Richard Brunskill School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128611 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Claire Jean Douglas 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 2000. She lives with her husband and four children aged 16, 14, nine and eight years old. The family live in a six bedroom house in a residential area of

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Catford, Lewisham, close to local shops, library, schools and parks. Children mainly have access to the ground floor, the first floor is used for toileting and sleeping facilities. There is direct access to a secure garden for outdoor play. The family has one pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years old

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

at any one time and there are currently two children on roll. The childminder is pro-active in attending relevant training. She is National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB) trained and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and the Rushey Green childminder network.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before they eat and dry them on their own personal towel, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. They benefit from regular meals that meet their nutritional needs. The childminder encourages children to develop healthy eating habits, for instance by offering fruit as a dessert. Their health is generally well protected because the childminder has systems in place to keep a record of any accidents children have and any medicine they need to be given, however, the childminder has not yet asked parents to give their written consent, so she can seek medical advice or treatment for their child in an emergency. This means that parents' wishes regarding action to be taken in an emergency are not clear. Children take part in physical activities, such as walks to and from school, visits to the local park and regular attendance at

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Helping children to be healthy

toddler groups which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a satisfactorily maintained environment with facilities to meet their needs. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes steps to identify and reduce potential hazards. For instance, she makes sure children cannot access the stairs or any exposed electrical sockets. The childminder provides the children with an 'if I get lost' wrist band, which they wear when going on outings as a precaution, providing the childminder's mobile telephone number. Children play with toys that are clean, in good condition and suitable for their age. This helps ensure they can play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has attended relevant training and is familiar with possible signs of child abuse or neglect. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to report any concerns and keeps all local contact details to hand. This means that relevant information is readily available enabling the childminder to act quickly if required.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and feel at home at the childminder's house. The childminder is attentive to their needs and responds to them warmly. Children benefit from a familiar daily routine for going out, meals and sleeping. This helps them feel secure and settle quickly. Children take part in a range of activities that are suitable for their age. They enjoy an active routine throughout the week, visiting toddler groups, libraries and parks. They have a free choice from a large variety of toys that are available at the childminder's home independently, enjoying building with bricks or playing with play dough, they have opportunities to take part in some planned activities, such as making cakes. The childminder talks about how children are encouraged to use good manners, share and take turns in their play. She demonstrates a good awareness of child development. Young children have their needs met because the childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

has an understanding of their needs and is beginning to use the Birth to three matters framework to inform her practice.

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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. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals. The childminder's consistent approach to rules, boundaries and manners helps children behave well. They begin to develop a positive view of the wider community when they use a range of resources, such as books, multicultural puppets and puzzles that reflect positive images of diversity. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. They talk to each other daily to exchange information, parents are regularly shown photographs and film of their children at play, which helps the parents to communicate with their children and contributes to consistent care. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is proactive in ensuring that all children's needs are met appropriately in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder keeps most written policies, procedures and documentation required which guide her daily practice, ensuring children's needs are met and relevant information is shared with parents/carers.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for by a well trained childminder within an environment where their needs are prioritised. For instance, one room is set aside for childminding, which contains a large selection of toys and play materials. There is a child size table and chairs, which enables children to sit and complete activities in comfort, with floor space for them to set out the resources to play. This means they can make the most of the play and learning opportunities provided. 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 previous inspection, the childminder was asked to develop written documentation, maintaining a record of any incidents, significant events and or any observations of safeguarding children concerns. The childminder has now improved her record keeping procedures as she keeps an incident record book, improving children's safety as she is able to clearly monitor all entries made.

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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 written permission from parents is obtained for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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