Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246584 Unique Reference Number 30 January 2008 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband, one adult son and children aged 12 and seven years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in Forest Hill, London Borough of Lewisham. The premises are situated in a residential area near to local shops, parks and Lower Sydenham station. All areas of the property are used for childminding, with the exception of the loft room and the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children. Currently there are two children aged under five years on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder uses good hygiene procedures to ensure children are protected from cross-contamination. For example, they have their own towels and bed linen and 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 puts a disposable bag over her hand when she is changing a nappy which she carefully then puts all soiled items in the bag and disposes of hygienically. Her home is clean and well maintained and she has a good understanding of food hygiene. The childminder is first aid trained; has parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and understands she must record any accidents. This ensures accidents are dealt with appropriately and parents are kept informed. The childminder records pertinent health information about each child to be able to provide appropriate care and has a comprehensive sick child policy which helps to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder ensures she provides a variety of wholesome, nutritious, home cooked food. She provided fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis and

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Helping children to be healthy

encourages the children to drink water; this helps the children to learn about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely and explore because the childminder supervises appropriately. The home is welcoming with bright posters and children's work displayed on the wall. Children are cared for in a safe home, where the childminder has taken appropriate action to reduce any risks. For example, safety gates are in place, all electrical sockets are covered, safety film has been applied on glass and child locks have been fitted on appropriate cupboards. Fire safety is good. There are smoke alarms on all floors of the premises and a fire blanket is installed in the kitchen. The childminder has practised an emergency evacuation which means children learn how to leave the premises calmly and quickly. The childminder has a good knowledge of procedures that protect children. She has attended a child protection course and is well aware of her responsibility

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder's good understanding of child development ensure the children participate in a varied and stimulating range of activities which encourage them to develop. Children are confident and settled, they make themselves at home in the organised and comfortable environment. The childminder has a consistent but flexible routine which ensures she meets the children's physical care needs. She has a good understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and applies this well when observing children and planning their day. The childminder is very attentive and the children go to her for cuddles and support. The children enjoy music sessions with the childminder who plays a guitar and encourages the children to participate with their own instruments. They are offered malleable materials such as sand, play dough and corn flour. They enjoyed a game with water which stimulated their senses and made them laugh.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Warm and supportive relationships are evident between the children and the childminder. The children attend regular outings and community groups, this enables them to make friends, building their confidence and social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their personal needs and character. The childminder has some experience of children with learning difficulties and disabilities and has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. She is particularly knowledgeable about issues surrounding children

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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 who are speech and hearing impaired and is fluent in sign language. Parents are well informed about the service provided through the childminder's portfolio; this also gives useful information about the childminder's policies and procedures. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure that she records detailed information about the children to be able to provide individualised care. She respects parents wishes in the care of their child and all written parental consents are in place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Her good selection of play resources reflect diversity helping children to value differences. The childminder is sensitive to each families cultural needs and follows the child's home routine. This provides consistency, ensuring children settle well. Children's self esteem and confidence are supported through the positive, gentle and supportive interaction of the childminder. She has a good understanding of the differing needs of children which ensures her behaviour management is realistic; mainly using diversion techniques and anticipating the children's needs. Parents are happy with the service provided and made comments such as, 'the childminder is a warm person who is very good at connecting with children'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A warm, caring environment is provided by the childminder and space is used effectively to meet the needs of the children attending. The children benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and valued. The childminder has clear written policies and procedures which fully support her good childcare practice. She attends relevant training ensuring her practice is up-to-date. All the required documentation is well maintained with the exception of the attendance register. Nevertheless, children's safety and welfare is well supported by the childminder who has a clear understanding of the National Standards and her responsibilities to the children and their parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the appropriate checks have been made on persons aged over 16 living on the premises and written permission is now requested from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment; improving children's health and safety.

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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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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 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): • improve the registration system by ensuring it is consistently maintained.

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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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