Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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154958 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2008 Inspection date Mauvene Burke 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 1999. She lives with her two adult daughters and her two year old granddaughter in a three bedroom ground floor flat. They live in the Camberwell area in the London borough of Lambeth. The children mainly have access to the living room.

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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. She is currently minding three children aged under five, all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder occasionally works with her eldest daughter who is her assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The high standard of cleanliness throughout the home helps keep children healthy. Effective health and hygiene procedures are in place and the childminder implements these well to minimise the risk of cross-infection, for example children dry their hands on paper hand towels

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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 and the childminder uses gloves when changing children's nappies. Effective daily routines, such as children being reminded to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, ensure children understand the need for good personal hygiene. The childminder has completed a relevant first aid training course to ensure children receive appropriate care if there is an accident. The childminder follows correct procedures before administering medication to children but she has yet to seek written permission from parents to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s individual dietary requirements are discussed with parents, and their wishes are respected to ensure only acceptable food is provided. Children's daily intake of food is recorded and shared with parents at the end of the day. Food prepared by parents is stored safely and appropriately in line with food regulations. The childminder provides snacks and meals for children which are healthy and nutritious and, more times than not, these are freshly cooked. Children enjoy their food, describing it as "yummy". Children are able to eat together at the dining table with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s physical development is very well promoted. Children have opportunities to have quiet time in addition to physical exercise so they are happy and content. Children walk to and from nursery school and they have opportunities for vigorous exercise when they go to the park or the local baby and toddler club. The childminder follows children's individual routines for eating and sleeping well. This ensures continuity of care and contributes to their physical wellbeing.

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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 warm, welcoming, safe and secure environment. The childminder has created a child friendly environment so children can confidently move around the spacious lounge and help themselves to a range of easily accessible, age-appropriate resources and activities. Children select freely from low-level toy boxes which store a good selection of books and age appropriate toys which are all in good condition and of a suitable design. Appropriate equipment is available enabling children to eat and sleep comfortably.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Appropriate safety measures are in place to protect children, these include cupboard locks, socket covers, a fire blanket and a working smoke alarm. Children do not have unsupervised access in the kitchen because a safety gate prevents children's access; nonetheless, sharp knives are easily accessible to children which compromises their safety. Although the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan, she has not practised this with the children.

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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 good knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures which help her protect children from harm and neglect. She has recently completed a training course related to child protection, this ensures her knowledge is current and up-to-date. Written procedures and relevant contact numbers are in place and easily accessible. These are made available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminders high level of individual attention and reassurance supports younger children and helps them to separate from their parents. Young children settle very well in the welcoming, family atmosphere of the childminder's home. When older children come in from nursery, they

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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 kick of their shoes and relax, lying down on the settee, this confirms they are comfortable and feel at ease in this setting, thus giving them a sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to have opportunities to mix with other young children and so are developing their social skills. They visit the local library and the baby and toddler group on a regular basis as well as making visits to the park and to the shops. Young babies enjoy playing with a range of toys. They laugh with delight in response to sounds they hear when they play with various activity toys. Babies beginning to walk are fully supported by the childminder who provides extra space by using the hallway where babies can push their activity walker and become confident walkers. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's and play happily and confidently with each other in a very calm and homely environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children have equal opportunities to access activities and resources that meet their individual needs; this helps maximise their learning and potential. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through visits out in the local community, books, television programmes and music. The childminder does not currently care for children with learning difficulties but demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of children requiring extra support and demonstrates well how she will ensure all children are included in her home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of positive methods of guidance to use in the management of children's behaviour. Good behaviour is encouraged through the use of praise and through the childminder being a good role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good; the interaction between the childminder and parents is warm and friendly. Daily discussions where information is exchanged ensure both parties are kept fully informed about children's welfare. Children's individual needs are discussed with the parents before the placement begins and the childminder keeps a daily log of children's food intake which she shares with parents at the end of the day. Children's details are completed on record forms to ensure consistency of care. Parents have access to the childminders file which includes her public liability insurance and training certificates relating to childcare. Parents are made aware of their right to complain and given detail of how to do this.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are relaxed and at ease in the childminder's home, which is organised effectively to meet their individual needs. The childminder provides good care in a homely, loving environment; this is a particular strength of this setting, as a result children separate from their parent and settle quickly. The childminder works closely with parents and provides lots of individual, caring support to children. All the required documentation is efficiently maintained, up-to-date and stored securely, this supports children's welfare well. However, she has not yet received written permission from parents to the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains a very good standard of hygiene and safety within her home, although knives in the kitchen pose a hazard to children and she has yet to practice her emergency evacuation plan. All areas of the premises used for childminding that are currently accessible to children are safe. The childminder has a secure understanding of the National Standards for

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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 childminding and her responsibility to comply with these to provide good quality childcare, and is aware that her daughter must be vetted as part of registration requirements.

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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 childminder was asked to ensure that children have access to material that reflects people with disabilities in a positive way. The childminder now has books which positively promotes disability.

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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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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): • obtain written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment • make sharp knives in the kitchen inaccessible to children and practise the emergency escape plan • ensure all adults living on the premises who have reached 16 years old are vetted.

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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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