Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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510639 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2007 Inspection date Sarah Morfett 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 1992. She lives with her husband and two grown-up children in Greenwich in the London borough of Greenwich. 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 five children part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and tidy home. Regular cleaning routines ensure that the toys, equipment and areas they play in are hygienic. For example, the childminder vacuums and mops the floors everyday and wipes surfaces with anti-bacterial sprays. Good nappy changing practices are followed and children develop good personal hygiene routines as they take themselves to the toilet. For example, they are reminded to wash their hands and have a good range of resources

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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 to support them. Children who are ill do not attend, if they become poorly during the day parents are asked to collect them. Therefore, children are protected from the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Systems are in place to record accidents and existing injuries to the children. However, not all accidents or injuries are recorded. Therefore, the procedure is not fully secure. Procedures to record the administration of medication have been developed. Children's health needs are protected both inside and outside the home. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and ensures she has first aid supplies within reach when they are at home and on outings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have an active lifestyle. Each day they are taken to the 'one o'clock club' where they can use a range of equipment which challenges them physically. They enjoy trips to the park and love to play in the childminder's garden where they can ride bikes and throw balls. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They eat fruit as snacks and enjoy a cooked meal once a day which includes a variety of nutritious foods, such as vegetables, pasta and rice. They have regular drinks as the childminder leaves their cups within easy reach and these are refilled regularly. Therefore, children learn about healthy food from the variety offered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have ample space to play in. They move freely around the child friendly environment. Toys are stored within easy reach and they confidently help themselves to what they want to play with. Regular cleaning routines ensure the toys and equipment are in good condition. All resources are suitable for the ages of children attending, therefore, they benefit from the range of learning experiences available.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are good systems in place to promote children's safety. For example, the childminder carries out a risk assessment each day, checking all safety equipment is in place and there are no hazards to young children. Fire drills have been discussed with the older children who would know what to do in an emergency. However, this is not practised, therefore, younger children are not able to learn how to react in an emergency. Older children learn how to be safe when walking along the road. They say that they hold onto the buggy and describe what they do at a pelican crossing. They know that they must wait for the green man to appear before they can cross the road. Children develop a good understanding of keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of local child protection procedures. She has supporting paperwork which she would refer to if she were concerned about a child in her care. She communicates her duty to the children by asking their parents to sign a form to say they understand this. Therefore children are safeguarded in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They move around with confidence selecting activities either inside or out. There is a good range of toys and resources for them to choose from. For example, they can play with dolls, dressing up resources, cars, puzzles, Lego, books and role play. Outside they enjoy the bikes and a tunnel as well as acting out familiar situations in the play house. Therefore, children learn to make choices about what they play with.

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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 Good relationships are built between the childminder and the children. There is lots of laughter and fun as they play rough and tumble. The childminder is also warm and affectionate to them. For example, as they dress up she tells them they are 'gorgeous.' When they are unsure they look to her for reassurance and she frequently praises and encourages them. This means that children feel valued, build confidence and develop self esteem very well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the range of learning experiences offered. They interact well with each other and younger children learn from the older ones. For example, the older child sits and reads a book to the little one. A familiar story is told by looking at the pictures in the book, the younger child sits very still following every word. Therefore, they begin to become aware of how a story is structured. Each day they attend the one o’clock club where they have a wider range of equipment to challenge them. Overall, the children make good progress in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals because the childminder records detailed information about them when they first start. This is reviewed regularly ensuring that children's needs are fully met. They are provided with a suitable range of resources which promotes their understanding of diversity. For example, by playing with dolls, books and puzzles it gives them an understanding of people’s differences. Regular attendance at local groups means they take part in festivals and celebrations from other cultures. Therefore, they gain a wider view of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminder's care. Age appropriate behaviour management strategies are used. For example, the childminder talks to the older children about issues, such as sharing and the younger children are distracted away from potential situations. The childminder has a positive attitude towards caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children benefit from secure agreements between the childminder and their parents. A range of written permissions are in place and a contract ensures that parents' wishes are taken into consideration. The childminder verbally shares children's development and progress each day. Therefore, their well-being is promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well-organised environment. They have ample space to play in and move between activities with confidence. They are supported well by the childminder who offers them a range of well thought out activities which promotes their learning experiences. The childminder has a well developed knowledge of child care practices and keeps herself up-to-date with current regulations by talking to other childminders and reading relevant publications. All adults in the home are appropriately vetted and children are protected from adults who are not vetted through constant supervision by the childminder.

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Organisation

All paperwork is maintained to a good standard. For example, the registration certificate is displayed, children's attendance is securely recorded and there is a range of policies and procedures which keeps parents informed of the care their children receive. However, there is no complaints policy, consequently, parents are not provided with contact details for Ofsted. Confidentiality of all records is maintained. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the recording of accidents. She has implemented a system to record any accidents the children may have. However, not all accidents that happen are being recorded; therefore, the procedure is not fully secure. Consequently, this remains a recommendation at 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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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 all accident and existing injuries are recorded. • develop a procedure for making complaints including contact details for Ofsted • develop the fire evacuation procedure by practicing regularly so that all ages of children learn to keep themselves safe.

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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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