Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265045 Unique Reference Number 18 February 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 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her daughter, son and granddaughter, aged seven, in Dulwich within the London borough of Southwark. The childminder is registered jointly with her daughter. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a full- and part-time basis. The whole ground floor and first floor bedroom of the childminder’s house are used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She has two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a clean and well maintained home. The childminder has updated her knowledge in first aid, and is therefore able to administer first aid safely. This means children's welfare is protected. There are systems in place for recording medication administered to children. However, consent for seeking emergency treatment has not been obtained. All accidents are

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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 recorded and shared with parents. Children enjoy regular visits to the local park, where they can run and play. This helps children developing their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are systems in place for caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are not permitted in the home. Children are protected from cross infection through the clear procedures for changing nappies, for example, the childminder wears protective clothing and cleans the mat with antibacterial spray. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of good hygiene practice. This means children's health is protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy meals that are balanced and healthy. The childminder takes children's likes and dislikes into account when preparing meals. She works in partnership with parents to ensure children benefit from meals that are nutritious and meet their individual needs. They enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day. This helps children develop an understanding of healthy eating. The children benefit from drinks throughout the day. The childminder provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from sufficient space and move around the home safely and freely. All safety equipment in place, such as safety gates and smoke alarms, is in working order. There are safety catches on low level cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom. Children are developing their independence as they tend to their own personal needs. The outdoor area is secure, but there are several loose paving stones in the garden. This means children do not have access to a safe outdoor playing area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy a good range of play materials and equipment that meets safety standards. The play materials are rotated on a regular basis, which ensures children benefit from a variety. The toys are accessible and appropriate to the ages of the children. There is sufficient equipment in place to meet the needs of the children and to aid them during play, for example, suitable chairs and tables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are clear procedures in place for going on outings and travelling home from the local school. For example, the childminder shares road safety with children. Children are supervised throughout the day. This means children's well-being is protected.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has updated her knowledge in child protection, and has a good understanding of the issues. There is a child protection policy in place, including procedures for allegations made against household members. There is a copy of the 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused' document.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of different play opportunities. Children enjoy outings to the local playgroup, where they meet and socialise with others. Children play well together and enjoy the company of their friends. They go to the local park, where they play and experience different play equipment. They are developing an understanding of the local community as they visit different places of interest, for example, local parks, the library and museum. Children enjoy creative activities, such as painting and play dough. This means children benefit from opportunities to access malleable materials. They take part in activities appropriate to their

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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 age and level of understanding. Children enjoy books and look forward to story sessions. There is an activity plan in place, which is made available to parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a range of different learning experiences, as they use their imagination and take on different roles. Children spend their time purposefully. The childminder understands the importance of ensuring children are happy and well entertained. Children are becoming skilful communicators and competent learners as they play within their setting and surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children arrive happily with their parents and settle well within the welcoming environment. Children are developing a sense of belonging through the close relationships built with the childminder. The childminder knows the children well and ensures children's needs are met. Children laugh with the childminder and come for cuddles. Children are developing their self assurance and becoming affirmed during their play. Children's efforts are acknowledged by the childminder. Children are praised openly, which helps them become confident in what they do. The childminder understands the positive impact praise has on children's self esteem. The childminder has a positive approach towards special educational needs. She welcomes the opportunity to work with other professionals to ensure children's needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy routine outings to shops and local parks. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of differences through interaction with children from different cultural backgrounds. However, they access a limited selection of provision reflecting positive images of different cultures. They do not have any toys reflecting disability. Children enjoy celebrating Christmas and Easter. The childminder's understanding of other cultural celebrations is limited. Children are well behaved and play together harmoniously. There are clear systems in place to manage behaviour. Children are kind to each other and are beginning to develop an understanding of sharing. The childminder has established good working relationships with parents and communicates effectively on a daily basis. Therefore, children benefit from the continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home in the well-organised environment. Children move around confidently and initiate their own play. There have been no changes to household members. However, the childminder's adult son has not completed the necessary checks for persons over 16 years old. Policies and procedures are in place, which contribute to the running of the home. There are systems in place for storing records and confidentiality is maintained. Parents are kept well informed regarding the service, daily routine and children's activities. 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 that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. There is a limited range of play materials that reflects positive images, and toys are available to all children. The childminder practises fire drills with the children. Parents are provided with verbal feedback when they collect their children. The childminder's son has not completed the necessary checks for persons over 16 years old.

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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): • Ensure all persons living in the household are vetted • make sure consent is obtained from parents for seeking emergency treatment • make sure the loose paving in the garden is made safe • make sure provision is improved through promoting positive images of disability and develop knowledge in different religious celebrations and implement these within your setting.

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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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