Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269593 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Linda Margaret Nicholls 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 2003. Registration is for a maximum of five children. There are currently two children on roll, of whom one attends full time, three days a week. Registration does not include overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The provider lives with her two children aged under ten years in Bexleyheath in the London borough of Bexley. The living room and dining room are available for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder can walk to local schools, shops, a library and play parks. The family have a Staffordshire dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of good personal health and hygiene through everyday routines. The childminder ensures the play equipment is clean so that the risk of cross infection to children is minimised. Children wash their hands before eating food because the childminder explains they need to get rid of germs. The childminder reinforces social conventions explaining

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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 their need to put their hands over their mouth when they cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of colds.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activity within the home and outside as they negotiate around furniture and resources. Young children develop positive attitudes to exercise with daily trips to and from school and time in the local play park. They develop balance and coordination. Children know how to relax. They go to the childminder for hugs and cuddles, sit quietly or lay on the sofa when they need a rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's learn about healthy food choices. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. A sample menu is provided. Children have access to water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who have an infection do not attend which prevents the spread of contagious illness. All required documents are clearly maintained and emergency contact numbers are held. Parents are effectively informed and prepared well for emergencies, for example, when children may be taken ill or there may be a serious accident requiring emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children and adults are welcomed into an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered and children can make independent choices from free standing toys or storage bags and boxes. There is good natural light and adequate ventilation. The home has comfortable furniture and a child height table and bench set. Décor is clean and bright. Children select from a sufficient range and variety of toys which are checked daily for repair or discarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children cannot access rooms or items that could be dangerous such as cleaning liquids because the childminder ensures these are secured. She routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home ensuring items work properly. The home is secure and children play safely. Fire safety recommendations are in place. Parents are aware of most of the childminder's safety procedures although a written emergency exit plan is not available. Public liability insurance is current. Children feel cared for and secure as they are closely supervised at all times both in the home and at outside venues. They know how to keep themselves safe. They put toys away when they are finished with them. Road safety habits are reinforced as they walk into school or along local roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Parents are informed of her professional role. National and local contact numbers are available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are stimulated and engaged in stacking and fitting construction bricks. Children are growing in confidence because the childminder praises their achievements and wanted behaviour. Children make purposeful and independent choices regarding their play. The youngest child can select from a range of good quality items such as books, crayons, cars, a work bench with tools, animal figures and construction bricks. Children extend their developing physical skills as they play with balls in the garden, walk to school and play in local play parks. They twist and

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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 turn their wrists to stack the bricks, to push the cars or small bear figures through constructed arches.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children chatter to the childminder engagingly as they play or look at books, such as 'Pig in a Blanket' together. She aids the development of language with repetition of sounds, first words such as 'mud', 'bath', 'scarf' and numbers. Children proudly count to three as they stack the bricks or line up cars. They name the colour of the bricks. Children receive gentle guidance from the childminder encouraging them to care for each other. They learn to respect differences and share toys. They have appropriate self control and understanding of right and wrong because the childminder gives simple explanations of the behaviour she wants. Children are developing a sense of belonging. They know the name of the childminder's children and that they are at school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a developing confidence and have high levels of self esteem. They are respected and allowed to feel good about themselves because the childminder has a positive attitude towards physical and cultural diversity. She provides a modest range of equipment, such as books, puzzles, dolls, a wok set and small world figures for them to explore ideas of their local community and the wider world. Children receive consistency of care because individual requirements and family preferences are recorded and discussed at an initial meeting. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she will offer to families with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know how to control themselves, are good natured, polite and caring. They know the childminder's ground rules because she gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. Children share toys and play happily together after school. Discussion of behaviour management methods is undertaken with parents and a record of incidents will be maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about most policies and procedures although an emergency exit plan is unavailable. Written agreements are used and individual details are recorded. For example, GP details, medical information and adults identified to collect children are recorded. Signed permissions are held as good practice and daily information is exchanged ensuring potential concerns are resolved immediately. The childminder is aware to devise a procedure for any complaints or concerns she may receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play happily and demonstrate confidence and contentment. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged because equipment is provided to meet their individual abilities and needs.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps all documentation to a good standard. A written emergency exit plan is unavailable for parents information. Records and information are securely held. Registered ratios are maintained and the record of attendance notes when children are present and why they are absent. The childminder has completed an Introducing Childcare Practice course and holds a current certificate in first aid for infants and children. The registration document is displayed. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of any changes to her

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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 circumstances that may affect the welfare of children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to four recommendations to improve her knowledge of child protection procedures and the needs of children with learning difficulties, to gain written permission for children to use transport and to gain written consent to seek medical advise or treatment. Children play safely and parents are reassured because the recommendations have been met.

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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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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): • consider the development of a written emergency exit procedure for parents information and for children to practice.

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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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