Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267594 Unique Reference Number 29 October 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 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. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of two children aged under eight years. There are currently two children on roll, none of whom are full time. Overnight care is not registered.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives in Thamesmead in the London Borough of Bexley. She lives with her children aged four, seven and 12. There are local shops, schools and parks within walking distance. The main bedroom is not used for childminding. The childminder provides opportunities for daily outside play.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. 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. The childminder provides paper towels to dry their hands after washing and tissues when they need them. Children enjoy regular physical activity as they walk to and

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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 from school or spend time in the local play park. They know how to relax. They sit quietly to watch television or lay on the sofa when they need a rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy food. The childminder provides nutritious freshly cooked meals, such as fish stew or spaghetti Bolognese after school. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. 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 a contagious illness. All required documents are clearly maintained and emergency contact numbers are held. Parents are effectively informed and 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 satisfactory. Children and adults are welcomed into an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered and children can make independent choices from resources in storage boxes or a cupboard. Curtains are drawn maintaining privacy. There is adequate ventilation. The home has comfortable furniture and clean décor. The childminder checks resources for repair or replacement. Children help clear away toys at the end of the day.

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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 in the kitchen. She routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home. The home is secure and children play safely. Fire safety recommendations are in place and medicines are secure in an adult height cupboard. Parents are aware of the childminder's safety procedures. 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 at outside venues. They know how to keep themselves safe as they negotiate between each other for toys and resources or sit sociably to eat their meal. Road safety habits are reinforced as they walk into school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder demonstrates she has a clear understanding of how to record concerns. Parents are informed of her professional role. Local and national contact numbers are held.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are stimulated and engaged as they learn to read and do their homework. The childminder plans her time so she can listen to them read each day. Children are growing confident and proud of their achievements because the childminder praises them for reading well. Children make independent choices as they change television channels or select action figures to play with. Children chatter to each other as the childminder presents their meal. They use their imagination and talk about the game they are playing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive consistent guidance from the childminder encouraging them to care for each other. They learn to respect differences and share resources. They are learning appropriate self control and understanding of right and wrong because the childminder provides a good role model as she talks to them. Children demonstrate a sense of belonging as they sit close to the

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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 childminder. The childminder is forward thinking and motivated to learn more about the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children show confidence and have high levels of self esteem. They are respected and allowed to feel good about themselves. The childminder encourages children to acknowledge differences with a modest range of equipment, such as books, games and small world toys to provide positive images of diversity. Children receive consistency of care because individual requirements and family preferences are recorded and discussed at the initial meeting. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she will offer to families with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn how to control themselves and are good natured towards each other. They know the childminder's ground rules because she gives consistent reinforcement for the behaviour she wants. Children share resources 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.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is satisfactory. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. Written agreements are used and individual details are recorded. For example, general practitioners details, medical information and adults identified to collect children are recorded. Signed consents are held as good practice although prior consent to use public transport is not in place. Daily information is exchanged ensuring potential concerns may be resolved immediately. The childminder is aware to devise a complaints procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children show an established self confidence and sense of belonging in an organised and welcoming home. They are content and play happily. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged because the childminder plans her time and provides resources to meet their individual needs and abilities.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures required records are securely held and are readily available for inspection. The registration document is displayed. Registered ratios are maintained and the record of attendance notes when children are present. The childminder has completed the Extending Childcare Practice, NVQ 3 and is to attend training for the Foundation Stage. The certificate in first aid for children and babies is current. She is aware to inform parents and the registering body of 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 five recommendations. Children's safety is assured because fire equipment is fitted and medicines are secured. Children learn to eat well provided, nutritious, freshly cooked meals. Parents are reassured because the childminder provides them with information of what to do if they have a complaint and maintains all required records.

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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 parents provide prior written permission to use public transport.

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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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