Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331638 Unique Reference Number 19 July 2007 Inspection date Alison Romanczuk 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, first registered in 2006 lives on a second floor two bedroom flat close to Tower Bridge in South East London. Minded children have access to the whole property under the supervision of the childminder. There is no garden at the property but the childminder visits local parks and playgroups. She lives at the property with her young son and husband. The childminder is registered to take three children under eight years. She currently has three children on roll who attend part time during the week and at weekends. The childminder is of Polish descent.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being able to move around the childminder's home which is clean and well managed. They enjoy and benefit from a variety of foods in their diet in consultation with parents and mindful of children's individual dietary needs. This includes a well balanced menu including regular water, vegetables, pasta and chicken, for example. Children learn good hygiene habits, for example, as they wash their hands after the toilet and before lunch time and access

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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 a good range of clean and well organised toys and household equipment. Their health is supported because the childminder changes their nappies often and ensures they are kept clean throughout the day. Children attending benefit from daily fresh air and physical play to support their growing bodies; often visiting the local green spaces, Southwark park and a range of toddler groups. Children are well supported if they are tired or unwell with lots of cuddles and reassurance from the childminder. Clear procedures for medication are in place and suitably shared with and signed by children's parents. The childminder's up to date first aid certificate supports children in emergencies should they arise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play safely in an environment which is well organised with children's ages in mind and policies reflect this well. Toys and equipment are of a good standard and well maintained. Accidents are prevented because the childminder has installed safety equipment to prevent children going into hazardous areas of her flat. For example, access to the kitchen and stairs is blocked and kitchen cupboards have safety catches installed. Children are kept safe because the childminder holds regular fire drills to practice getting the children safely out of the building. Fire safety equipment in place further maintains children's safety in this area. Children's safety is further maintained because the childminder has experience of and has trained in local safeguarding procedures. She has explained this clearly to the children's parents. As a result the children are carefully supervised and any concerns recorded and passed on to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are excited and stimulated by what is on offer at the childminder's home and eagerly choose from a range of resources and activities. For example, the children explore treasure baskets, stacking beakers, trying on necklaces and are able to crawl about the floor to reach electronic toys and shape sorters. They enjoy and benefit from listening to stories regularly read by the childminder as she holds them on her lap to sleep. The children develop in confidence because the childminder offers lots of cuddles and reassurance and encourages the children to explore the environment in their own time. They benefit from the many outings provided by the childminder including those to local childminding groups, gyms, parks and libraries and this helps them to learn to socialise with other children their age.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being in an environment which is fully inclusive and caters well for their individual needs. The childminder is welcoming to all children and gets to know them well by talking to their parents and observing their daily interests and personalities. Children benefit from using a good selection of toys and books which reflect a range of cultures and interests and this helps them to understand the world around them. For example, they are able to play with Indian dolls and to view pictures of children different cultural backgrounds or who may have disabilities. The childminder works well with parents on all levels, sharing polices and information about what the children are doing each day. Communication is open and regular as a result, and supports the children's progress. Children settle well as a result, and their behaviour is well managed by a childminder who is calm and reassuring to the children in her

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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 care. The childminder is beginning to record their progress and she keeps samples of the children's work and photographs to share with children's parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and provides a clear and stable routine for the children in her care. As a result, the children settle and feel comfortable in their daily activities. These include suitable times to play, rest, eat and visit local places of interest and clubs. The children are well supervised in an environment which is child friendly and stimulating and, as a result, their safety is well maintained. The policies and procedures in place clearly reflect the National Standards and are regularly shared with children's parents. The childminder constantly seeks training in all areas to keep abreast of current regulations. She has maintained good contacts with the local authority and local childminding networks to underpin her good practice. Documentation is well organised and up to date and maintained in a confidential manner to secure the children's interests. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted which 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 any 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): • further extend observational work on the children's progress in learning to share with parents

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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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