Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY271352 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Silvia Richardson 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 2004. She lives with her two children aged 12 years and seven months. They live in a first floor maisonette, close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. All areas of the property are available for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy some fresh air and exercise every day helping them to be healthy. The childminder makes good use of local parks so that children can enjoy using the swings, climbing and sliding equipment, therefore promoting active play experiences. Children are learning about how to keep healthy through hand washing routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands before eating, after playing outside and using the toilet. The childminder changes the hand drying towel daily, helping to minimise risk of spread of infection. Good hygiene routines for nappy

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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 changing are promoting children's health. The childminder uses individual mats for each child, wears disposable gloves and has separate bins for disposal of nappies. Arrangements are helping to prevent cross infection, including thorough hand washing. Children are offered a good range and balance of nutritious snacks and meals, helping them to be healthy. Appropriate records are in place, supporting children's health and welfare needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and move around the home safely because some good measures are in place. Nursery gates are positioned across the top of the stairs and across the kitchen doorway, electric sockets are fitted with covers and edges of low tables are fitted with corner protection. Fire safety precautions include a working smoke alarm and fire blanket easily accessible in the kitchen. Fire evacuation procedures are in place and include exit down the stairs to the front door. The childminder has safe procedures for managing children when taking them in and out of the premises down the front staircase. However, the rear fire exit from the kitchen is not clear and the platform out onto the staircase is unstable, restricting safe exit from the premises in an emergency. Nursery equipment, such as cot and high chairs, are very well maintained, promoting children's safety. Children are safe and protected should safeguarding concerns

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

arise because the childminder follows the appropriate guidelines.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled as the childminder creates a warm and comfortable environment. An extensive range of toys and play materials are easily accessible so that children can confidently help themselves to what they want to play with. Resources and play areas are very well arranged so that children enjoy consistency and familiarity, helping them to feel secure. Children enjoy playing with dolls, looking at books, cutting, sticking, drawing and making things. The childminder sits with the children, talks to them and plays with them, helping them to make good progress. Children enjoy familiar routines and a balanced schedule of activities both in the home and outside in the community, promoting their welfare and all round development. They enjoy visits to the park, library, song and story sessions and mix with other children at playgroups. Children's play and learning experiences are enhanced by the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's warm and caring approach, so that they thrive in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder establishes good working partnerships with parents, therefore promoting children's welfare. Some good information is available to parents and carers about childminding services, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their children's specific needs. Written agreements are in place so that children may take part in a wide range of activities, enhancing their play and learning experiences. The information pack includes sample menus so that parents know about the sorts of meals and snacks on offer. The setting reflects diversity through provision of a good range of toys and books, helping children to develop a positive identity. Children have some excellent opportunities to learn about different cultures and festivals because the childminder encourages children to take part in a range of practical activities. The childminder creates a homely environment so that children develop a real sense

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Helping children make a positive contribution

of belonging, play co-operatively and behave well.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is properly vetted, thus ensuring her suitability to work with children. She holds a current first aid certificate enabling her to respond appropriately should an accident occur. The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and continues to update her childcare knowledge through taking advantage of training opportunities, therefore enhancing her child care practice. The childminder is a member of Lewisham children's centres and specialist childminding networks, promoting quality care and education in childminding settings. Appropriate records are kept, including daily registers, so that the childminder is able to account for the times children are in her care. Children's details are well recorded so that the childminder can provide effectively for children's needs. The home is well arranged for childminding, including welcoming information and pictures attractively displayed. Resources are very well organised,

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Organisation

sorted into sets and labelled, promoting self selection. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

No recommendations were raised at the last inspection.

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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 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 fire safety precautions, ensuring the rear fire exit from the kitchen is kept clear and the platform is made safe

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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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