Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY291216 Inspection date 26 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 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives on the fourth floor of a block of flats in Walworth, South East London. She lives at the property with her three children. There are no pets at the property. The childminder is registered to care for two children under 8 years old, of whom one may be aged under a year old. She does not provide overnight care. The childminder is currently caring for one child on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends regular children's groups in her locality.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities, which contribute to their good health. They partake in regular outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example when riding bikes and scooters in the local park. They particularly benefit from regular trips to the local Sure start group which allows a diversity of activities supported by the childminder. They become increasingly aware of their own bodies, try to crawl and sit up on the carpet and increasingly know when they need a drink or a rest. The children's activities are generally well supported due to the childminders experience as a mother of three children and her attendance at training days for different age groups. 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 after using the toilet, before meals and when they come home from school reduces

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Helping children to be healthy

the risk of cross contamination. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They benefit from fresh vegetables in a balanced diet which includes regular water and milk throughout the day. 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 good. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in the home. As a result they are able to move around safely and with increasing confidence and growing independence. The childminder gives priority to supervising children at all times including regularly checking or being nearby the children when they are sleeping. She confidently maintains children’s safety outside the home through careful planning and age appropriate activities. Children increasingly select activities from a good range of toys and equipment including shape sorters, books and role play resources, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are clean, safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. She safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well and has an up to date first aid certificate. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and fully explains 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 Children are settled and happy to be at the childminder's house. They demonstrate increasing confidence in exploring the environment and respond well to attention and reassuring cuddles. They relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at play groups and the park. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. The childminder provides valuable and varied activities with a good level of support, particularly through well planned trips and activity based clubs nearby. Activities such as art and craft, listening to stories, outdoor physical play and completing puzzles helps to promote children's increasing knowledge and understanding overall. The babies, however, have less opportunities to experience sensory activities and the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminders knowledge of the current Birth to Three matters guidance is limited. Overall, however, children listen and respond well to the childminder and spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a good range of activities and resources to promote children’s awareness of others. For example, the children benefit from outings to the local community play groups, local parks and libraries. They join in with varied activities and have a diverse and interesting diet. Children are valued for their individuality and interests. The childminder meets the children’s needs well; she gets to know their personalities and the children follow a daily routine in consultation with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other, are friendly and play well together. They behave very well and demonstrate increasing confidence when making choices. Children make themselves at home and have time to relax as well as be active. They respond well to stories, singing and games and the childminder is warm and approachable.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment . They are increasingly able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses her clear and easily understood policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children, however there is no signed consent currently for emergency or medical treatment. Policies and procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Her procedures and activities are regularly monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them make good progress in most areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the childminders' first inspection since registration.

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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

There are no complaints associated with this childminder.

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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): • Provide more sensory and tactile experiences for children attending under two years old using the Birth to Three Matters as guidance. • Provide signed consent for emergency or medical treatment should the need arise.

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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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