Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346883 Unique Reference Number 01 October 2007 Inspection date Mandy Mooney 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 2007. She lives with her husband and 11 year-old daughter in Sundridge Park, Bromley, Kent. They live in a five bedroom house close to shops, parks and public transport links. There is off-street parking available. The childminder can work with an assistant. Children have access to the large lounge, dining room and conservatory for play. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years at any one time. She is also registered for overnight care. There are currently three children under eight years on roll, all of whom are cared for on a part time basis. The childminder provides a drop off and collection service for St Josephs Primary School and Scotts Park Primary School. The family have a cat and gold fish as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean and pleasant environment because the childminder has good routines for keeping the home well presented for childminding. This includes the garden, which

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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 is well maintained and frequently checked. Children have ample space for play, the floors are clear and soft furnishings, toys and equipment are all clean and well maintained so that children can relax, play happily and stay healthy. The childminder promotes the good health of children by washing the toys regularly and more frequently if babies are teething and putting toys in their mouths.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is well promoted through good hygiene routines for nappy changing. This is done in the bathroom area and the mat is cleaned down with anti-bacterial spray after every use, minimising the potential for cross infection. Children wash their hands frequently, before eating and after using the toilet and outdoor shoes are removed when coming into the home, helping them to learn and understand the importance of good personal hygiene routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical health is well promoted. The childminder has developed a written policy for the exclusion of unwell or infectious children and this is evident in practice. Appropriate procedures are followed for the administration of medication and for dealing with accidents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident in her ability to deal with medical emergencies. A recent event occurred where a child was taken to hospital as a precaution to ensure his wellbeing following a minor accident and although the parent gave consent over the telephone, this is considered a significant event and the regulator was not informed of this.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to be active and enjoy fresh air by going to the park and walking to and from school. Younger children have use of a wide range of play equipment at community groups, helping them to develop physical skills. Children can safely access the garden from the conservatory and the childminder plays outside with the children, encouraging all children to be involved in active play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a well balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables. Children are encouraged to eat a wide variety of freshly prepared foods and the childminder works closely with the parents to ensure children are well nourished. They enjoy a wide variety of cultural dishes, including Indian, Italian, Irish and Chinese food. Parents are aware of what the children are having as the childminder provides written menus. These are flexible and can be changed according to children's likes and requests. Children have plenty to drink including fresh water and low sugar drinks, helping to protect their teeth. Children are developing good social skills during meals because they have the opportunities to sit with others at tea time, chatting about the days events.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very bright, well maintained and welcoming home environment. They have access to a very wide range, of good quality toys and resources. These are stored at low level to encourage decision making and independent choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

They play safely in the home because the childminder takes appropriate safety precautions. Measures are in place including having a designated utility room where cleaning materials and other equipment not suitable for them are stored. Children are closely supervised when moving around the home and when using the stairs, developing confidence and independence in a secure environment. Children play in relative safety in the garden because the childminder removes any over hanging plants and she checks the garden before use for animal droppings. Children learn about dangers because the childminder talks to children all the time and as situations arise, such as the importance of keeping small toys out of the younger children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 reach, to avoid a potential choking hazard. Awareness of personal safety is reinforced when outdoors because the childminder reminds them of crossing the road safely, being aware of unknown dogs and stranger danger.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective measures are in place to ensure children's safety in the event of a fire emergency in the home. A fire officer has visited the home and advised the childminder about appropriate systems, which have since been successfully implemented. This includes, having a written evacuation plan, which is practised with children, smoke alarms on both levels of the home and an accessible fire blanket located in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues gained through keeping herself aware of necessary information, helps to safeguard children. The ready availability of local procedures and guidance also helps to prevent delays in children and families receiving appropriate support should this be necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and happy in the setting because the childminder interacts warmly and with good humour. Children receive a good amount of attention because the childminder sits and plays with them and is an active participant in their games. Young children like playing on the floor with reaction and musical toys. Children enjoy a good rapport with the childminder who comforts, cuddles and reassures them throughout their play times. A particular favourite with the younger children is reading books with the childminder. Children's efforts and achievements are praised and encouraged consistently, helping them to feel confident, secure and make good progress. Children's speech and language are developing well because the childminder talks to children all the time. Children are introduced to new words helping them to widen their vocabulary. Opportunities provided for the younger children are based on the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's knowledge of the children, parents' wishes and the children's interests. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework, however, it is not actively implemented in the service and therefore the benefits to children are not evident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy attending community groups which provide a familiar play and learning environment. Children's social skills are promoted though opportunities to learn sharing and taking turns. They can enjoy creative activities, such as painting and sticking and can also take part in small group activities, as the childminder is always available to the children in the setting to help them try new things. Older children have the opportunity to sit together after school and decide what they would like to do. Favourite activities, include art and craft, board games and garden play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are easily engaged by the childminder as she makes her home a fun place to be in and children experience a warm sense of belonging. The childminder creates a very welcoming, homely environment, helping children and their parents to feel relaxed and comfortable. Children move around the home with ease and confidence because the childminder helps children to feel 'at home'. They can help themselves to toys and play materials because the childminder sets them out so that they are easily accessible. Children behave well. The childminder is fair and consistent in her approach to managing children's behaviour. Strategies, such as talking

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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 to the children and explaining why the behaviour is unacceptable and allowing time for children to calm down and distraction are agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children mix with others and develop social skills as the childminder takes them to community groups. Children feel valued as individuals because the childminder takes an interest in their family. She gets to know their backgrounds and aims to provide a service to best meet their needs. Pictures books and stories reflect diversity and the childminder uses these effectively to help children develop respect for differences. The childminder actively promotes inclusion, where activities are adapted if necessary to include all children regardless of ability. If a concern is raised relating to the children's development then this is discussed with parents and additional support accessed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Positive relationships are well established with parents promoting the welfare of children. The childminder creates time every day to talk to parents about their children, what they have been doing and the progress they are making. Parents are also kept well informed about their children's routines ensuring consistent care is provided. Younger children benefit from having written contact books which are shared with parents to keep them well informed of their children's activities. The childminder implements some effective policies and procedures to underpin her practices, these are shared with parents. This includes a complaint procedure, although this not fully reflective of current regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder greatly enhances children's care and learning by good quality organisation and her continual commitment to improving her practice by keeping herself up-to-date with advancements in childcare. This is achieved through her membership to the National Childminding Association and reading newsletters from Bromley Early Years. She expresses a desire to attend further training in this area, however, she has not achieved this due to personal commitments in the evening.

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Organisation

The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. All required documentation, which contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being are in place and are regularly reviewed. This includes maintaining a daily record of children's attendance, which contributes to ensuring required ratios are maintained at all times. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to inform the regulator of any significant changes or events, however, a recent incident, although dealt with appropriately, was not reported.

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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): • inform the regulator of any significant events relating to the childminding service • consider implementing the Birth to three matters framework for younger children

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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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