Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY240365 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Laura Brewer 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children ages eleven and eight years. They live in a house, situated in the London Borough of Bromley. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes which includes toilet facilities. Older minded children are also allowed to use two of the upstairs bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play opportunities. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently she has seven children on roll. They age from nine months to six years, each attending on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has completed various short training courses relevant to childminding practices.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well organised home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices such as washing their hands after using the toilet, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious snacks that ensure their dietary needs are met during the day. They take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development. For example, regularly visiting local parks to practise climbing skills and using the garden regularly for rigorous play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder's effective implementation of her written sick child policy clearly informs parents of her procedures and so helps to stop the spread of infection. During the admission stage, the childminder discusses children's health needs with parents to ensure she is aware of children's individual requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Overall systems in place promote children's health. However, the childminder has not maintained an up to date first aid qualification to ensure she is able to act appropriately in the event of a child having an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has organised space to meet children's needs and has created a welcoming environment for them to play. Most of the required safety precautions are in place, although the fire blanket has not been fitted according to the manufacturers instructions which compromises children's safety. Children can play safely because they have access to a range of safe and suitable play materials that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder helps the children to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, she regularly practises fire drills with the children so that they learn how to evacuate the premises quickly and safely. Children are well protected, the childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if concerned about the welfare of a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the setting. They choose from a range of developmentally appropriate resources which enables them to make good individual progress. They eagerly play with their chosen activity, such as experimenting with sound response toys and sharing books together. The children benefit from a range of interesting and varied outings, such as visits to parks, fields, toddler groups, music groups and meeting with other childminders and their children. This promotes the children's interest in the wider world and encourages their social development. Outdoor play, fresh air and exercise play an important part in the daily routine.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children respond well to the childminder's positive interactions which enables them to develop their language and social skills. They receive strong support and encouragement in their chosen activity. Their learning is extended and they develop a good sense of achievement through the childminder being interested in their play and introducing new ideas and concepts.

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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 The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to support her work with young children. She records what the children have achieved in their individual contact books. These are used to monitor their progress and to plan appropriate activities to promote their future learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's likes, dislikes and routines to ensure they settle and experience consistent care. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents have useful information about the childminder and the service she offers as her portfolio displays clear policies and procedures. Daily contact books are used well to ensure parents are kept fully informed about their child's day and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards caring for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is aware of the appropriate levels of support required to promote children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder's effective use of praise and encouragement builds children's self esteem. Children have access to the full range of activities offered. The childminder ensures that resources available promote a positive view of the wider community to help children develop positive views.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the setting which helps them gain confidence and develop independence. The organisation of the home enables children to access equipment freely to support their play.

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Organisation

Overall, procedures followed work in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. However, the childminder has not maintained an up to date first aid qualification, impacting on her ability to maintain children's health in the event of an accident.

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Organisation

Documentation is well maintained and kept confidentially. Parents have access to well laid out polices and procedures about the setting and are given clear information about their individual children. 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 agreed to ensure various safety hazards were addressed and to obtain a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made all safety hazards inaccessible to children and has obtained a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidance, ensuring that children's safety and welfare is promoted.

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Improvements 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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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 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • ensure the fire blanket in the kitchen is fitted according to the manufacturers instructions.

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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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