Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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153268 Unique Reference Number 10 July 2007 Inspection date Beth Kingsland 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 2001. She lives with her two school aged children in Catford, Lewisham. 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children each day. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements highly effective health and hygiene procedures to prevent the spread of infection, for example, when changing children’s nappies. They learn the importance of following good personal hygiene routines as they wash their hands before meals and snacks and understand why this is important. Children’s health is well maintained because the childminder knows how to deal with accidents appropriately and

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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 implements effective procedures to ensure information is recorded and shared with parents. Their health is assured in an emergency situation as written details are obtained from parents relating to their medical history. However, the childminder has not obtained parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their understanding of healthy eating as they are introduced to a range of fruits at snack time. Flexible arrangements are in place to meet parental wishes with regards to meal times and individual dietary requirements and preferences are fully met. The childminder provides a cooked meal at tea time for children, ensuring they receive a healthy balanced diet. Discussions around healthy eating help children to fully recognise the importance of taking care of their bodies and looking after their teeth. Children benefit from regular physical activities helping to increase their awareness of the importance of exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Older children develop their climbing and balancing skills using a range of equipment both here and at local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children’s safety is ensured because the childminder is vigilant and places high importance on ensuring informal and formal risk assessments are implemented daily on all areas used by children. Consequently, children benefit from being able to wander freely and safely around the childminder’s home. They learn how to keep themselves safe in an emergency situation because the childminder has developed evacuation procedures and shares these effectively with parents and children. Older children practise this procedure ensuring they are fully aware of the routine. They talk about safety when crossing roads and when on outings helping to increase their understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Written procedures outline how children’s safety is ensured in the home and on outings and written consent has been obtained from parents for children to be transported in the childminder’s car. This contributes to ensuring

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the warm and homely environment and are extremely comfortable in their surroundings. They have independent access to a good range of equipment and play provision suitable and safe for their ages and stages of development. Children’s safety is ensured because the childminder makes regular checks on all furniture, equipment and play resources, which is included as part of the daily and ongoing risk assessment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected and safeguarded from harm because the childminder has a good understanding of her role with regards to protecting children in her care. She knows how to implement local child protection procedures should concerns be raised and has a good understanding of the records to be kept.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children experience a wide variety of purposeful and meaningful activities that are planned well to meet their differing needs and abilities. They are well settled and are confident within the surroundings of the childminder’s home. They have developed very good relationships together. For example, older children help younger ones to select equipment and encourage them to play through close contact and communication.

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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 Children have wonderful opportunities to be imaginative and creative and explore their senses using a range of tactile and natural materials. They play board games and read stories, have access to the computer, cook and thoroughly enjoy the quality time they spend with the childminder. Children benefit greatly because they are involved in planning their own activities, which ensures they are fully interested and happy in their play. All children enjoy opportunities to visit places in the local area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children attend a variety of outings into the local area. This allows them to socialise with other children and undergo a balance of meaningful and purposeful experiences that extend their knowledge and increase their awareness of the local and wider environment. Children can select from an appropriate range of equipment that promotes positive images of culture, gender and disability. This increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children gain increasing self-assurance through a strong relationship with the childminder. Their views and beliefs are valued and appreciated. They are encouraged to persevere and make personal choices. This results in children who are well behaved, helpful and tolerant of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children's needs are further extended with the strong relationship developed between the childminder and parents and carers. Parents receive clear information about children's daily routine and the childminder's practice. They are encouraged to share any concerns and to speak openly on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from clear routines and a well organised environment. They are supported in a warm and caring home, which supports their growing social confidence allowing them to be valued and appreciated.

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Organisation

The childminder has adopted clear polices and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Although the childminder keeps information about children's attendance, these are not completed accurately at the time of children's arrival and departure.

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Organisation

There are clear planning systems in place to ensure effective procedures are adopted to keep children safe and enable them to make good progress. 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 last inspection the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and ensure hazards both inside and outside the home are minimised. The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and knows how to implement and follow local child protection procedures. All identified hazards have been removed ensuring that children can play safely.

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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): • obtain permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for all minded children • ensure children's attendance is recorded accurately

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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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