Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272611 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2007 Inspection date Teresa Evelina Coleman 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 outstanding. 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband in a two-bedroomed house in Blackheath in the London borough of Greenwich. Shops, parks and schools are located nearby. The whole of the premises is accessible, but generally the lounge and designated play room are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring for four children aged one, two, three and four years. All the children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and part of the Greenwich childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder very effectively promotes children's health by ensuring that excellent hygiene procedures are in place in her home, supported by a clearly written hygiene policy. Procedures include hygienic nappy changing and disposal, and the use of liquid soap and disposable paper towels. She protects children from the risk of illness by informing parents that she does not

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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 look after children when they are unwell. For example, if they are suffering from sickness or diarrhoea, or a contagious illness. Children are learning how to keep themselves healthy because the childminder encourages them to wash their hands before eating, after playing with the playdough and before icing their cakes. She sets them a good example by washing her own hands frequently and by explaining that they should use soap to wash away all the germs. Children are rapidly gaining in independence because, although the childminder gives them gentle reminders about washing their hands, she encourages them to take responsibility for their own personal care. Children also benefit from participating in everyday tasks such as setting and clearing the table and washing up their lunch things.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has very effective systems in place for the recording of medication including obtaining prior written parental permission if administering medication and keeping a written medication record. She has an up-to-date first aid qualification and obtains prior written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment. This helps to ensure that children are protected in the event of an accident or emergency. An efficient system is also in place for the recording of accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that promote their physical health and development because the childminder ensures that they get lots of fresh air and exercise. Activities include outdoor play in the covered outdoor play area and various games on the green at the front of her house where they are able to run and enjoy vigorous exercise. The children also benefit from an extensive range of outings including a children's gym, a water park, dancing sessions, swimming and various toddler and stay and play groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's excellent understanding of healthy eating. She ensures that children eat regular portions of fresh fruit and vegetables and talks to them about why these foods are good for them and will help them grow. The childminder enhances children's understanding of which foods are good for them through discussions and games. For example, they enjoy sticking pictures of foods they have eaten that day on to a chart and counting the portions of fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy a balanced, tasty nutritious diet of home-cooked meals and snacks that include organic ingredients, whenever possible. Menus are displayed for parents to see. They are imaginative and varied and include lots of multi-cultural dishes such as chicken curry with naan bread, sweet and sour pork with noodles and chilli and rice. All information relating to children's individual dietary requirements, for example, allergies, specific

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Helping children to be healthy

preferences and religious and cultural considerations is sought and appropriately recorded. Children actively participate in planning menus and often help to choose and prepare food. The childminder encourages them to try new foods and gives them stickers when they do. She values their opinions when trying foods. For example, she asks them to try a new cheese she has bought for them. Children's health is also successfully promoted because the childminder understands the importance of providing them with regular drinks and explains to them that they need to drink in order to stay healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit greatly from an exceptionally safe, warm and welcoming environment where they can play, rest and eat comfortably. The childminder effectively and consistently maintains very high standards of safety in her home by ensuring that all necessary safety precautions are in place. These include the use of socket covers and the safe storage of all potentially dangerous items including medication and cleaning products. The childminder's meticulous approach to children's safety, together with excellent and appropriate levels of supervision, means that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children are able to move around the setting safely and confidently. The childminder is aware of the need to carry out regular risk assessments depending on the ages of children attending, in order to identify risks and prevent accidents. She keeps written records of risk assessments, together with information and articles about various aspects of health and safety. Children are learning to understand about risks to their safety because the childminder explains how they can keep themselves safe. For example, she talks to them about road safety, how to behave when out and about and how to find a safe place to cross the road. Fire safety is promoted extremely well, for example, there is a smoke alarm and a fire blanket in place. In addition, the childminder has drawn up some written fire and emergency procedures. Children are learning

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

how to keep themselves safe if there is a fire because she practises fire drills with them. For example, they show the inspector how they have to leave what they are doing immediately if they hear the smoke alarm and sit on the living room floor with their arms crossed, until the childminder tells them what they must do next.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in an extremely well equipped, child-centred environment, which is further enhanced by wonderful displays of the children's art work, charts and posters. For example, children have made mobiles of 'rainbow' fish and birds using CDs, feathers and sequins and these are hanging from the ceiling of the outside play area. The childminder provides all the necessary equipment to ensure children's comfort and safety. This includes appropriate eating and drinking utensils which the children can access independently, for example, when they set the table at snack time. Children benefit from an extensive range of very good quality resources across all areas of their play, development and learning. For example, the resources for creative and imaginative play are excellent and encourage the children to use their imaginations and explore their own creativity. The organisation and accessibility of resources

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is extremely good. Consequently, children are able to make independent choices, based on their interests. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to carry out regular safety checks on all equipment and this helps to ensure children's ongoing safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Very good measures to protect children from the risk of abuse and neglect are in place. These include a written child protection policy that the childminder shares with parents. This means that they are aware of the childminder's responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the children in her care. The childminder is able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of her child protection responsibilities and of the action to take if she has any concerns about a child in her care. For example, she is aware of the types of abuse and the signs and symptoms of possible abuse. The childminder also understands that she must record her concerns and inform Social Services and Ofsted if she is worried that a child may be being abused.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are flourishing in a rich, stimulating environment where they are able to take part in and enjoy an extensive range of activities. Activities are well-planned and incorporate the Birth to three matters framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder provides an exceptionally good range of resources to support children's play. These are very well organised so that they are accessible to the children and this helps to develop their independence, by providing them with excellent opportunities to make choices. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the varying play needs of children of different ages. She provides an extensive range of activities to stimulate and challenge them, maintain their interest and enjoyment and encourage their development in all areas of play and learning. For example, they count and share the cakes they have made together and decide whether they have enough for all members

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of their family. The childminder skilfully encourages communication by talking and listening

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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 to children, asking lots of questions to make them think and by introducing new words. For example, as they play with playdough, they think of words to describe its texture, like cold, soft and squidgy. The childminder extends their play, for example, she talks to them about fir potatoes when they make pink potatoes with playdough and initiates a further discussion about why cats have whiskers when they makes a cat's face. As a result, children's communication and language skills are developing extremely well, together with their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy affectionate, loving relationships with the childminder who knows them very well, is sensitive to their individual needs and routines and clearly enjoys their company. She spends her time enthusiastically playing with the children, though is also skilled at stepping back and letting them take the lead in their play. For example, the children listen and dance to music and choose musical instruments that will fit in with the music and then spontaneously put on a show. The childminder considers their age and stage of development and encourages them to develop their skills. For example, the children have compiled a wish list of skills they want to learn and the childminder encourages them to practise and achieve these. Children enjoy her frequent hugs, kisses and cuddles and respond very well to the praise she gives them. They benefit greatly from the homely atmosphere and are very happy and settled.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Effective systems are in place to record children's progress and achievements. These include the use of a daily diary, individual observation records and folders of each child's work. This information is also shared with parents through the use of profile books for each child. These contain photos of children enjoying various activities and outings and examples of children's work.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent arrangements in place for identifying and recording children's individual needs. For example, she discusses all aspects of children's needs with parents at the start of a minding arrangement and records these appropriately. Records include detailed information about children's individual likes and dislikes, favourite toys and daily routines. The childminder promotes effective partnerships with parents by encouraging regular discussions about their children's care, having written contracts with them, obtaining all the necessary written parental consents and providing them with written policies and procedures. Information about children's progress and achievements is also effectively shared through the use of a daily diary, individual children's folders and profile files. Relationships with parents are clearly very good and parents have provided some extremely positive written and verbal feedback about

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Helping children make a positive contribution

the excellent quality of care the childminder provides.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a very clear understanding of equal opportunity issues and treats children with respect and with equal concern, according to their individual needs. This approach is supported by a clear equal opportunities policy. The childminder understands the importance of providing children with positive images of other cultures and of disability through activities and resources so that they can learn to value and respect others in the community. For example, she uses a multi-cultural calendar to hep her plan activities around festivals and celebrations. There is an excellent range of multi-cultural resources that includes some Middle Eastern and Asian outfits. The childminder also encourages children to develop positive and caring attitudes towards elderly people in the community. For example, they visit and elderly neighbour who reads poetry to them. She demonstrates a positive approach to caring for children with learning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

difficulties and disabilities and is proactive in this. For example, she has attended some relevant

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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 training including a course about signing and caring for children with special needs. Children are learning about disability because the childminder explores these issues with them. For example, children explain to the inspector that if you can't walk you need crutches or a leg brace to help you. Children benefit from equal access to all resources and activities, regardless of their gender. The childminder specifically encourages the children to be caring and considerate towards each other. Children respond very well to this and play together co-operatively, spontaneously share and help each other and take account of each other's feelings and opinions. For example, they consider each other's preferences when choosing place mats at snack time and playmats when playing with playdough.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of behaviour management issues and is able to give examples of strategies she uses depending on children's age and level of understanding. For example, she promotes good behaviour through frequently praising children, reasoning and explanation, distraction and being a good role model. The childminder sets some simple limits for children around safety and respect for themselves, others and the environment and ensures that she reinforces these regularly. She discusses behaviour management with parents and this helps to establish a consistent approach. The children benefit because it helps them to begin to learn right from wrong. The childminder is skilled at encouraging children to try and understand how they make others feel if they behave unacceptably. She uses smiley face stickers to reward good behaviour and the children proudly show off the stickers she has given

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Helping children make a positive contribution

them. As a result of the childminder's consistent and sensitive approach, children's behaviour is very good.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for in an extremely welcoming, relaxed and homely environment where they clearly feel very happy and settled because the childminder knows them very well and provides appropriate support. The setting is exceptionally child friendly. This promotes children's confidence and independence as they are able to move freely and safely around the setting. The childminder provides a varied daily routine that includes time for rest, play, meals and outings. Resources are accessibly stored and extremely well organised. They provide excellent opportunities for children to take part in an interesting, balanced range of activities across all areas of their play, learning and development. Children also enjoy regular opportunities to make choices and are growing in independence, as a result.

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Organisation

The childminder demonstrates a very thorough knowledge and understanding of the documentation that must be kept in order to provide appropriate care. Documentation is well maintained and stored safely, accessibly and confidentially. Attendance is accurately recorded and the attendance record includes children's hours of attendance. Effective systems are in place for recording accidents and medication. Records are effectively shared with parents and all necessary permissions are sought from parents, in writing. Clear written policies and procedures provide parents with very good information about the setting and all aspects of the care provided. This includes information for parents of how to make a complaint that takes account of revisions made in October 2005. The childminder is aware that she must keep a written record of complaints and has a supply of complaint record forms.

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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 The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to caring for children and is extremely enthusiastic. She has a highly professional approach to all aspects of her work and ensures that she regularly updates her knowledge of childcare issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of a recommendation made at the last inspection, the childminder has obtained written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This helps to further promote effective partnerships with parents and ensures that appropriate action is taken if there is an accident or emergency. Children benefit because this means that their health and safety is more effectively promoted.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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