Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260607 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2007 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 2005. She lives with her husband and a four and one year old in Forest Hill, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The whole ground and first 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis and two children over eight before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and well organised home. Children are involved in a range of enjoyable activities, which meets their individual needs and contributes to their health. For

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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 example, children take part in outdoor play, where they access wheeled toys. Children benefit from daily outings to different playgroups and local parks for fresh air and physical exercise. Children benefit from planned meals which ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day. Children access drinking water and milk throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a healthy diet, which is varied and meets their individual needs. The childminder works in partnership with the parents and respects their wishes regarding meals. For example, a parent requests that her child only has water throughout the day and this is granted by the childminder. Parents are provided with daily information of children's food intake.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder keeps records and systems for recording medication administered and accidents which occur. Children's wellbeing is safeguarded, through the steps the childminder takes to minimise the risk of infection. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted to attend. There is a written sick children's policy and procedure, which is shared with parents. Children are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice as they wash their hands before meals. However, the same flannel was used to clean two different children's hands on arrival from a outdoor activity. The childminder offered an explanation of her action. The childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid, therefore able to administer first aid safely. There is a first aid box with the necessary contents. Children feed themselves at meal times. This means children are developing a healthy independence. Children have developed good

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Helping children to be healthy

relationships with the childminder, which impacts positively on their emotional wellbeing. The childminder is responsive to the children which helps them gain confidence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the home safely and freely. There are safety gates at different areas within the home, which contributes to children's free movements throughout the home. All safety equipment in place is in working order. This means the childminder takes the necessary steps to minimise risk for the children inside the home. The risk of accidents occurring outside of the home is reduced, through the clear procedure for outings. For example, she holds children's hands when walking and straps younger children securely in their buggy. The older children are made aware of road safety and how to keep themselves safe. This means children's wellbeing is safeguarded. Children benefit from a range of good quality play provision, which is age appropriate and meets safety standards. Therefore, children can play safely. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety, for example, children are constantly

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children’s welfare and has relevant procedures and documents in place, for example, a child protection policy and the 'What to do if you're worried about a child being abused ' document. The childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures. Therefore, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and move around the home confidently. Children access a good range of play materials throughout the day, which contribute to their enjoyment and learning, for example, sand and water play in the garden. Children take part in a variety of different play opportunities, which encourages them to become competent learners and develop their independence. For example, children enjoy visits to the local allotment, where they dig and

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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 observe different fruits and vegetables growing. Children enjoy a range of different outings within the local community, for example, trips to the local Horniman museum and Aquarium. This means children do spend their time purposefully. Young children can express themselves positively through play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit the local playgroup, where they play, socialise and meet others, therefore becoming effective communicators. Children's play experiences are age appropriate and interesting ,where children learn and take on a range of different learning opportunities. For example, children investigated the life cycle of a caterpillar and let it go into the wild, when it matured into a butterfly. This means children benefit from first hand experiences in investigating nature.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children explore and investigate their surroundings. The childminder encourages the children to make choices and knows them well. The childminder praises and encourages the children during their play. This contributes positively towards their self-esteem. Therefore, children are becoming competent learners. Children behave very well and show increasing independence, as they choose their own play materials. Children enjoy the company of their friends and play together harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children access play materials that reflect positive images of differences and socialising with children and adults from a diverse cultural background; this promotes a positive view of the wider community. Children are developing a positive attitude towards disability, through a range of play materials which reflects positive images. The childminder speaks German to a child on the request of the parents. This means that children benefit from learning an additional language. The childminder is currently caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a sense of belonging, through the close relationships built with the childminder and others. They are encouraged to play and be kind to each other. The well established relationship built between the parents and childminder impacts positively on the children. Information is exchanged about the children's progress and daily routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. There are no changes to household members, this means adults with unsupervised access to children are suitable to do so. Children enjoy their time at the home and confidently initiate their own play.

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Organisation

The childminder is very good at updating her knowledge in childcare practice. All policies and procedures contribute to the effective running of the setting. Parents are kept up to date with any changes that occur within the service, for example, the daily routine and children's activities. There is a parents' notice board, where they can access up to date information. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it 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 provide children with age appropriate activities and resources that promote disability. These are now in place and children enjoy the provision and play materials that reflect positive images of disability.

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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): • make sure appropriate procedures are implemented with regards to wiping the children's hands.

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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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