Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY264261 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 Inspection date Linda Margaret Nicholls 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 2003. Registration is for a maximum of four children under eight years. She is currently looking after four children, of whom two are full time, three days a week. Registration does not include overnight care. The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged under ten years. They live in Bexleyheath in the London Borough of Bexley. The ground floor and living room are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outdoor play. The family have two guinea pigs and a goldfish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of personal health and hygiene practice through everyday routines. The childminder ensures the play equipment is clean so that the risk of cross infection to children is minimised. Children learn they need to get rid of germs by using anti-bacterial wipes. The childminder ensures tissues are available when they cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of colds.

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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 Children enjoy regular physical activity within the home and outside. They negotiate easily round furniture and resources. Young children develop positive attitudes to exercise with daily trips to and from school and time in the local play parks and woods. They develop balance and coordination as they use rope stilts, pedal or scoot. Children know how to relax. They go to the childminder for hugs and cuddles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy food choices. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children eat well and enjoy fruit, cheese sandwiches and light meals such as spaghetti Bolognese or lasagne. Children have access to water throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children who have an infection do not attend, which prevents the spread of contagious illness. All required documents are clearly maintained and emergency contact numbers are held. Parents are prepared well for emergencies, for example when children may be taken ill or there may be a serious accident requiring emergency treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered and children can make independent choices from free standing toys or storage boxes. There is good natural light and adequate ventilation. The home has comfortable furniture, clean bright décor and a child height table and chairs. Children select from a variety of toys which are checked daily for repair or discarded. Cleaning routines are followed routinely to ensure toys and equipment are well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children cannot access rooms or items that could be dangerous such as cleaning liquids and powders because the childminder ensures these are secured. She routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home ensuring items work properly. The home is secure and children play safely. Fire safety recommendations are in place and a written exit plan is available to parents. Parents are aware of the childminder's safety procedures, including emergency cover by another registered childminder. Public liability insurance is current.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children feel cared for and secure as they are closely supervised at all times both in the home and outside. They learn to keep themselves and others safe in the home. They pick up toys when they are finished with them. Road safety habits are reinforced as they cross roads or walk along them in the locality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder understands the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Parents are informed of her professional role at an initial meeting. Local and national contact numbers require updating.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are stimulated, supported and engaged in colouring, tracing and using picture stickers. Children are growing confident and proud of their achievements because the childminder displays their work and praises wanted behaviour. Children make purposeful and independent choices regarding their play. Equipment and resources are easily accessible and children select from a range of good quality items such as activity centres, craft items, books, a wooden farmyard and dolls.

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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 Children extend their developing physical skills. They develop control and coordination as they colour pictures, place stickers and press buttons. They negotiate round furniture and sit comfortably on child size furniture. They pedal and scoot in the garden, walk to school and play in local play parks. Children chatter to the childminder engagingly as they play. She aids the development of language with praise and repetition of sounds, first words and expressions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive sensitive guidance from the childminder encouraging them to care for each other. They learn to respect differences and share toys. They have appropriate self control and understanding of right and wrong because the childminder is alert, can distract them and gives simple explanations when necessary. Children are developing a sense of belonging. They know the names of the childminder's family and where items are kept.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show confidence and have good levels of self esteem. They are respected and allowed to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a positive attitude towards physical difference and cultural diversity. She provides a modest range of equipment, such as books, puzzles, dolls and small world toys for them to explore ideas of the local community and the wider world. Children receive consistency of care because individual requirements and family preferences are recorded. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she will offer to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know how to control themselves and are polite. They know the childminder's house rules because she gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. Children learn to share toys and play happily together. Discussion of behaviour management methods is undertaken at an initial meeting with parents and a record of incidents will be maintained when required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Written agreements are used and individual details are recorded. For example, GP details, medical information and adults identified to collect children are recorded. Signed permissions are held as good practice. Daily information is exchanged between parents and the childminder ensuring potential concerns are resolved immediately. All policies and procedures are current although contact details of the regulatory body require updating.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children show growing self confidence and sense of belonging in an organised and welcoming home. They demonstrate strong self worth and contentment. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged with equipment and activities provided that meet their individual abilities.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps documentation to a good standard although contact details of the regulatory body require updating. Records and information are securely held and readily available for inspection. Registered ratios are maintained and the record of attendance notes when children are present and why they are absent. The childminder has completed a pre-registration childcare course and holds a current certificate in first aid for infants and children. The registration document is displayed. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of

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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 any changes to her circumstances that may affect the welfare of 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 provider agreed to three recommendations, to devise a system for significant incidents, to inform parents of her complaint procedure and to seek written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Children play happily and parents are reassured because significant information is recorded, policies are in place and written permissions are held.

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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 have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

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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 contact details of the regulatory body are current throughout documentation for parent's information

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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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