Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY153001 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Alison Romanczuk 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 lives in a two bedroom flat with garden in Rotherhithe, Southwark. She lives at the property with her adult son. She is registered to care for no more than three children from one year to under five years; of these, not more than one may be under one year old at any one time. There are currently three children on roll. Minded children have access to the main living room, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor. The family have a dog which is kept in other parts of the house when children are present.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive in a healthy and well maintained environment and because the childminder has excellent policies and procedures underpinning her good practice. Children's physical development is well supported and they have daily fresh air as they visit local groups and use the childminder's garden in good weather to ride their sit on toys, for example. Good habits are developed early on and the children kept clean and regularly changed. Children are well cared for when unwell with lots of cuddles and one to one attention and the childminder follows

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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 correct medication procedures. For example, she has consent for administering medication and for emergency medical treatment should the need arise. This is further enhanced because the childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and knows what to do in an emergency. Children are well nourished and have regular access to water throughout the day. Records pertaining to their individual needs are kept and children offered regular healthy snacks such as fruit and salad. The childminder works well with the children's parents who currently bring in their main meals to ensure children have a balanced diet and children's dietary requirements are recorded to ensure she meets their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well maintained because the childminder uses clear guidance and procedures to ensure the children's wellbeing. Children are supervised at all times and the house is secure. Well thought out risk assessments in place allow her to identify and rectify any hazards which may occur at the home and when on outings. Children are able to move around the house freely and without fear of danger as a result. Toys and equipment, which are easily accessible to the children, are in good order and meet safety requirements. Accidents which may occur are securely recorded in the childminder's accident book and shared with children's parents. Children are protected from fire hazard because the childminder has created secure evacuation plans and has fire prevention equipment such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms securely in place. They are safeguarded from harm because the childminder has recently trained in child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures and monitors the children closely. She knows what to look for and has a clear method for sharing information and recording system in place should the need arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children really enjoy being with the childminder who is warm and approachable. Her excellent knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and the Early Years Foundation Stage clearly underpin her enthusiasm to support children's learning and experiences. Children enjoy art and craft and painting and show particular wonderment at a recent animal collage they helped create using cut out pictures, grass and cotton wool for their sheep. They excitedly join in with their favourite songs such as Twinkle Twinkle as the childminder uses props to encourage their participation, for example and move freely around the space to explore their interests. They investigate heuristic boxes, enjoy using sand in their role play and independently choose their favourite books from the low level shelves. Children's play is well supplemented through trips to local playgroups and the library where they learn to socialise with other children their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

age. They learn well because the childminder encourages their vocabulary and observes their milestones and interests so that she can provide well for their progress in all areas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from being in an inclusive environment and the childminder gets to know their individual personalities well. They settle quickly into the well organised environment and because of the childminder's calm and reassuring nature. On some occasions the children become over clingy and the childminder is looking into strategies to improve their independence. Toys and equipment available suit a range of interests and include toys which reflect different backgrounds including disability and this helps the children to learn tolerance and an

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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 understanding of difference. Those children who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities are welcomed into the childminder's home and training in this area supports her good practice. Children behave well at the childminder's and she offers lots of praise, having a good understanding of their developmental needs. The secure partnership which the childminder has with children's parents helps to smooth the transition from home and information about the childminder's daily activities and procedures is clearly shared to provide an open and trusting relationship.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is well organised and experienced in what she does. Her sound knowledge of The National Standards clearly underpins her business as a childminder. Space and resources are well managed and allow the children to feel at home and be involved in a range of experiences. Clear routines each day including activity plans ensure children have time to play, rest and eat and the children settle well as a result. Good links with the local childminder network ensures she is kept up to date on current guidelines and regulations. Training is particularly well accessed, for example and recent courses in child protection and first aid particularly ensure children's safety and wellbeing. Documentation held is excellent and includes up to date records of children's attendance and personal details together with consent from parents for all areas. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of

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Organisation

the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

During the last inspection the childminder was asked to explore other possible venues for children to experience and to plan a range of activities and play opportunities for children's overall development. She was asked to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, was accessible in the kitchen. In response to recommendations children now visit local playgroups and libraries and have a wealth of experiences whilst at the home. The childminder has a secure fire blanket located in her kitchen.

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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): • look into ways to further improve children's independence

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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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