Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY268262 Unique Reference Number 05 June 2007 Inspection date Pamela Patricia Paisley 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband who is her co-childminder and six children aged 15 to 22 in Beckenham, Kent. The whole ground floor and toilet facilities on the first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is jointly minding eight children under five years and one school aged child; all children attend on a part time basis. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Bromley Mencap childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have regular access to physical activities as they play outdoors on a daily basis. They use balls, bikes and scooters with good control and regularly go for walks to local parks. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised routines. 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 encourages children to wash their hands before meals and after going to the toilet. They are aware that they need to use tissues for blowing their noses and the childminder ensures that kitchen surfaces are kept clean and gloves worn when changing nappies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works well with parents to meet children's individual dietary needs. She uses a menu which is shared with parents so they know what foods their children are eating. Children receive a wide range of healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. They enjoy freshly made sandwiches with various fillings, bacon pasta bake, meatballs and pasta and home made beef burgers. The childminder introduces different tastes to give the children a good variety of meals. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the requirements for administering first aid and all appropriately medical and accident records are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected in the childminder's home because she ensures that potential dangers are minimised. They are closely supervised and stair gates, socket covers and safety glass are fitted throughout the premises so children can play safely. The childminder supervises children playing outdoors and talks to them about the dangers of wandering off and talking to strangers when on outings. A wide selection of good quality toys and play materials are provided. The childminder makes sure that they are suitable for the varying ages of the children she is caring for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Regular fire drills help children become familiar with emergency evacuation procedures. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke detectors are in place and regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. The childminder has a very sound knowledge of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. This safeguards children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play with a broad range of toys and play materials. They enjoy making choices from the resources provided. The childminder's home is organised so children feel comfortable and happy to take part in purposeful and developmentally appropriate activities which provide good levels of challenge appropriate to their ages and stages of development. The childminder plans activities in advance to make sure the children have a variety of stimulating play and learning experiences that promotes their all round development needs. She has a good understanding of how young children learn and what opportunities to provide to help them progress.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide range of different types of play throughout the day, giving children opportunities to do arts and crafts, play board games such as snakes and ladders and build with construction materials. They explore and investigate outdoors and learn about living things as they grow their own tomatoes. Children enjoy reading books and learning numbers and letters of the alphabet. The childminder has completed Birth to three matters training. She has a full understanding of how to provide a stimulating environment for children under three years. Children delight in playing with activity centres and trying to figure out how they work. They take part in regular trips to the local library, parks and childminder drop in centres. This enables them to enjoy the outdoors and socialise with their peers. The childminder works well with her co-childminder to provide good learning outcomes for children.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have good opportunities to learn about diversity. They have discussions with the childminder about different events that take place during the year and learn about different cultures and festivals. Children play with a good amount of resources that promote positive images which helps them to develop respect for others and become aware of the wider society. The childminder knows the children in her care well and allows them to settle in gradually and feel part of her family. She has experience in caring for children with specific needs and a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder sets realistic boundaries taking children's ages and stages into account. Children are well behaved and learn to share and take turns when playing. They receive regular praise and encouragement for their achievements, helping them to develop good self esteem. The childminder exchanges information with parents on a daily basis about the children's day and are kept up to date with the service the childminder provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her day to incorporate children's individual needs. She has a good understanding of child development and is committed to updating her child care knowledge by attending training. Children receive good support which helps them to feel confident and secure in the childminder's care. Her daily routine is organised around the children's needs including taking children to and from school.

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Organisation

There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place which outlines the service the childminder provides. Although there is a system in place for recording complaints parents have not been provided with up to date address details of Ofsted if they wish to report a concern. The childminder has clear procedures for lost or uncollected children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to keep accurate records of children's attendance. The childminder has improved her record keeping and accurate records are now kept of children's arrival and departure times and parents sign the attendance register on a weekly basis.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

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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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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

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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 parents are provided with up to date details of how to make a complaint to Ofsted

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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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