Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337289 Unique Reference Number 18 September 2007 Inspection date Angela Ramsey 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 has been registered since November 2006. She lives with her husband, adult son and 15 year old daughter in a three bed roomed ground floor flat in the London Borough of Southwark.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the childminders front room. The premises does not have a garden. However, parks are within walking distance.

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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 caring for three children. Two aged under five and the other aged over five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has devised menus which list dishes from different countries that she prepares for the children. These meals are wholesome and nutritious and are prepared using fresh produce. Children's intake of fruit and vegetables adds toward their balanced diet. Drinking water is always available. The childminder is aware of each child’s individual dietary needs and ensures these are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Steps to prevent the spread of infection by keeping the premises clean are in place. For example the kitchen and bathroom areas are cleaned daily, toys are cleaned and nappy procedures are hygienic.

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Helping children to be healthy

A policy with regard to children who are sick or who have infectious diseases is in place and this information is shared with parents. The childminder is trained in administering first aid and has permissions and records in place regarding the administration of medication. Accident records are also available. However, not all parents have signed forms with regard to emergency treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children get opportunities to enjoy physical exercise. They use the outdoor facilities, when at the childminding groups. They are able to ride wheeled toys as well as playing with balls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children. She has attended a training course related to child protection. This has assisted her in acquiring good and up-to-date knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and also the correct procedure to follow should she have any concerns. She has a written statement about child protection and she makes sure that this is discussed with all parents before their children attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is organised well, thus creating a child-friendly environment which enables children to explore while being appropriately supervised. Appropriate safety equipment is used according to the age and needs of the children attending such as socket covers and safety gates.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has devised an escape plan which is displayed and regularly practised with the children. Appropriate fire equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke alarm are evident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a varied range of toys and equipment, that are of good quality and safe. These support, stimulate and challenge the range of children attending. Children are able to access resources independently. Equipment is kept clean and in a good state of repair and is regularly checked for safety as stated in the childminder's health and safety policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a broad range of stimulating play opportunities. For instance, the childminder has puzzles, books and a selection of toys which promote good hand eye coordination for younger children. Older children enjoy playing board games such as ludo and snakes and ladders. Where they learn to take turns and count.

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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 Outside the home children are taken to under five groups where they can be creative with paint, investigate sand and explore items in the water tray. At these sessions children also get together and sing songs to which there are actions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Whilst the children play the childminder is supportive and becomes involved in their play. She talks to the children pointing out items. Children respond to her conversation therefore increasing their verbal skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have clear boundaries the childminder has devised ‘house rules’, that are displayed in pictorial form. Praise is given freely to children, ensuring that they develop confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Diversity is valued, the childminder prepares dishes from different countries and has a selection of age appropriate resources. She has puzzles and books which depict those of different cultural backgrounds, gender and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is given high importance. Parents are given copies of policies and procedures. Communication is ongoing between the childminder and parents. New children are settled according to their individual needs. This helps ensure children are settled and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware of her duty to investigate and to keep a log of complaints. Parents have been provided with the contact details of Ofsted should any concerns arise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps clear, up-to-date, easily accessible records that are stored securely. She uses these documents to support the care of the children, keep parents informed and to comply with regulations.

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Organisation

Good relationships have been formed with parents and they are kept informed on a daily basis of their child's day. Parents are provided with policies and procedures which inform them of the service provided.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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Complaints 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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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 forms regarding permission to seek emergency treatment or advice are signed by all 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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