Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343775 Unique Reference Number 18 June 2007 Inspection date Sarah Morfett 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 satisfactory. 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 child aged seven in Sidcup, in the London borough of Bexley. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children part time. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have two cats, four rabbits, two guinea pigs and a fish.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of Bexley Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean and tidy home. They benefit from the sound cleaning routines followed. For example, surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray and if toys are played with outside

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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 are cleaned immediately after. Children follow secure hand washing routines. They wash them before preparing food, after going to the toilet and playing outside saying that this gets rid of germs. Children who are ill do not attend. Through these procedures they are protected from the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are suitable systems in place to record accidents and medication. However, there is no prior written permission for the procedures which protect children's health and well-being. This includes permission to administer medication. Therefore, if a child were to develop a temperature during the day, the childminder would be unable to give them anything to help reduce this. After discussion with the childminder she stated that this would be put in place immediately, demonstrating a pro-active attitude. Therefore, ensuring the children's health and well-being is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet. They really enjoy snack time. For example, the childminder provides them with a wide range of fruit and they spend time choosing and making faces with this before they eat it. This encourages them to taste and enjoy a variety of different fruits each day. They have access to regular drinks which keeps them hydrated. Therefore, they gain an understanding about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and friendly environment. They move about with confidence and make the most of the space available. They can choose to play inside or out and the childminder provides a range of toys, suitable for either area which they can self select from. Toys and resources are cleaned regularly and conform to current safety standards. Therefore, children benefit from the good condition of the resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are suitable systems in place to promote children's safety. For example, daily risk assessments are carried out to minimise hazards. The children follow safety rules, such as, not running inside and not slamming doors in case fingers get caught. They learn how to keep themselves safe when out of the home as they know they must hold hands when crossing the road. However, there is not a written procedure for emergency evacuation and the children have not practised this. Therefore, they would be unsure of how to react in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and has a suitable knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have a concern about the children in her care. Although she has discussed with parents her duty of care to children she looks after, there is no written policy to back this up, which means the procedure is not fully secure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminders care. They show confidence as they move around the home deciding whether they play inside or out. Toys and resources are stored within easy reach and they know where things are, therefore, they are able to make choices about what they play with. Activities provided include; trips to the park, visiting the library, strawberry picking and swimming. At home they enjoy drawing, playing games, small world figures and physical activity in the garden. They enjoy being active, for example, by playing football, this helps them to learn how to control their bodies and negotiate space as they run around.

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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 Children have a good relationship with the childminder and each other. They are keen for her to join in their games and she extends their learning experiences with the language she uses. For example, she asks; 'how' 'what' and 'why' as they play games together. Children become involved in educational games which promotes their stages of development. For example, they develop sound maths skills as they play a shopping game, matching the pictures to a shopping list. They prove they have good hand-eye coordination as they play a game of skill; balancing monkeys on a tree, making sure they are not the ones to make them fall. There is lots of fun and laughter as they play. Therefore, children enjoy their time at the childminders and make sound progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the home and are all treated as individuals. The childminder talks to parents and makes notes about the children’s medical needs and dietary requirements. Consequently, she is able to provide appropriate care and comply with their wishes. Children are provided with a suitable range of resources which promotes their understanding of diversity. For example, playing with books, puzzles and dressing up give them an understanding of other cultures. Therefore, they gain a wider view of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally behave well with the childminder. They benefit from regular praise and encouragement and an effective rewards system helps them to learn right from wrong. Their needs are met as their daily routine and progress is shared verbally with parents. They enter into suitable agreements such as, signing contracts and provide written details about their children's needs. They are kept informed of the care their children receive through regular discussion with the childminder. Therefore, children receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure in the suitably organised environment. They move freely between inside and out and access an appropriate amount of toys and resources to promote their care, learning and play. The childminder is suitably qualified and holds a current first aid certificate. She has a positive attitude to taking on training to develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare practices.

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Organisation

All regulatory paper work is maintained to an acceptable standard. For example, the registration certificate is displayed and children's attendance is recorded, noting arrival and departure times. However, the childminder does not have any written policies or procedures to underpin the service she provides; including contact details for Ofsted should a parent wish to raise a concern. All records are stored appropriately and confidentiality is maintained. Therefore, 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

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 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from parents for the procedures which protect children's health and well-being, including prior written permission to administer medication • develop a procedure for emergency evacuation which children can take part in so they learn to keep themselves safe. • provide a range of written policies and procedures which inform parents of the service provided, including details of how they can contact 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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