Number 25 April 2007 Inspection date Pamela Patricia Paisley 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged four and five months in Beckenham, Bromley. The whole ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one school aged child. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has gold fish and the childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular physical activities that help keep them in good health. They have daily access to a wide range of equipment including swings, hoops, see-saw, scooter and a slide. They take part in dance sessions and are involved in their school's health initiative. Each child

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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 is given a card and receives a tick every time they walk to school. They are given a badge at the end of each month for their effort and achievement. Children learn the importance of healthy eating through helping to prepare their afternoon snack when they come in from school. They spread their own crackers, make their own milk shakes and cut up fruit such as bananas, apples, plums and mangoes for tea.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good daily routines and explanations from the childminder help children understand that washing their hands before meals, when they come back from school and after going to the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. The childminder makes sure that her own practice is seen by the children. She ensures that her hands are washed before preparing meals, after nappy changing and kitchen surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis. All relevant information regarding children's diet and medical history is held by the childminder. This ensures that their dietary and medical needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder takes positive steps to maintain children's safety in her home. Children can move around safely and comfortably between rooms on the ground floor and upstairs. There are a number of safety devices in place such as socket covers, smoke alarms, and a fire blanket to minimise hazards. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks them about fire safety. They practise fire drills on a regular basis to help them become familiar with emergency evacuation. Children have easy and safe access to good quality toys and play materials. The childminder supervises children's choice of play materials to make sure they are safe and age appropriate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder reinforces the dangers of jumping on furniture, standing up on outdoor play equipment and running indoors. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has suitable car seats and belts fitted in her car. Children are reminded not to run on the way home from school and encouraged not to talk to strangers. As a result they are beginning to learn about potential dangers outside the home. The childminder has a good understanding of how to safeguard children and the procedures to follow should she have concerns about any child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good access to a broad range of stimulating activities that help to encourage learning and enhance their development. They enjoy looking at books, doing puzzles, making play dough and cooking. Children have opportunities to be creative and imaginative through activities such as junk modelling, dancing and listening to music, role play and doing different types of painting. They delight in gardening and have their own area where they can grow flower seeds. Children regularly visit the local allotment to look at vegetables and flowers growing. They are able to socialise with other children through visits to the library and parks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play with a wide variety of toys and play materials that are interesting and provide good challenge. They are happy to take part in activities provided. Children confidently help themselves to play materials which are kept in low drawers and cupboards to encourage independence. The childminder balances her time well to allow children to play and learn independently as well as giving them activities which need more of her support and

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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 encouragement. Children are gaining good self esteem through consistent praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are becoming familiar with the wider society as they celebrate festivals and learn about different cultures and beliefs. They have good access to books, small world people, dressing up clothes and musical instruments that promote positive images and increases their awareness of diversity. Children become aware of the local community as they visit the local fire station and shops. Their individual needs are met well and the childminder ensures that she learns about their home routines to help them settle in her care. The childminder has good experience in caring for children with specific needs and how to ensure that they can take part in all activities offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder sets consistent boundaries for children which helps them learn to negotiate with each other. Children are encouraged to share and take turns when playing and they are encouraged to talk about their feelings, which helps them to develop a good understanding of the importance of respecting others. The childminder has a good working relationship with parents. They receive daily feedback about their children's day and general wellbeing. Policies and procedures are shared with parents to keep them informed about the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a child centred environment where they are happy to initiate their own activities. The childminder organises her home so children feel comfortable in choosing where they want to play. All activities are planned in advance so that children have a wide choice of play opportunities that promotes their development in all areas. They are able to explore and investigate and enjoy each others company. The childminder offers a flexible service and plans her day around the needs of the children, including taking children to and from school. The childminder is committed to updating her childcare knowledge by attending training, which contributes to promoting children's development and their learning.

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Organisation

There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place which promote the care and welfare of children. They are well presented and clearly outline the service the childminder provides. Although there is a system in place for recording complaints parents have not been provided with the name and address of Ofsted if they wish to report a concern. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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): • ensure parents are provided with full details of how to make a complaint to Ofsted

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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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