Education-My Life Matters

Inspection report for early years provision

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143933 Unique Reference Number 12 March 2008 Inspection date Angela Ramsey 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 February 1999. She lives with her adult son, nine year old daughter and six year old nephew. The family live in a four bedroom house in the London borough of Lambeth.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time. She is currently caring for three children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends One O'clock clubs and under five groups on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are taught the importance of good personal hygiene through their daily routine. For example they are reminded to wash their hands before snack and lunch times and after outside

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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 play and using the toilet. If children are out on a trip their hands are cleaned with wipes. These measures ensure children's health is well protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

When changing nappies the childminder wears disposable gloves and the changing mat is cleaned after each use. The procedures for recording any accidents that may occur and recording the administration of medication are fully understood and all records are accurate and up to date. Parental consent for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice is obtained. Therefore parents' wishes are known. There is a fully equipped first aid box in place and the childminder has a current first aid certificate. This ensures that children are well protected in the case of an accident or emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has attended a course in food hygiene. Parents provide lunches for their children. These are stored in the childminder's refrigerator. Snacks consist of fresh fruit and drinks such as water, fruit juice and milk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities to be active. Children can play in the childminder's garden. She also takes the children to local under five groups. These are within walking distance which is a good form of exercise for the children. When at the groups children are able to ride wheeled toys and play ball games.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has taken positive steps to promote safety within her home and when on outings. A stair gate prevents children from entering the kitchen, smoke alarms have been installed and a fire blanket is available in the kitchen. A fire evacuation procedure has been devised and is practised with the children. Parents also provide their written consent allowing the childminder to take the children on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to self select activities from a range of toys and resources. These are organised in containers which allows the children to help themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms which would give her a cause for concern. She is secure in her knowledge of the correct reporting procedures for child protection concerns, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. This ensures that the safety of vulnerable children is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. A variety of play opportunities are available both in the childminder's home, and through visits. Whilst at the childminder's home children are able to choose from a varied selection of resources. They enjoy looking at books, drawing and completing puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Outings are planned, such as visits to local childminding groups, which develop children's social skills as they meet with other children and engage in cooperative play. Once a week children attend singing sessions where children are able to experiment with different musical instruments.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Everyday activities, such as shopping, are used to enhance children's development. When at the local supermarket, the childminder involves the children by encouraging them to help choose fruits and other items to be purchased. This time is also used to help children to count.

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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. Each child's individual care needs are met. This is due to the fact that the childminder discusses these with parents and provides care accordingly. The childminder provides books, dolls and puzzles that reflect positive images of others in their community. Relationships between the childminder and parents are honest, open, trusting, friendly and professional. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. However, parents are not provided with the contact details of Ofsted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder sets clear boundaries which help children understand what is expected from them. Children's behaviour is managed on an individual basis. Strategies such as talking to children, explaining why their behaviour is unacceptable, are used. The childminder also encourages good manners by reminding children to say please and thank you. Children's achievements are praised and encouraged which helps to build their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has attended training with regard to children with special needs. She is therefore aware of the importance of working with parents to ensure all children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps the required records on the children in her care. This includes information on the children's needs. Parents are kept informed verbally on a daily basis of their child's day. The childminder's daily routine is organised so that the children's individual care needs are appropriately met.

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Organisation

The childminder provides activities and toys are stimulating, fun, interesting and provide sufficient challenge to children's development.

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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

At the last inspection, the following recommendation was set; ensure daily record of attendance is accurate and kept up to date.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder records the arrival and departure times of the children on a daily basis.

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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 parents are provided with the contact details of Ofsted.

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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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