Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY337805 Unique Reference Number 27 April 2007 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and her three children aged 17, 14 and 10 years, in a three bedroom house, in the London borough of Southwark. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. The family have no pets.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Appropriate records regarding accidents and medication are in place and contribute to children's welfare. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of first aid procedures. This helps to promote children's health and well being. However, consent to administer medication is not in place, which means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded. The childminder is aware of procedures to follow should a child in her care require emergency treatment or medical advice, but has not obtained written permission from all parents

p.2

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 to seek further treatment if an emergency situation occurred. This potentially puts children at risk because they may not receive the medical attention they require quickly.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Sound hygiene routines reduce the risk of the spread of infection. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised activities and routines and are encouraged to wash hands before eating meals and after using the toilet. The childminder has devised a clear sickness policy and has good arrangements in place to care for children who become unwell in her care. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and has devised a written menu which is shared with parents on a regular basis. She ensures that children's dietary needs are complied with. Children enjoy a regular visits to the park which contributes to a healthy lifestyle and helps them to maintain good health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment and are protected from harm. For example, the premises are secure and the space used by children is free from hazards. However, children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded because cleaning materials in the store cupboard are easily accessible to children. Children use a suitable range of toys and equipment which are easily accessible and meet safety standards. This means that children can play freely and independently. Children are kept safe when going on outings. The childminder ensures that children are supervised at all times and that younger children are securely strapped in the pushchair, promoting children's safety and well-being. Furthermore, she ensures that the arrival and departure times of children are recorded and that appropriate consents for outings have been obtained from parents. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and has up to date child protection guidance in line with local safeguarding procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has created a calming environment. Toys, play materials and equipment are set out so that children can see what is available to them and is easily accessible. This helps to promote children's confidence and sense of curiosity. The childminder provides a good balance of adult centred and child initiated activities. For example, children enjoy play dough, constructional activities, dolls, puzzles and musical instruments. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups, library and a variety of community groups, developing their confidence and social skills. Children are developing their communications skills, as they babble to the childminder and smile as they enjoy songs the childminder is singing. They benefit from plenty of individual attention from the childminder and enjoy the close bond as she sits with them when reading stories to them, developing their

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has developed a strong relationship with parents to ensure that children's care needs are met. She communicates with parents daily and keeps them informed about children's general care and progress via samples and photos of children's work. A flexible routine is in place which helps children feel secure. Children benefit from positive behaviour strategies and clear boundaries are in place. So as a result, helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem.

p.3

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 The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Although none attend at present, she is happy to work with parents to meet individual needs and provide an inclusive environment. Resources reflecting diversity are available to children and they have opportunities to learn about other cultures. For example, children are able try different cultural dishes from Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Italy. Children learn about their local environment as they visit places of interest such as the local park where they can develop their ideas and interests about the world in which they live.

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a flexible service for children in her care which helps children to settle well. Children are cared for in a generally organised environment and have space for active play, quiet activities, rest and relaxation. The range of activities available to children, provides children with variety and choice, helping to promote children's confidence and self esteem. Appropriate records are kept relating to childminding activities which enables children's needs to be met. However, steps have not been taken to minimise hazards in the hall cupboard and she has not ensured that consent to administer medication, or to seek emergency treatment is in place. This means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded.

p.4

Organisation

A range of written policies and procedures which help to promote children's well-being is in place and is available to parents. The childminder has recently attended relevant short courses such as Birth to three matters, gender roles during play, developing policies and procedures and dealing with complaints. This has helped to enhance her own knowledge and understanding of caring for children and promote children's learning.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that consent to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment is obtained from parents • ensure that cleaning materials are placed out of reach to children

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5