Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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402656 Unique Reference Number 29 February 2008 Inspection date Melissa Turner 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 satisfactory. 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 2001. She lives with her partner and two children aged 11 and seven years in Orpington, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding seven children in total, four of whom are under five and are cared for on different days. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a sound awareness of keeping themselves healthy. They wash their hands after using the toilet and use antibacterial soap. However, they are not provided with individual hand towels or paper towels and are not always encouraged to wash their hands before snack time. These aspects do not help avoid the spread of infection. The childminder

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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 plans all meals in advance and ensure children receive a healthy, balanced diet. For example, they enjoy a banana for snack and healthy and nutritious hot and cold meals. The menu/weekly plan informs parents of the range of foods provided. Children remain hydrated because they help themselves to their beakers of drink when they wish. Children take part in regular physical activity; they walk on a daily basis to and from school, enjoy outdoor play and frequent trips to several local parks. They also enjoy trips occasionally to an indoor activity centre. These aspects help promote positive enjoyment of physical activity. All required medical and health documentation is in place and the childminder has a valid first aid certificate. These aspects ensure she is suitably equipped to deal with emergencies, accidents or illnesses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe home environment; however, currently there is a greenhouse with accessible panels of glass situated in the garden. This presents a hazard to children. They have access to a suitable range of age appropriate toys; these are stored accessibly in the lounge and reported to be regularly rotated to provide children with greater variety. The childminder promotes and maintains safety with children appropriately. For example, appropriate safety equipment is in place around the home, such as smoke alarms, cupboard locks and socket covers. She encourages children to keep themselves safe and talks to them about why they must not climb on the furniture. The childminder has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings, such as the use of reflective jackets for children. The childminder has a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues which helps her to safeguard

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, happy and contented in the childminder's care. She gives very good levels of care and support, sitting with them at their level, supporting them as they play. Children thoroughly enjoy playing with the bubbles produced by the bubble machine and the childminder talks with them about the size and colour of the bubbles. A very kind and caring rapport and interaction is observed between the childminder and children. Children enjoy playing with the trains and track and also enjoy being read to by the childminder. Books have been purchased that reflect children's current interests such as 'In the night garden'. Children thoroughly benefit from the interaction with the childminder who fully encourages children's involvement during story time, talking about the characters in the story and asking lots of questions, encouraging their learning and involvement.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Although no formal planning takes place, the childminder keeps a rough plan of the week, showing how the days are organised and some activities, for example, for morning and afternoon. She also uses the Birth to three matters framework and keeps brief notes about children's development and progress in line with this. Children benefit from a wide range of activities which are organised and varied to provide children with an interesting day. Regular trips to toddler groups and to the park are organised. Time is also made for indoor play at home. Children enjoy helping themselves to a range of toys and resources set out for them at their level. All of these aspects contribute to children enjoying and achieving and making strong progress whilst in the childminder's care.

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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 satisfactory. Children are treated and well cared for as individuals. Their needs are met and they are cared for appropriately in a suitable home environment. They have access to a range of resources; some reflect the differences in society, such as books and play figures. In addition, the childminder plans a range of activities celebrating festivals and other cultures, such as Chinese New Year and Ramadan. She plans a variety of activities such as colouring dragons, discussing the year of the rat and hanging Chinese lanterns for Chinese New Year. This supports children in learning about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to behave well because the childminder gives clear explanations and is reassuring and kind to children. Children are praised regularly, for example when they have understood the rules of using the bubble machine. These aspects help contribute to building children's self-esteem and confidence. There are appropriate methods used to work with parents, they are offered daily verbal feedback and also some updates via text and email. The childminder intends to introduce a daily diary in the near future. These aspects help ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive information about their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder works from a suitable home environment which meets children's needs. She has an organised range of documentation in place, with all mandatory elements, including a range of policies and procedures. However, currently the complaints record and related documentation are not available. The childminder has completed limited training courses since her last inspection; however she does intend to develop this area in the future. 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 in August 2004, the childminder was asked to ensure antiseptic cream was not used without written permission. The childminder has now removed this from the first aid kit and also has a range of permission forms from parents to support her in her work.

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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. 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 satisfactory. 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): • improve methods for hand washing and drying to avoid the spread of infection • ensure low level glass is made safe in the garden • ensure the complaints record is available

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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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