Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246349 Unique Reference Number 12 July 2007 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 and two adult children in East Dulwich in the London Borough Of Southwark. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden 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 eight children under five on a part time basis. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to a local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice for example, they wash their hands after using the bathroom. The childminder cares for children’s personal hygiene well. She wipes the hands and faces of the younger children after meals and snacks. This ensures

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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 that they are clean and comfortable. Children's health is protected through the childminder’s good hygiene practices. There are clear procedures in place for caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted. This means children are protected from cross infection. There is a family dog, that has yearly checks at the vet and routine hygiene procedures are followed within the home. Therefore, children's health is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are procedures in place for recording medication and children’s accidents. She maintains essential written parents' permissions to safeguard children’s health. For example, to seek emergency medical treatment and advice. The childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid, therefore, able to administer first aid safely. However, the first aid box lacks contents and some items are not secure in their original packaging.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get regular exercise and fresh air, through visits to the local park and school. They are developing their physical skills as they run freely and play with equipment that develops large movements, such as, swings and slides. They are developing an understanding of healthy eating, because they eat well balanced meals that meet their individual dietary requirements. For example, children enjoy fresh fruits for snacks. Fresh drinks and water are available to the children throughout the day. Younger children develop their independence and self care skills because they are encouraged to feed themselves. The childminder promotes children’s emotional security through her warm interaction with them, such as, hugs and cuddles; children are calm and contented in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a home that is warm, welcoming and secure. Children enjoy a garden that is secure and accessible for them to play. However, the garden shed does not have a lock. Children access a range of toys and equipment that is in good condition and meets safety standards. Children confidently make choices from the wide range of different play provisions that are age appropriate and stimulating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All safety equipment in place is in working order. For example, a smoke alarm and safety gates are in place. However, the fire blanket was located in the kitchen underneath different items, that would prevent quick access in the event of an emergency. This means children's safety is sometimes compromised. There are clear procedures in place for outings. For example, young children are strapped securely into their buggy and designated crossing areas are used. The children are constantly supervised inside the home and on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and she has implemented a child protection policy, that is shared with parents. There is a copy of the 'What to do if you're worried about a child being abused' document. Therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and move around the home confidently, as they play and communicate with their friends. Children go on outings to the local one o' clock clubs on a regular basis, where they access a wide range of different play experiences. Children enjoy visits to different places of interest. For example, the Hornium and Natural History Museum. The childminder understands the importance of keeping children engaged and stimulated throughout the day.

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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 This means children benefit from opportunities to build and extend their knowledge through historical information. The learning experiences provided by the childminder are very good.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children access a good range of play materials throughout the day, this contributes to their enjoyment and learning. Children are aware of their weekly activities. For example, a child asks "are we going to the soft play area today?" Children do benefit from opportunities to develop their physical skill and co ordination. They enjoy outings to the local library, where they sing songs and socialise with others. Therefore, children are developing good social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy listening to music with their friends. They access a variety of different play opportunities, this encourages them to become competent learners and develops their independence. Children enjoy visits to the local shops, where they purchase ingredients for baking cakes. This means children spend their time purposefully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy playing with materials that reflects positive images of differences. They take part in religious celebration at the local playgroup. Children are developing an understanding of other cultures and disability. They socialise with children from a diverse cultural background, that promotes a positive attitude towards differences. The childminder has a positive approach towards special needs and gained additional training in sign language. This helps, to ensure all children's needs are being met. The childminder is good at acknowledging children's achievements and offers praise and encouragement. This means children are affirmed and becoming competent learners. Children enjoy role play and take on different roles. For example, a child states to her friend "come on your baby needs you, she crying and upset".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children enjoy the company of their friends, as they listen to music and stories. Children are generally well behaved and play harmoniously with their friends. They make choices in their activities and are becoming confident as they do so. For example, children make passports from coloured card and laminate them with a limited assistance from the childminder. Children are confident in what they do. Children are becoming effective communicators, as they share their personal experiences with their friends. The childminder's positive approach towards the children provides a flourishing and stimulating environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the well established relationships between the parent and childminder. Information is exchanged between the parents and childminder, through written or verbal communication.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. Children move around confidently and initiate their own play. There are no changes to household members, this means adults with unsupervised access to children are suitable to do so. Parents are informed daily of their children's daily routine verbally and in written format. Most policies and procedures that contribute to the effective running of the setting are in place. Parents are kept up to date with any changes that occur within the service. For example, the daily routine and children's activities. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken satisfactory action to make improvements by devising a sick children's policy, including the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious. There is a emergency fire plan in place. There is a complaints policy in place, including Ofsted's details.

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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): • make sure the first aid box has the required contents and all bandages are sealed in their original packaging • make sure the fire blanket in the kitchen is accessible in the event of an emergency and the shed in the garden is kept locked with a suitable locking device.

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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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