Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY218719 Unique Reference Number 17 October 2007 Inspection date Susan Linda Capon 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 outstanding. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 13, nine and three years old. The family live in a home situated in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the ground floor and the main bedroom and family bathroom and toilet on the first floor, are available for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years old at any one time. She is currently caring for five children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She makes good use of local amenities including carer and toddler groups, music groups and activity clubs.

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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 outstanding. Children spend their day in very clean premises, keeping them free from infection. The childminder implements her extensive health and safety procedures, protecting the children from cross-contamination in her home. For example, she bleaches her toilet daily and cleans all work surfaces with anti-bacterial spray. She wears disposable gloves for nappy changing and washes her hands after assisting a child to blow their nose. All dirty nappies and tissues are hygienically disposed into a covered bin.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children use very good hygiene routines throughout the day. They all wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet or 'messy' activities. Liquid soap and paper towels are readily available, preventing the spread of infection. Colourful notices in the bathroom and toilet remind children of good hand-washing procedures. When away from the premises children use anti-bacterial gel for protection against germs. Younger children needing sleep and rest have their own bedding. The childminder washes this regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

The family pets do not pose a health risk to the children. The goldfish live a well-maintained tank and the cat does not come into contact with the children. All pet food is inaccessible to the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play with clean sand outdoors. The childminder keeps the sand tray covered and regularly replaces the sand to prevent infection. She reminds the children of the dangers of throwing sand as they play together. The childminder risk assesses all sand pits used by the children, ensuring their safety at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder implements her basic food hygiene training in her setting, ensuring all food is suitably stored, prepared, cooked and served appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder protects the children through her excellent medication and accident management procedures. She has updated her first aid training and attended specialist training for managing anaphylactic shock and administering an epipen. The childminder shares the detailed records with the appropriate parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are aware of the childminder's excellent sickness policy and procedures. They do not bring a sick child to the setting, preventing the spread of infection. Additional information is readily available, relating to immunisation for young children, childhood sickness and exclusion periods and the prevention of e-coli. The childminder implements good procedures when children become unwell in her setting, keeping parents fully informed and updated regarding the situation.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children are developing an excellent awareness and understanding of how to keep themselves healthy. They all enjoy regular physical activities and fresh air as they walk to and from school. The children enjoy visiting the local park. They all enjoy practising their climbing, sliding and jumping skills as they use the large play apparatus in the park or the childminder's garden. The children are learning when they need to take a rest or a drink after physical exertion.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children freely access fresh drinking water, during the day. Younger children have their own beaker readily available, enabling them to take a drink when they want. They are encouraged to drink regularly during hot weather, preventing de-hydration.

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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 Many of the children enjoy the healthy, nutritious, home made meals the childminder offers each day. They include fresh ingredients and fruit and vegetables. Processed foods are limited with chips only offered once a week. The childminder is fully aware of children's individual likes and dislikes, ensuring she incorporates these into her weekly menus, for example, pasta and mashed potato.

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Helping children to be healthy

Other children enjoy meals provided by their parents. These are suitably stored and re-heated appropriately for the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children are developing a clear understanding of the importance of healthy eating. The childminder incorporates healthy eating topics into her activity plans. These are fully supported by her recent 'healthy eating for under fives' training and numerous books about the subject. Younger children request fresh fruit for snacks, knowing it helps to make them big and strong. For example, children enjoyed a banana. The children make their own sandwiches, discussing healthy options for the filling.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder washes all fruit thoroughly and carefully removes the skin and cuts grapes into small pieces to prevent children choking. She ensures every child receives appropriate food in accordance with their individual need and parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together at the dining table to eat and drink. They enjoy the social occasion as they share their news and discuss their day together.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children spend their day in an extremely warm, welcoming and child-orientated home. There is a well-organised dedicated playroom available for younger children's use. The entire home is well maintained to a high standard, clean, bright and airy, making it a pleasant place for children to spend their day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All available areas for childminding are well-organised, providing ample space for children to move around freely and explore their environment in safety. The children use suitable areas for resting, playing, eating, sleeping, 'messy' activities and time outdoors on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The playroom is well-organised with an extensive amount of play resources and equipment, meeting the overall developmental needs of all the children currently attending the setting. They are organised in labelled containers using pictures and words, enabling children to self-select and tidy away with limited help. Equipment unsuitable for younger children is stored at a high level, preventing accidents, for example, small pieces contained in board games to prevent choking accidents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder cleans and checks her toys regularly, ensuring they are safe and suitable for the children. She purchases all new resources and toys from reputable dealers, ensuring they are suitable and safe for children to use. For example, she always looks for the safety kite mark. The childminder removes any damaged or broken toys or equipment immediately for disposal or repair, keeping the children safe at all times. The childminder checks all large play equipment in local parks or at carer and toddler groups, ensuring it is suitable for the children’s use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children under two years old use very clean, suitable, and safe equipment and resources to meet their individual developmental needs. For example, a high chair at mealtimes and car seat for travelling in a vehicle.

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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 All the household furnishings are clean, suitable and safe for all the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder implements extensive risk assessments throughout her provision, ensuring all identified potential hazards in her home and garden are minimised. For example, she covers all electric sockets and stores all cleaning fluids inaccessibly to children. Stair gates on the playroom prevent younger children accessing the kitchen or the front door unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder monitors young sleeping children using a baby intercom system in conjunction with additional regular checks to ensure children are safe. The childminder risk assesses all new equipment before using it with the children. She helps children to develop their safety awareness through posters displayed in the playroom, demonstrating dangers in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder implements excellent fire safety precautions. She has working smoke alarms to all floors, a secure fire blanket in her kitchen and a carbon monoxide detector fitted in the playroom. The childminder regularly practises and records her excellent fire evacuation procedures with the children. All the children are included, ensuring they are aware of their individual role in an emergency. Older children are aware of the available whistles in each area of the premises for raising the alarm if required. The childminder uses the publication 'Be safe with the London Fire Brigade' to extend children's understanding of the dangers of fire in the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very safe and secure when away from the home in the childminder's care. They are all developing a good understanding of the importance of keeping themselves safe when walking close to busy roads and the dangers of traffic. Young children use a buggy or reins while older children are encouraged to hold hands. They all use the Green Cross Code to cross the road safely. Children use appropriate care seats when they use the childminder's vehicle. The childminder uses the road safety poster in the children's playroom to promote discussion and develop children's understanding of traffic dangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder discusses the dangers of talking to strangers with the children and uses identity bracelets when she takes them out for the day. She carries identification cards with each child's information, ensuring parents can be contacted in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected through the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of managing child protection issues appropriately. She has attended several child protection training seminars, ensuring she is up to date with local procedures. Her detailed policy and procedures identify how she and her family members protect themselves from allegations of abuse. Parents see the policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy stimulating, interesting and exciting activities planned by the childminder. She incorporates Birth to three matters and the Foundation Stage documentation into her detailed activity plans using themes. The childminder also uses her recent training for 'brain development and how children learn' when planning activities for the children. This ensures all activities offered are appropriate to the individual needs of the children attending. She evaluates all her plans to check she met her initial aims and objectives.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All the children are settled, happy and confident in the setting. They enjoy one another's company as they play together, sharing their games and ideas. The children have all developed

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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 an excellent relationship with the childminder and other family members. This helps them feel at home and part of the family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All the children are encouraged to develop their self-help and independence skills. Younger children enjoy selecting their own resources, setting up the small world equipment in their own way using their imagination. For example, they chose the rail track and buildings today, discarding the airport. Children select their own choice of snack and use the bathroom without help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder supports the children's overall development through her interaction with the children as they play. She listens carefully to them, valuing what they say and promoting their language skills as they share stories together. The children particularly like the 'Topsy and Tim' series. They enjoyed playing with the childminder's aeroplane prop as the told a story about flying. The children also asked for the story 'Tina's Trio and the Ofsted Inspection'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

All the children enjoy exploring an interesting selection of activities and resources on a regular basis. They particularly enjoy building their own models with the range of construction materials, playing computer activities and making cakes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy learning about nature as they collect natural materials for their autumn topic. For example, finding conkers and different coloured leaves. They use these to create their own pictures during painting, gluing and sticking activities. The childminder displays their hard work in the playroom, developing the children's self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy visits to the local library to select their own books at the setting. They enjoy regular visits to an activity centre and music groups. Younger children are developing their social skills as they play with other children of a similar age and stage of development at the local carer and toddler groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children attending after school enjoy art and craft activities and sharing their skills with the younger children. For example, an older child showed the others how to make a paper windmill. They do their homework or watch television before their evening meal. The childminder limits the amount of television any child watches, ensuring it is suitable for all the children attending.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder maintains a portfolio charting children's progress and development for all children under five years old attending her setting. These include interesting observations, children's artwork and photographs as they play, making them an excellent record of their time spent at the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder implements her in-depth equal opportunities policy and procedures throughout her setting. She treats every child as an individual, incorporating individual routines in her day, for example, rest and sleep patterns, providing continuity of care. The childminder incorporates her training for 'diversity for everyday play' into her programme of activities. For example, she includes exploration of different cultures and festivals including Eid and the Chinese New Year. Children particularly enjoy tasting new foods and using chopsticks to eat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All the children play with an extensive range of resources, reflecting positive images for all areas of equal opportunities. For example, they play with dolls depicting ethnic minorities or

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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 read books relating to disabilities. They learn to say 'hello' in different languages using a sounds book.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

New children settle quickly through the well organised settling-in procedures implemented by the childminder. Parents and children initially visit together, gaining confidence in the childminder. Parents feel able to leave their child and return to work confident their child is safe and secure with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's training, development and previous experience of caring for children with disabilities. She uses her organised observations to chart individual progression and development, identifying any potential concerns. The childminder discusses any concerns with parents, enabling them to seek suitable support, help and advice. This ensures children meet their individual potential as the childminder works closely with parents and any other professionals when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder supports younger children's language development and progress through a 'My first signs' book incorporating Makaton to enable them to make themselves easily understood. The childminder has also completed a 'child development speech and language seminar', extending her awareness and understanding in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing a good understanding of people with disabilities as they discuss the wheelchair figure as having "a bad back like my daddy". They are developing their awareness of other people and their local community through regular visits to the childminding drop-in and various carer and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

All the children behave exceptionally well. They are fully aware of the basic house rules which are consistently applied. For example, they remove their shoes in the house and share the toys and equipment. Older children are caring towards younger children. For example, they help them to sit close to the table to eat their snack. Occasionally children need a quick reminder that it is not nice to hit other people, including a discussion about feelings. Consistent suitable age and stage appropriate strategies enable children to behave well. Regular praise and encouragement from the childminder develops the children's confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder documents regular disruptive behaviour, sharing the information with parents and agreeing strategies both parties will use for improvement. This usually works well with the situation resolved quite quickly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the excellent relationships which the childminder develops with their parents. Some children have attended for a long time and others have had siblings at the setting, demonstrating parents' confidence in the childminder. Parents write how happy they are with the care of their child when they complete evaluations of the setting. The childminder and parents share information at the beginning and end of each day, ensuring both are fully informed about the needs of the child. For example, parents advise the childminder if their child has slept well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gathers extensive information through the written contracts and child's personal information form. She uses this to ensure each child receives the appropriate care for their individual needs. All written parental consents are incorporated into the agreement. The childminder reviews her contracts annually with the parents, incorporating a parent and children questionnaire, relating to their satisfaction of the service the childminder provides. The childminder uses this information to identify any areas requiring improvement.

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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 Extensive information relating to younger children in the setting is available every day. Contact books and a daily diary inform parents of the food, drink, sleep and activities their child has enjoyed. Children's individual portfolios provide additional day to day information.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents see the childminder's extensive portfolio of information, demonstrating how she organises her setting each day. This includes all her well-written policies and procedures, including how to make a complaint. The childminder also has an alcohol policy, relating to the safety of the children. For example, the childminder suggests parents might make alternative collection arrangements if they intend to drink at the office party before collecting their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Suitable people care for the children at all times. The childminder has suitable emergency arrangements, including other registered childminders who will take care of the children if required. The children's parents are in agreement with these arrangements.

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Organisation

The childminder completes a daily register, identifying exactly who is on the premises at any one time. She also records each child's holiday or sickness dates.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear document identifying which children are contracted to attend each day or part day. This enables her to quickly check if she has any available space to care for another child, while maintaining her registration conditions as required.

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Organisation

The childminder is a support childminder for new childminders in the borough, helping them to meet their registration for childminding. She continues to maintain contact with these childminders making herself available for continued support if required.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's professional approach to her work. The childminder has attended an extensive range of training since her last inspection. This includes attaining an NVQ3 qualification through completion of all the childminding qualifications. She assesses her own setting and practices. She has a clear understanding of her strengths and weaknesses, identifying areas for improvement to enable her to continue to provide very good care for the children. She intends to continue to train and improve her childcare skills. For example, she intends to attend Makaton sign language training shortly. The childminder also intends to add new resources to the setting to extend her provision.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains excellent records and in-depth policies and procedures, supporting her service. All records are fully secure, maintaining confidentiality at all times.

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Organisation

The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to meet the National Standards. Her detailed information demonstrates how she continues to meet these to a high standard at all times. She keeps abreast of any changes to the National Standards, implementing these immediately. For example, she displays her registration certificate and complaints procedures on the parent notice board.

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Organisation

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

The childminder has made the required improvements identified at her previous inspection. She has reviewed and updated her complaints policy and procedures ensuring Ofsted's contact details are readily available to the parents if required.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has extended opportunities for children to access toys, books and materials that promote culture, race and disability. She now has an extensive range of suitable toys, equipment and activities promoting positive images for all areas of equal opportunities. This enables all the children to develop their awareness of other people and the world about them.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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