Childminder in SouthwarkOfsted inspection, 19 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY280412 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Alison Joan Wadley

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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 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 lives in a 3 bedroom maisonette with her husband and 4 children aged 11, 8 ,5 years and 15 months. She lives within walking distance to local shops, market and parks. Minded children have access to the first floor areas of the maisonette. There is no garden. The childminder takes children to the local parks/ playgrounds and the local childminder groups for play outdoors and to socialise with other children. It is a non smoking household. There are no pets.

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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 is a member of the National Childminders Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a satisfactory range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They partake in some activities to help them develop control of their bodies and co-ordination. The children benefit from art and craft activities after school and using the computer controls which help to improve children’s physical skills. They become increasingly aware of their own bodies and when to request a drink or rest. Varied activities and generally good levels of support gives the children increasing confidence to try out new skills but resources appear disorganised and this limits children's potential in some areas. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their increasing understanding of hand washing before meals and after using the toilet helps to keep them healthy. Accidents are recorded appropriately but there is no current consent to administer medication

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Helping children to be healthy

should the children become ill or need emergency treatment. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They benefit from fresh fruit, water and juice when with the childminder. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home who she welcomes as part of her family. As a result they are able to move around safely and with increasing independence in the environment. The childminder gives priority to supervising children at all times and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, she takes her first aid kit when on outings to the park and has emergency numbers to hand. Children select activities from a satisfactory range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully supervises children’s choice of toys although equipment is currently disorganised and does not always cater for different aged children. She generally safeguards and promotes children’s welfare through her knowledge and experience of first aid. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures but has not fully explained this to parents.

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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 The provision is inadequate. Children appear settled at the childminder's house, demonstrating increasing confidence in using available resources. They have some independence in the environment and current children who attend for short periods before or after school have generally good access to appropriate activities. However, the current disorganisation of some age appropriate resources limits children's structured play. The childminder provides a satisfactory selection of activities including for example, valuable story telling times, role play and art and craft which help to promote children's learning. The children generally have good opportunities to listen and respond well to the childminder who appears caring and encouraging in her interaction with the children but there is limited questioning to extend their learning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and respected as individuals, following their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, and play together harmoniously, but there are limited positive behaviour management strategies in place should the need arise. Their individual dietary and religious requirements are well met and they have time to relax as well as be active. The childminder provides a satisfactory selection of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the children look at and read a good selection of books which reflect different cultures and beliefs such as 'Handas Surprise'. They have less opportunities to use resources to promote disability awareness. The provision fosters children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are welcomed and feel at home and at ease in the environment. They are generally able to initiate and extend their own play and learning and are treated like members of the childminder's family. The childminder gives priority to the children's safety and wellbeing whilst in her care. She generally organises and uses her policies and procedures well to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, they are not always shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 This is the childminders first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints associated with this provision.

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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): • develop a full understanding of equal opportunities including further training in behaviour management. • provide a suitable range of well organised resources to support activities for a range of children from 0-8 years old. • Provide more information for parents on the service provided including a signed register of children's attendance and consent from parents for medication or emergency treatment.

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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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