Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275281 Unique Reference Number 19 November 2007 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 has been registered since November 2003. She lives with her husband and three children, aged three, nine and 12 years. They live in a maisonette in Peckham, South East London.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. Currently there are three children on roll aged from one to eight years. The children have access to the ground floor living room and kitchen.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

As well as English, the childminder speaks Bengali, Hindi and Urdu.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands when appropriate. The childminder uses good hygiene procedures to prevent the risk of cross-contamination. For example, using disposable gloves when changing nappies and washing down the changing mat after each use. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records. For example, of any accidents that occur or medication that has been administered.

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Helping children to be healthy

All parental consents are in place except permission to seek emergency advice or assistance which means parental wishes are unknown. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which means accidents are dealt with appropriately. The childminder ensures children are offered healthy and nutritious food. She does not offer them fizzy drinks, crisps or sweets; they are offered fresh fruit and vegetables daily and have independent access to fresh drinking water. The childminder is flexible in her arrangements and will provide meals if requested or prepare meals provided by the parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is warm and comfortable and toys are stored to allow children to make choices in their play. Children gain a sense of belonging when they see their work displayed on the wall. The childminder ensures that play resources offered are appropriate for the age and stage of the children playing with them so they can play safely. She ensures her equipment for childminding meets European safety standards. Children are able to move freely and safely around the home and garden because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. For example, hazardous substances are stored out of children's reach, a safety gate restricts children's access to the stairs and a carbon dioxide monitor is used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Fire safety precautions are good. The childminder has devised and practised an emergency escape plan which helps children become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency. The childminder has completed recent child protection training to ensure her practice is up-to-date. She recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a sound understanding of procedures to follow about any concerns she may have about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder's good understanding of child development and the 'Birth to three matters' framework contributes well to the quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. The childminder uses observations about the children to inform her planning. She plans activities around themes that the children are interested in. For example, during a transport theme she borrowed relevant books from the library, took the child on a bus trip and used a collage activity to help the child understand traffic light colours. The childminder records what the children can do and have achieved in their individual records for the parents information, this helps her monitor how they are progressing.

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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 The childminder has attended training to increase her knowledge in providing a stimulating play environment. For example, she attended training on how to provide heuristic play and treasure baskets. The children enjoy music and movement sessions and play with pots and pans, measuring rice and pasta in their role play. The children attend groups and meet up with other children, this enables them to make friends building their confidence and social skills. The children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement. There is a consistent routine which helps children to feel secure. Warm and caring relationships are evident as the children confidently approach the childminder for support and affection.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, by providing play resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. The childminder treats children as individuals and takes detailed information about them to ensure appropriate care is given. Her positive approach helps children develop respect for people's differences. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a helpful attitude to providing an inclusive environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and secure with good levels of self-esteem and confidence as a result of the childminder's praise and support. Children's independence is encouraged, for example, through accessible resources and being encouraged to voice their needs. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service she offers in her portfolio. This also displays her clear policies and procedures, ensuring that parents are well informed about the service offered. The childminder meets with parents regularly to discuss the activities she has planned and to discuss their child's development. Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns or to make comments about how they think their child is progressing. The childminder's friendly and professional approach fosters good relationships with parents. This helps to ensure children are settled and secure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the childminder's home, where there is a warm and stimulating environment. The childminder has a commitment to attend training, and has attended a number of training courses to ensure she is able to provide up-to-date care for the children she looks after. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained, however, the childminder has not obtained the permission, from parents, to seek treatment or advice for their child in the event of an emergency. Nevertheless, policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has attended child protection training which has enabled her to fully protect children. She has increased her play resources to include play materials that promote diversity and help children to value and understand differences.

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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 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): • request written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or assistance.

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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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