Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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159930 Unique Reference Number 17 December 2007 Inspection date Donna Bonner 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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 2001. She lives with her husband and adult son in a three bedroom house on a residential road in East Dulwich. Children have access to the ground floor, one bedroom and toilet on the upper floor. There is an enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for 4 children and childminds on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The childminder is currently minding 5 children aged 0-7 years, all on a part time basis. The childminder has completed Cache level 3 in childminding practice. Children are regularly taken to local groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a home that is kept clean. The childminder washes her hands and this encourages children to follow her example. Children's health and dietary needs are discussed with their parents and the childminder keeps records in order to follow their wishes. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise as they regularly visit local groups and parks for physical play. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and is confident to act appropriately and keep children

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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 safe in the event of an accident. However, although the childminder discusses arrangements for emergency medical treatment, she does not keep a written record and this means there is no evidence that children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes. Children enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere as they sit and eat together at the dining table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. The childminder does not ensure all persons living in the household are vetted, which is a requirement of registration. Children are able to play safely as they have a range of safe toys and equipment that meet safety standards and are suitable for their stages of development. Children have access to age appropriate equipment such as high chairs that are agreed with their parents. They are safe on outings as the childminder as she uses pushchairs that meet safety standards and talks about safety. However, the front door handle is accessible to children and this poses a risk to children's security. Children know how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency because the childminder practises regular fire drills and keeps a clear record. The childminder shows awareness of child protection issues and is able to describe different types of abuse. She is familiar with the written procedures and so children's welfare

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is safeguarded in the event of concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of good quality toys that are easily accessible. Children are comfortable in the care of the childminder as they squeal excitedly and laugh whilst they play games together. The childminder gently encourages them to choose different colours for example and asks questions during their play which encourages children to think and develop their speech and language. The childminder listens to their ideas and this encourages their confidence. Children are developing good social skills as they regularly visit local groups which offer further challenge. They are learning to take turns and share as they choose their pushchairs and dolls that they want to play with. The childminder interacts well with children as she is approachable and offers security and reassurance by sitting and talking to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's clear boundaries. Children are well behaved and the childminder encourages their acceptable behaviour by playing with children and gradually introducing rules in their play. She offers clear and age appropriate explanations to them which helps them to understand the feelings of others. Toys and equipment that reflect various communities are available and this offers children a positive introduction to differences. Children benefit from a settling in period that is fully discussed and agreed with their parents and this means that they receive consistent care. Children also benefit from their parents being kept informed about the childminder's practice through daily talks on collection. The childminder maintains most written documentation which offers parents clear information about her service and updates her complaints policy. The childminder understands the need to work closely with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents if caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities to gain an understanding of their needs.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder does not meet the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. The childminder does not notify Ofsted of changes to persons living on the premises and does not ensure they are vetted. The childminder does not notify Ofsted of all significant events. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder maintains most documentation in line with the National Standards. Children's hours of attendance are mostly recorded and the childminder welcomes them and plans for their arrival. Children enjoy suitable toys and equipment that are set out in a homely environment. They benefit from individual care from the childminder. The childminder offers a routine that ensures children have sufficient time for play and rest.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to keep a record of all accidents and incidents. This is now met as the childminder keeps written records and shares this information with parents so that they are fully informed about their child's health.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • make sure all persons are vetted and Ofsted is notified of significant events • make sure the front door does not pose a risk to children These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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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