Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250623 Unique Reference Number 31 January 2008 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 outstanding. 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 and two children aged eight and five years old in Nunhead within the London borough of Southwark. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and first floor for access to the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. She attends the local parent and toddler group. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children access a home that is well maintained and organised. The childminder is committed to good hygiene practice, this is reflected through the daily routine. For example, she cleans the tables before activities and meal times. The kitchen floor is cleaned after meal time. Children are developing an awareness of good hygiene practice, as they wash their hands before and after snack time. Older children take themselves to the bathroom and tend to their personal

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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 needs, therefore, developing their own independence. There are adequate facilities, such as soap and towels. The childminder provides clean colour coded flannels for younger children to wipe their hands and faces during the day. This effective procedure reduces the risk of infection. Children are protected from cross contamination, through the clear procedures for nappy changing. For instance, the childminder wears protective clothing and cleans the changing area with anti bacterial spray. There are clear procedures in place for caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted. This means children's health is protected. Children access wheeled toys on a regular basis. Therefore, developing their physical skills. Children benefit from regular fresh air, as they walk to the local school and

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Helping children to be healthy

other facilities within walking distance.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are systems in place for recording medication administered to children and accidents, including parents' signatures. The childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid, therefore, is able to administer first aid safely in the event of an emergency. This means children's wellbeing is protected. There is a first aid box in place. The childminder provides children with fresh malleable materials weekly, such as play dough. This is done for hygiene purposes and identifies the childminder's excellent understanding of protecting children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a well balanced diet, that promotes healthy eating. For example, pasta, fresh pesto sauce and grated cheese. Children's meals are prepared fresh daily and meet their individual needs. Children benefit from a variety of different fresh fruits at snack time, such as grapes and raisins. Children are developing an awareness of healthy eating, through the varied menu. She works in partnership with parents to promote healthy eating and shares children's food intake daily. Parents have access to the weekly menu.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides a warm and welcoming environment for children and parents. Children access a safe and secure home, where they can play and move around freely. There is a secure garden, where children can play safely. They enjoy an extensive range of play materials, that is age appropriate and meets their individual needs and interest. The toys are in good condition and meet safety standards. The wide range of play materials is rotated on a regular basis, therefore, providing children with a vast range of play opportunities. The play materials are stored safely and accessible to the children, therefore, encouraging children to make choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All safety equipment in place is in working order, such as smoke alarms and safety gates. There are effective procedures in place for children coming downstairs. For example, children are reminded to shuffle down on their bottoms. This means children's wellbeing is protected. There are clear procedures in place for outings. These protect children and develop their understanding of keeping themselves safe. For example, she teaches children the green cross code. The childminder has implemented different strategies for lost children. For instance, she ensures older children are aware of a designated meeting point if they get separated and all children wear identity bands. Children travel safely on outings through the wide range of travel equipment, such as buggies and age appropriate car seats. The childminder highly values safety and uses forward thinking to protect children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She has recently updated her knowledge in child protection, through training. The childminder has developed a child protection policy and procedure, that is shared and available to parents. The childminder understands that children's welfare is paramount and not to be compromised. There is a copy

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document. This means children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides children with a substantial range of learning opportunities. Children benefit from opportunities to explore a wide range of creative activities, such as painting using different colour paints. The childminder knows how children learn and successfully extends learning opportunities. For example, she helped children mix yellow and red, to make orange. Children can access malleable materials, such as play dough and make different insects from imaginary play materials. They spend their time purposefully. Children benefit from opportunities to dress up and take on different roles. They are delighted as they play and laugh happily with their friends. Children are becoming aware of how things work. For example, they use programmable toys in the home corner, such as electronic microwaves, toasters and money tills. Children take part in planting seeds to make a herb garden and strawberry pots. They

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

thrive in the setting and relish the hands on experiences provided. The childminder provides meaningful play opportunities and understands the importance of keeping children well entertained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy outings to the local parks and playgroups, where they socialise and interact with others. They access large equipment at the parks and are developing their physical skills and body control. The childminder networks with other childminders. This means they benefit from different events with their friends. For instance, feeding the ducks in the pond and visits to the Hornium museum. Children take part in an extensive range of outdoor activities, such as a visit to a Surrey Dock city farm, Livesey museum, where they benefit from a range of sensory equipment. The wide range of outdoor activities are exceptional and the childminder understands the importance of providing children with stimulating activities. Children regularly attend singing groups and music and movement sessions. Children do flourish through the fruitful play opportunities and experiences provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has a positive approach towards equal opportunities. This was reflected through the toys and play materials provided. For instance, children have access to dolls and books reflecting positive images of different cultures. Children enjoy learning different languages, such as French and Spanish. Children enjoy celebration of different religious festivals in the home and at playgroups. The childminder shared her faith with children and provided opportunities for children to take part in a mini production. This means children are developing an awareness of different cultures. Children benefit from opportunities to celebrate different cultural events, such as Black History month and Hanukkah. Children interact and socialise with children and adults from different cultural backgrounds at the local playgroups. Children have access to play materials that reflect positive images of disability. The childminder has a positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

approach towards special educational needs. In the event of caring for children with special educational needs, she will work with other professionals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are clear procedures in place relating to behaviour management. Children are well behaved and play harmoniously with their friends. The childminder praises and encourages the children, this contributes positively towards the children's self esteem. Children have built close

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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 relationships with the childminder. She offers children cuddles and affection. Children are developing a sense of belonging and self assurance. The childminder talks to the children and ensure children are learning and developing during their play. Children benefit from the well established relationships with the parents and childminder. The childminder has the relevant documentation in place and shares children's progress with parents verbally and in written format. The childminder values ideas from the parents and works in partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder demonstrates her professionalism in her role. She provides a well organised home and effective service to children and parents. There is more than sufficient space to meet the needs of the children. For example, a spacious playroom. There have been no changes to the household members. This means those with access to the children are suitable to do so. The childminder has a level 3 qualification in childcare. She is proactive in updating her childcare practice, via the Early Years Partnership. There are comprehensive policies and procedures in place. These contribute towards the effective running of the home. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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