Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY103027 Unique Reference Number 06 September 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 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her two adult sons in Forest Hill. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years and two school aged children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about good hygiene practice through the childminder encouraging them to wash their hands when they come in from school, before meals and after going to the toilet. The childminder makes sure that her home environment is clean. She uses anti bacterial wipes for cleaning tables and kitchen work top surfaces. The risk of cross infections are reduced because

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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 the childminder ensures that she wears gloves when changing nappies and the changing mat is wiped after every use. Children walk to and from school on a daily basis which helps to keep them healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthily throughout the day. They are offered breakfast cereals and the childminder serves cucumbers and carrots with sandwiches at tea time and they enjoy apples and cheese for snacks. The childminder discusses children's dietary needs with parents at the start of a placement to make sure their individual needs are catered for. The childminder has up to date first aid knowledge and there are appropriate systems in place to record medicines given to children; however written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment with sufficient safety devices such as socket covers, stair gates and cupboard locks fitted throughout the home. Children practice fire drills and the childminder has a written emergency escape plan in place to help them learn about fire safety. Cushions are used to safeguard younger children when they are playing on the floor and older children are encouraged by the childminder not to run indoors and climb on furniture, in order to keep themselves safe while playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with suitable toys, play materials and equipment. The childminder supervises their choice of play materials to make sure they are safe for all the children in her care. Children practice road safety on their way to and from school which helps them learn how to cross roads safely. The childminder has adequate knowledge and understanding about how to safeguard children and what procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children well and provides activities that they enjoy and are suitable for their ages and stages of development. They play with a wide and stimulating range of play materials that are attractively displayed at their level in the living room. Children enjoy playing musical instruments, dancing, listening to music and singing songs. They have good opportunities to be creative through arts and crafts, colouring and painting. Older children have good access to reference and educational books so they can practise their maths and English skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that children enjoy their time with her and that they feel comfortable and confident to take part in the activities she provides. Children go on regular outings to toddler groups, childminder drop in centres and local parks. In the school holidays children go on well organised day trips to different museums, local library, boat trips and swimming. Children are able to make their own choices about where they want to go which positively promotes their independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children begin to learn about the wider society through conversations with the childminder about different cultural beliefs. They have good access to a broad range of books, dolls and puzzles that reflect positive images. Children are treated as individuals and the childminder

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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 takes time to find out about their home routines to help her meet their individual care needs. Children are encouraged to discuss their time at school, including their favourite lessons. As a result children are gaining good self esteem and a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to negotiate and take turns when playing. This helps them to think about the needs of others. The childminder has a good partnership with parents. She has daily discussions with parents about their children's well being, activities they took part in and their day at school.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are supervised in the childminder's home to keep them safe from persons who have not been vetted. The childminder organises her home so that the children can move around freely and feel secure. The childminder plans her day around the children's needs, including taking and collecting children from school. Activities are planned to support children in their learning.

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Organisation

Most policies and procedures that are required to promote the welfare and care of children are maintained; however written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought. There is a system in place for recording complaints; although parents have not been provided with the name and address of Ofsted if they wish to report a concern. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the childminder ensures that smoke alarms are in working order and written permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is requested from parents. The childminder has improved fire safety in her home and all smoke alarms are in working order; although written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment has not been sought. This will be made a recommendation of this inspection.

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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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. • ensure parents are provided with accurate details of how to contact Ofsted in the event of a complaint

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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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