Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY332291 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Sarah Morfett Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her three children aged nine, five and three in Woolwich, in the London borough of Greenwich. The whole of the childminder’s flat is used for childminding and there are nearby parks for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home. Effective cleaning routines are followed. For example, the childminder uses anti-bacterial sprays for surfaces and vacuums the floors each day. Children learn about good hygiene practices as they are encouraged to regularly wash their hands. The childminder explains as she wipes the table how this gets rid of germs and keeps them well. Therefore, they are protected from the risk of cross infection.

p.2

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 Accident records are extremely well kept. The childminder records clear and concise details about what has happened and then asks parents to sign to acknowledge this at the end of the day. A secure system for the administration of medication is available should it be required. Parents are fully informed of the childminders sickness policy which means the children don't attend if they are contagious. A full range of written permissions have been obtained from the parents. Therefore children's health and well-being is thoroughly protected.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children have a very active lifestyle. They attend local toddler groups, pop-in centres and toy libraries where they play with equipment which challenges them physically. They are able to keep fit as they walk everywhere with the childminder and enjoy fresh air whilst walking to and from school, going to the park, and walking round the shops. Healthy eating is important to the childminder and she promotes children's understanding through food activities. She offers them a snack of fresh fruit each day. They can easily access fresh drinking water. Therefore, the children benefit from a healthy diet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming environment. Many of their pictures are displayed and there is a wide range of pictures and posters displayed around the play areas. These include number

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and letter freezes as well as posters which promotes subjects such as, healthy eating. A wide range of toys and equipment are available, these are in good condition and conform to safety standards. Children are able to make choices from the range as they are stored at their level and easy to access. Therefore, they benefit from the child centred environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s understanding of safety is promoted effectively. Each week they experience the smoke alarm test and monthly they take part in a very well-organised fire drill. The childminder keeps thorough records of each occasion so they are able to develop this next time. Children talk excitedly about how they keep themselves safe when they are out. For example, they say they must hold hands walking along the road and they look both ways before they cross. Therefore, children develop a good understanding of keeping themselves safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of local child protection procedures. She has developed a policy reflecting these to share with parents. Through discussion she demonstrates a good understanding of what she would do if concerned about a child in her care. Therefore, children’s welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are bright and bubbly as they move freely between the activities. There is a wide range of toys for them to choose from. For example, they can play with role play equipment, activity centres, V-Tech toys, shape sorters, pop-up toys, books, puzzles and board games. The resources are bright and inviting and offer good opportunities for children to learn through play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy being creative. They become excited when the childminder suggests they paint. They explore the textures as they use the brushes on the paper, and begin to understand how to mix colours whilst they paint. The childminder uses questions to make them

p.3

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 think, asking about their pictures and encouraging them to name the colours they are using. Children make good progress though the well thought out interaction.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's all round development is considered well. For example, everyday activities such as, going up and down stairs are used to encourage them to count. They watch 'Dora the explorer' on the television and make connections between the different languages they hear. Recently they attended a fun day learning Spanish. They happily demonstrate how they can count to ten in another language. Therefore, they learn about people's differences.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has attended many courses relating to childcare and has a very good understanding of how children develop through play. Children thrive in her care and their development is promoted really well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals. All receive good levels of individual attention and have their particular needs met because clear details of their requirements are recorded. They learn about the world around them through a good range of resources and by taking part in festivals and celebrations of their own and other cultures. A written policy details how all children benefit from equal opportunities. The childminder has a well developed understanding of special needs and a positive attitude to including children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder employs effective strategies to promote positive behaviour. For example, she frequently praises and encourages them whilst they play and if needs be she distracts them away from a potential situation. House rules teach them to share, be kind and take turns. Therefore, the children learn to respect each other well.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Strong agreements are made with parents in the form of contracts, information records and written permissions. Each day they receive comprehensive written details about their child's day. Parents are given good opportunities to provide constructive feedback as the childminder has developed a questionnaire about her service. Parents report they are very happy with the care their children receive and are fully informed of the progress they make.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have a suitable amount of space to move around in. They have access to a very wide range of toys and resources which extend their learning experiences. The childminder offers them good support ensuring they make the most of the care learning and play opportunities. The childminder has an extremely positive approach to training and is very committed to continuing to develop her knowledge. For example, she holds an appropriate childcare qualification, current first aid and has attended the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Therefore, children benefit from her knowledge of their development.

p.4

Organisation

All legally required documentation is in place and well maintained. The childminder understands her responsibilities for investigating any complaints parents may have about the care she provides under the National Standards and has provided a procedure which details this. However, it does not reflect current contact details for Ofsted. The childminder has developed a wide range of policies which underpin her good practice. Therefore, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the contact details reflected in the complaints procedure are current.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5