Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291216 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2007 Inspection date Alison Romanczuk 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, first registered in 2003 lives in a three bedroom flat on the fourth floor of a block of flats in Walworth, South East London. She lives with her three young children. There are no pets at the property. The childminder is registered to care for three children of whom one may be under 5 years old and there are currently three children on roll who attend on a part time basis. She does not provide overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being with a childminder who provides a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Toys are regularly washed and the floor regularly cleaned so that younger children can crawl to reach their toys without hazard. Their increasing understanding of hand washing after using the toilet, before meals and when they come home from school reduces the risk of cross infection and children are keen to remind each other of these benefits. Children's good health is further maintained because the childminder has a sound understanding of medication procedures and implements these well.

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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 Children have good opportunities to use the local area and enjoy energetic play in the local parks and at playgroups. They are well nourished and the childminder provides a weekly menu for parents to see. As a result the children enjoy a varied and well balanced diet which includes regular water and meals such as spaghetti, rice and fresh vegetables and treats such as hotdogs on a Friday. The childminder consults with parents about the children's individual needs and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being in an environment which is generally safe and secure. Safety measures in place such as stair gates ensures the children are protected and constantly supervised but some hazards in the premises such as materials in kitchen drawers and shelves have not been identified which makes this practice inconsistent. Despite this, children use a good range of toys and equipment including electronic sensory resources, books and play dough materials which are well maintained and meet safety standards. The childminder carefully supervises children’s choice of toys. The children are protected from fire because the childminder has installed fire blankets and smoke alarms and practices fire drills often to ensure children know what to do should the need arise. She safeguards and promotes children’s welfare well by clear record keeping for example, relating to accidents or incidents which may occur and has an up

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to date first aid certificate. Children's welfare is further safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of procedures to protect children in line with the national guidelines and fully explains this to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into the childminders home and are content and settled within her family. Younger children benefit because the childminder uses her knowledge of Birth To three matters to provide a range of sensory and floor activities to engage their interest. They demonstrate increasing confidence in exploring the environment and resources such as treasure baskets and electronic light and sound toys. Because the childminder is warm and approachable the children respond well to attention and reassuring cuddles. Their growing skills in socialisation are well supported through regular attendance at play groups and their independence growing as they crawl about the floor and choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. Children develop well because the childminder is attentive to their needs. She provides well supported activities with a good level of communication, for example when encouraging them to count

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and match colours. They are stimulated by activities such as play dough and enjoy listening to familiar stories. As a result the children are stimulated by what is on offer and show good levels of concentration.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued for their individuality and interests. They benefit from exploring a good range of activities and resources such as to promote their 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 including jollify rice and Spaghetti Bolognese. Those children who may speak other languages or who may be identified with disabilities and/or learning difficulties are welcomed into her home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 gets to know the children well 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. The childminder works particularly well in partnership with parents and communicates regularly about the procedures in place and the children's progress each day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children settle well into the childminders routine. They benefit from being in a well-organised environment where they have opportunities to play quietly at the childminders home or to venture out to parks and playgroups. They are increasingly able to initiate and extend their own play and learning and get along well with the childminder's own children. The childminder effectively uses her clear and easily understood policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children but does not always identify hazards around the premises. Despite this policies and procedures are regularly shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. Her procedures are regularly monitored and adapted to keep children safe and to enable them make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide emergency written medical consent from parents and this has been completed and supports children's safety when with the childminder. She was asked to provide more sensory and tactile materials to support the younger children attending. The childminder now has a selection of materials, particularly in her treasure basket and with activities such as play dough which supports children's learning in this area.

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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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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):

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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 • ensure hazards at the premises are identified and made safe

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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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