Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250349 Unique Reference Number 17 March 2008 Inspection date Jan Healy 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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and nine years. The family live in a two bedroom, split level, first floor flat in Balham, London. The area is well served by public transport and the childminder lives within close proximity of the underground stations and shopping area. Children have access to the sitting room, kitchen/diner, bathroom and one bedroom.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children and is currently caring for three children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children's good health and welfare are a priority for the childminder. Therefore, she seeks written information from the parents about any illnesses they suffer with and requests their prior permission for the administering of medication. The childminder does not permit sick children into her home and if a child becomes ill during their stay, they are swiftly reunited

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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 with their parents, to prevent the illness from spreading to the other children in her care. Sun protection is applied to the children's skin during hot weather and they are encouraged to protect themselves by the wearing of a sun hat. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is capable of dealing with an accident, should one occur. All accidents are recorded and are shared with the parents, so they are aware of any injury to their child.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy mealtimes, whilst sat together at a dining room table, making for a sociable occasion, when the children chat to each other about events that are important to them. They have the benefit of eating a home cooked healthy and nutritious lunch, being provided age appropriate crockery and cutlery. Children who have a food allergy or intolerance are protected, as the swapping of food is prohibited. The childminder respects the parental wishes, for example, if a child has a religious dietary requirement.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children have the opportunity to play in the lounge, where a wide range of toys and resources are readily available, most of which are within their reach. The home remains at a comfortable temperature, so the children play and rest in contentment. There is a landline telephone, which is kept in good working order, so the parents can be contacted if required. A mobile telephone containing emergency contact details is taken on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder provides the children with a range of furniture and equipment that helps to create an accessible environment. The children have the advantage of playing at a child sized table and chairs, which they sit at in comfort. A travel cot and bed are available for the use of sleep and rest and highchairs enable the younger children to join the older children at the dining room table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Steps are taken to ensure the children remain safe at all times. Smoke alarms are regularly tested, so the childminder is swiftly informed of impending danger. The fire exit remains clear at all times and the children take part in an evacuation procedure, so they are familiar with the routine to leave the premises quickly in the event of a fire. A safety gate prevents the children from accessing the stairs without adult supervision. Sharp objects, such as knives and dangerous fluids such as bleach, are kept out of the children's reach. The premises are secure, preventing access to unwanted visitors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has strong knowledge about child protection procedures, which enables her to protect the children's good health and welfare. She has good understanding about the procedure to follow in the event of witnessing a concern, keeping contact telephone numbers close to hand, of appropriate authorities. Body maps are used in the identification of pre-existing injuries, with the parents being requested for an explanation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children have the benefit of accessing a broad range of toys and resources, that aid their development and help them to progress. They take part in creative play, such as bubble painting and use stencils for drawing. They create collages using natural materials, including wool. They have the benefit of accessing a large variety of picture, story and resource books, which they enjoy the childminder reading to them, using voice intonation. The children have the opportunity to write for a purpose and are learning to hold a pencil correctly. The children take part in

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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 baking activities, which helps to improve their mathematical skills, as they weigh and measure the ingredients. They are taken on outings to the local park, where they participate in physical activities, which extend their strength and stamina.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children have the advantage of being treated as an individual, having their own particular needs met. They celebrate major festivals that have meaning to them and are taught to treat each other with respect and kindness. There are a wide range of toys, which reflect positive images of diversity, including books, dolls, jigsaws and games. Both the boys and the girls have equal access to all the toys available and are encouraged to fulfil their potential.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that there are some children who have a learning difficulty or disability and who may require individual care. She is proactive in ensuring that appropriate action is taken, if such a need is identified. She works in close partnership with the parents, retaining individual records about the children, which are updated when required. Activities are adapted to suit the age, stage of development and individual requirements of each child, enabling them to join in with all the play opportunities on offer.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder puts positive behaviour management strategies in place, with the children being praised for wanted behaviour, having their self-esteem raised, which contributes to their growing confidence. Incidents are recorded and are shared with the parents, so a solution is swiftly found to resolving a problem without delay. Responsibility is encouraged, for example with tidying up the toys after play, and reassurance is in abundance, particularly for the children who are grappling with a new concept.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents work closely for the benefit of the children, sharing information about the progress they are making. The parents receive adequate information about the provision's policies and statements, but there is no introduction about the childminder. The parents' views are collated with their opinions taken into consideration. The parents are kept up to date about the procedure to follow in the event of them wishing to raise a concern. However, the parents report that they are very happy with the care provided, with written details as evidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The children and the childminder share a warm and secure relationship, with the children seeking her affection when hurt. The children are protected from adults who are not vetted and are supervised when both indoors and when on outings. An attendance register contains the details of the children's arrival and departure times, so they are accounted for in an emergency. All records are retained for a reasonable period of time and are updated according to changes that occur. Documentation is stored confidentially, to protect the children's personal details.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was requested to provide the children with positive images of disability. The children now have access to a wide range of resources, which include, dolls, books, jigsaws and games.

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Improvements 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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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): • establish a written introduction about the setting

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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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