Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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961200 Unique Reference Number 05 March 2008 Inspection date Cheryl Walker 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 2001. She lives with her partner and three children aged 14, 10 and seven months in a house in the London borough of Lambeth. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childcare 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 two children under five on a part-time basis. She drives to local schools to take and collect children. She visits the local library for story reading and takes the children to parks and on other outings. The family have a cat.

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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 home environment is extremely clean, brought about by effective hygiene practices that protect children from illness and risks of cross infection. Good routines ensure they learn to

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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 wash their hands before they have meals and after using the toilet, providing the basis for them to develop good personal hygiene habits. Antibacterial soap and paper towels are accessible to the children, reducing risks of cross infections. Children are encouraged to become independent with regard to potty training, with reward stickers used to reinforce praise and encouragement.

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Helping children to be healthy

A well stocked first aid box is in place, enabling the childminder to deal effectively with minor accidents and written permission would be sought before administration of medication to a child. However, written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is not in place, which may cause delays in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children enjoy regular physical outdoor activities, which positively contribute to their good health and encourage them to develop a healthy lifestyle. They have regular trips out to local groups, parks and play areas to encourage their interest and curiosity, develop their physical skills and engage in active play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good balanced healthy diet, exercise and regular drinks. The childminder ensures she is aware of any dietary requirements through detailed discussion with parents. She offers children healthy meals and snacks such as fruit, humus and pitta bread and currently caters for a vegetarian diet. Children sit sociably with their peers and the childminder to enjoy their food. They quickly learn to become independent in their self-help skills due to high levels of support and consistent routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. An excellent range of stimulating toys and equipment encourage children's interest within an effectively arranged environment. Easy access to toys enable children to feel welcome and secure in this child friendly home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can move freely and safely around the setting enabling their overall independence. The childminder takes effective measures to promote children's safety, for example, she heeds safety warnings concerning the toys and equipment she has available for the children, checks all equipment regularly and conducts a visual risk assessment of the areas that children play in, whether at home or when on local outings. The childminder provides children with high levels of attention and supervision to meet their needs and keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder shows commitment to her work and demonstrates a clear understanding of her role with regard to safeguarding children. She has a written child protection policy which is shared with parents and an effective system in place to ensure correct procedures are followed in the event of a concern, though currently records of existing injuries are not maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, confident and relaxed. They settle well in the childminder's efficient care due to secure routines. They make themselves at home and enjoy a warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder, who knows them extremely well and devotes her time to them to enhance their sense of well-being and emotional stability. An imaginative range of

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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 well balanced, exciting activities and visits ensure that children flourish and make strides in their overall development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become totally engaged in imaginative play. They pretend to make tea, prepare food and dress up, taking on roles of different characters. The childminder encourages their play and supports this effectively by playing along with the children and providing an excellent range of resources. Children’s language is well developed through the childminder’s frequent interaction with the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children explore their environment independently, able to make informed choices about their play because all equipment and resources are stored at their level. They become engrossed in enthusiastic storytelling, cuddling in to the childminder. They contribute meaningful discussion when they look at the pictures in the book and relate their experiences and knowledge to what they see.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem, contributing to their sense of well-being. The provision of books, toys and dressing up clothes that positively reflect the wider community, effectively enhances children's understanding and appreciation of difference. All children have choice in their play materials and activities. The childminder provides an inclusive service. She ensures she has the necessary information to meet the individual needs of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond positively to the childminder's calm approach and this helps them to behave well. She uses positive strategies to manage behaviour, which are appropriate to the age and understanding of the children. They receive meaningful praise and listens to children, which encourages their confidence and self-esteem and subsequently, they play harmoniously.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are very well informed about the service that the childminder provides through written policies, clear agreements and daily communication. An informative portfolio is available, which details well thought out policies and procedures. The childminder is happy to provide written or verbal feedback to parents, according to their preference.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a skilled childminder who is committed to her work and enjoys children's achievements. The childminder is dedicated to ensuring the children have an interesting and stimulating time whilst in her care and that parents receive good information about their progress and development. Children flourish in a setting that is well organised, with consistent routines that allow time for quiet and active play. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Most required documentation and systems for recording are maintained to a good standard. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop the policies and procedures to provide more information for parents. A written, comprehensive portfolio is available for parents, ensuring they have clear information about the service provided.

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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): • ensure existing injuries are consistently recorded • seek written parental permission for emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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