Bolham First School

Inspection report for early years provision

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128690 Unique Reference Number 04 October 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 1991. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Crofton Park in the London Borough Of 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day. 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 access a home that is clean and well maintained. Children are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice through the clear procedures in place for regular hand washing. For example, children wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. Children are protected from cross contamination through clear procedures for caring for children

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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 that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are excluded. This means children's health is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has implemented systems in place for recording medication administered to children and accidents. She has updated her knowledge in first aid. This means she can administer first aid safely if the need arises. Children benefit from daily fresh air in the garden, where they play and develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from meals that are cooked fresh daily. They are offered a varied diet that is nutritious and well balanced. Children enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables with their meals. This means children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. The childminder promotes healthy eating and young babies meals are provided by parents. Young children's bottles are sterilised daily, this means their health is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered affection from the childminder, through close contact, cuddles and reassurance. This means children's emotional needs are being met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a home that is warm, welcoming, safe and secure. Children enjoy a garden that is secure and accessible for them to play safely. Children access a range of toys and equipment that is in good condition and meets safety standards. The childminder provides children with different play materials on a regular basis. The toys are age appropriate and provide challenges as well as enjoyment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All safety equipment in place is in working order. For example, smoke alarms and safety gates are in place. Children are safe on outings through the clear procedures in place. For example, young children are strapped securely into their buggy. The children are constantly supervised inside the home and on outings. The childminder has developed a good understanding of safety, that contributes towards the safety of the children. She uses sign language on outings to communicate with children, that they seem to enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She confidently shared signs and symptoms of abuse. This means children are protected from harm. She has a copy of the "Child Protection Good Practice Guidelines" document.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled in the home. Children benefit from the close relationships they have built with the childminder; she knows them well. Children can access a good range of play materials throughout the day, which contribute to their enjoyment and learning; this enhances the children's overall development. Children can take part in a variety of different play opportunities, which encourages them to become competent learners and develop their independence. Young children can express themselves positively through play. Children benefit from a range of different outdoor play activities, including visits to the local playgroup, where they play, socialise and meet others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides older children with opportunities to take part in creative activities, using different materials. Children enjoy using large play equipment in the garden, for example,

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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 swings and large climbing equipment. This means children are developing their co-ordination sills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from exploring and investigating their surroundings. The childminder encourages the children to make choices and knows them well, this contributes positively to their self-esteem. Young children benefit from the childminder's full attention and communication. For example, the childminder sits with the child and plays with her. This means young children are developing a sense of belonging and self assurance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and interact positively with their friends. Children access play materials that reflect positive images of differences, including disability. They socialise with children and adults from a diverse cultural background, which promotes a positive view of the wider community. Children are developing confidently, through the childminder's constant praise and encouragement. The childminder understands the positive impact this has on children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the well established relationship established with the parents and childminder; regular information is exchanged of the children's progress and daily routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. There are no changes to household members. However, a household member has not completed the necessary checks. There is sufficient space for young children to play freely. Children enjoy their time at the home and confidently initiate their own play. Most policies and procedures contribute to the effective running of the setting. However, the childminder does not have a complaints policy. Parents are kept up to date with any changes that occur within the service, for example, the daily routine and children's activities. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain consent for emergency medical treatment. Consent for administering medication is now in place. The garden is now safe for children. Building work was completed at the time of the last inspection. However, builders left their materials in the garden. There are safety catches on the low level cupboards in the kitchen and there is a lock on the cellar door. They use a cordless phone, this means there are no hanging leads. Children's attendance is recorded in children's daily records. The checks for household members over 16 years old is still outstanding.

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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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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): • make sure there is a complaints policy in place, including contact details of the regulators; make this available to parents • make sure all household members over 16 complete the necessary checks.

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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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