Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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137150 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Beckenham, close to public transport, parks and other amenities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Areas of the house used for childminding are the front and rear reception rooms, one bedroom and bathroom facilities upstairs, conservatory and garden. There is a secure outside area that is suitable for children's play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll aged from one year to 10 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder keeps her home and equipment clean and encourages the children to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine. For example, encouraging them to wash their hands appropriately. If the children have an infectious illness she asks the parents to keep

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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 them at home. This helps to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder's hygiene procedures, such as using gloves to deal with bodily fluids and wiping surfaces with anti bacterial spray help to prevent cross contamination. The childminder follows the correct procedures when administering medication to children and records any accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health needs are discussed with parents, such as whether they have any dietary requirements or allergies, and up-to-date records are maintained to ensure appropriate care is given. Over all, systems in place promote children's health. However, the childminder has not maintained a first aid qualification to ensure she is able to act appropriately in the event of a child having an accident. The childminder is open to flexible arrangements for children's dietary needs. Some children in her care have meals provided by their parents which she prepares. Other children are offered snacks and healthy meals that she has provided. The children are offered fresh fruit and a choice of salad and vegetables on a daily basis which helps to encourage healthy eating. Fresh drinking water is available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming child orientated environment. They have access to a playroom which houses most of the play resources which are stored to encourage self selection. Children's work is displayed to create a welcoming environment. The childminder has appropriate equipment to meet the physical care needs of the children such as a high chair, step and a travel cot. The equipment and play resources are in good condition and the childminder ensures it is age appropriate so children can play safely. The childminder risk assesses her home daily and there are good measures in place to prevent accidental injury. For example, a door restrictor, safety gates, electrical socket covers and childproof locks on windows. The childminder helps children to learn about their own safety by introducing them to road safety when on outings. The childminder is well aware of her safeguarding responsibility to the children in her care as

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

she has attended training to up-date her knowledge. She has a sound knowledge of the child protection procedures to follow if she became concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a consistent routine which fits around the children's needs. She provides stimulating activities and outings both indoors and outdoors, which promotes children's all round development. The children enjoy art and craft activities, messy play such as corn flour, play dough and water play and picnic outdoors, when the weather allows. Children enjoy having a story read to them and listening and joining in to music tapes. This helps to promote their communication skills. They are encouraged to be independent by choosing equipment, washing their own hands and practising putting on their shoes and coat. The childminder has attended training in 'Birth to three matters' which has helped her provide an appropriate environment for young children to learn. The childminder interacts with the children in a supportive manner and warm relationships are evident, this helps them to settle well and feel secure. The children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure that she records detailed information about the children to be able to provide individualised care. She uses a comprehensive enrolment form which gains useful information. For example, the child's special words, likes, dislikes and fears, favourite activity, family pets along with all required information. The childminder respects parents wishes in the care of their child and all written parental consents are in place. The childminder's attitude to providing an inclusive environment and her attendance on training to enable her to promote diversity through play, shows her commitment to anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and has attended training in this area to be able to support children appropriately. The childminder's behaviour management strategies are appropriate to the children's age and stage

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of development and focus on discussion, solutions and distraction. Parents are well informed about the service provided through the childminder's portfolio; this also gives useful information about the childminder's policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable and interesting environment where the children feel at home and at ease. Space and resources are organised well to meet children's needs and promote their independence. The childminder has clear written policies and procedures which fully support her good childcare practice. The childminder is very experienced and has attended training to up-date her knowledge. However, she has not maintained an up-to-date first aid qualification, impacting on her ability to maintain children's health in the event of an accident. Nevertheless, the certificate only expired yesterday and she is booked onto a refresher course. She demonstrates through discussion sufficient knowledge of first aid treatment. Records and documents are well organised and used to support the care of the children and to comply with regulations. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder completed a first aid qualification. This expired yesterday. However, the childminder is booked onto a refresher course.

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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): • ensure a current first aid certificate is maintained.

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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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