Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343184 Unique Reference Number 15 May 2007 Inspection date Jeannette Waring 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 with her two daughters aged six and 17 years, she also has an adult son who no longer lives at home. The family live in a three bedroom house in Charlton, local schools, pre-schools and shops are within walking distance. Children use the ground floor of the house for their play space and there is a garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2006 and may care for a maximum of three children. Currently she is caring for one child.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and well being is promoted by the childminder who provides children with a clean, warm and welcoming environment in which to play. Although the childminder has two cats they rarely come into the house and do not spend time in the lounge. Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection because the childminder employs effective hygiene routines when managing their personal care. For example, when changing nappies the childminder

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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 routinely uses disposable gloves, cleans the changing mat after use and thoroughly washes her hands at the end of the procedure. Older children learn about the importance of good personal hygiene as the childminder reminds them to wash their hands after using the toilet, before meals and after playing in the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

In the event of an accident the childminder is able to provide effective first aid because she has completed a paediatric first aid course and ensures that her first aid box is readily accessible. She has copies of the National Childminding Association accident and medication record book and is aware of the need to record all accidents and any medication she is asked to administer. She shares this record with parents in order to ensure that children's health is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from good opportunities to play outdoors in the childminder's garden where they have access to a range of garden toys. In addition they enjoy outings to local parks and open spaces and to various drop-in groups where they can enjoy physical activity. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's physical development needs and actively encourages children to practise and develop their skills. For example, when caring for babies she notices children's progress and spends time encouraging young children as they begin to become mobile.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that she has a clear understanding of children's dietary requirements by discussing these with parents. She makes sure that any food she provides meets parents requirements. Children benefit from the home-cooked meals the childminder prepares for them. When parents provide meals for babies that are not fully weaned the childminder works with parents to complete the weaning process. Children have free access to water and diluted fruit juice throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and well cared for. They develop independence as they move freely about their indoor play space which the childminder has ensured is safe and secure. Small children are protected from harm by such measures as a nursery fireguard which is fixed to the wall in the lounge and a safety gate positioned at the kitchen door. In addition the childminder has a playpen/travel cot in the lounge where she can place small children should she need to leave the room, for example, to answer the door or go to the kitchen to prepare a bottle. Children play with a selection of good quality, age appropriate toys which are stored so that children can access them safely for themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has carried out a good risk assessment in her home and has successfully minimised most hazards. However, during the inspection two potential hazards were noted. In the garden there is a broken drain cover and the staircase does not have a handrail fitted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows how to refer any concerns she may have to the local authority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very relaxed, happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children and they relate well to her. Because the childminder

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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 demonstrates a good understanding of children's stage of development and because she spends time playing with children they enjoy their time with her and their development is appropriately supported and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder organises her day around the needs of the children in her care, making sure that young children have time to rest as well as time to play, this helps children to feel settled and secure. The childminder plans regular outings to local groups such as the Charlton House Toy Library and plans to take children to the animal handling sessions at Maryon Wilson Park and to a pick your own farm to collect strawberries during the summer. During the Easter holidays older children enjoyed making Easter biscuits and using chocolate moulds to make chocolate rabbits. Activities such as painting, drawing and making salt dough are also enjoyed by the older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Because the childminder spends time talking to parents about children's family backgrounds she has a good understanding of their individual needs. The childminder's positive approach to issues of equality helps children to respect and value difference. The childminder currently has no direct experience of working with children with disabilities or learning difficulties but has arranged to attend some special needs training so that she will be able to offer a quality service to all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management, she uses praise and encouragement to good effect and makes sure that older children know and understand the simple house rules. With the youngest children the childminder uses distraction to encourage children to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good arrangements in place to ensure that she builds effective partnerships with parents. She uses the National Childminding Association documentation to underpin her arrangements with parents and makes sure that she spends time each day exchanging information with parents about children's needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has organised her home and her daily routine well in order to promote children's health, safety, well-being and enjoyment. The childminder has completed all required training and demonstrates a commitment to further improving her service by continuing to access training. For example, she has arranged to attend training on supporting children with special needs and the Birth to three matters framework.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the National Standards and associated regulations and she keeps clear records, which are shared with parents. The childminder's good organisation and effective partnership with parents ensures that children have good continuity of care.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints 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): • improve safety for children by replacing the broken drain cover in the garden and fitting a handrail to the stairway

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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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