Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242467 Inspection date 13 May 2005 Inspector Donna Bailey

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 husband and adult daughter in a 3 bedroom maisonette situated within the London Borough of Southwark. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children and of these no more than 3 may be under 5 and, of these not more than 1 may be under 1 year. The reception room, main bedroom, and bathroom are used for minding. Regular use is made of local resources. Overnight care will not be provided.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 will not allow smoking around the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities and have access to a communal play area and local parks allowing them to use equipment such as climbing frames, slides, and swings etc. Visits are also made to playgroups which enable children to move around safely, freely and independently this helps with the development of their physical skills. Children are able to develop their awareness of hygiene practice and are regularly encouraged to wash their hands after meals, play, and after using the toilet Children are able to play in a warm, secure and clean environment. The children are able to rest and sleep as and when their needs require. Children are offered fresh water and juice regularly. Safety beakers are provided for the younger children, these are pre-filled and are easily accessible allowing the children to develop their independence in accessing their own beakers when they are

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Helping children to be healthy

thirsty. Children receive healthy snacks and meals i.e. pasta, fish, toast, fresh fruit. Children are encouraged to try different foods. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents to ensure that all meals and snacks meets with the children's dietary and religious needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are minded in a welcoming and safe environment. The childminder has minimised risk by ensuring that appropriate safety equipment is in place. Children can move around freely in a safe and secure environment. Children are able to access a wide range of toys and equipment independently. Toys and equipment meet with safety standards. The childminder monitors the level of toys, books and equipment being used by the children to ensure that the children remain stimulated and that their play space remains safe and uncluttered. The childminder gives high priority to safety both within and outside the home. The childminder promotes the children's welfare and holds a current first aid certificate and has relevant insurance documents in place. For example, public liability insurance, car insurance documentation. Children are able to develop their awareness of safety when outside the home and will follow safety procedures that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are in place. The childminder also has a very good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and settled they are comfortable in one another's company. The childminder provides positive and reassuring support to make the children feel content and secure. Children develop their independence as they are able to access a variety of toys and equipment. Children's access to books is supervised by the childminder. The childminder has a daily rota of planned activities for both inside and outside the home. Children develop their interest and creativity by participating in activities such as finger painting drawing, story telling, counting and singing nursery songs. Toys are regularly alternated. For example, the rocking horse will be alternated with the kitchen play centre. Children enjoy and benefit from regular visits to a number of playgroups that also help to develop children's physical capabilities and increases their social contact with other children. On occasion, special visits are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

made to the local farm and to the seaside.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children play well together and are happy and settled in their environment. They have a good range of toys and books are able to access toys independently. The range of toys, books and activities available helps increase their awareness of the wider world, diversity and understanding of others. Children's awareness of difference and the wider world is also promoted through regular visits to local resources, parks and shops. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met as they take part in their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children are settled in their environment and play comfortably together. Children are able to play with toys and activities of their choice and are confident to move around independently. Children have time to rest as well as be active. The provision promotes children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are comfortable and content within a settled and safe environment leaving them confident to access toys and equipment independently to extend their play and learning. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning for children. However, some policy statements and procedures need to be updated and put into effect. Information is shared with parents to keep them informed of the service and their child's activities. Good planning systems are in place to enable children to keep safe and make good progress in their development. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Organisation

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

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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 that emergency treatment consent forms are in place • update daily diary to ensure that child information remains confidential

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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