Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275346 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2007 Inspection date Linda Close 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 husband and her four children, three of the children attend secondary schools and the youngest attends primary school. The family lives in a four bedroom flat in the Elephant and Castle area of south London. The local authority is Southwark. The flat is on the first floor of the building and the living room and playroom are the main areas of the home used for childminding. There are local parks, playgrounds, drop-in groups and a library within walking distance. The childminder takes children to these amenities as part of her childminding day. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. There are two children on roll at present who attend primary school full-time and are minded for a short time after school only. The children were not present at the time of this inspection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of ways to promote children's good health. Her contract documents show that she gains written information from parents at the

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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 time of registration so that she is aware of children's medical needs, dietary requirements, and allergies. She has appropriate documents ready to record medication and accidents. The childminder holds a current certificate of relevant first aid training. However, she has not asked parents for their written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice which risks delay in an emergency situation. She describes how children learn about good personal hygiene through discussions about why hands must be washed after using the toilet and before eating. The childminder describes suitable procedures for hygienic nappy changes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder describes an appropriate range of healthy meals and snacks that she prepares for the children if their parents wish. She is flexible and will give children food that their parents provide if they prefer. The childminder said that she makes fresh drinking water readily available for children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder plans daily opportunities for healthy exercise for the children. Her routines include walks to the local park for energetic play and ball games and regular visits to the toddler group for children to enjoy play with other children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder keeps her home secure so that when minding the children cannot leave unnoticed, and strangers cannot enter unobserved. The home is clean and comfortably warm. There is sufficient space so that children can play, eat and rest in comfort. A designated playroom has been set aside for children. Toys and resources are plentiful and in good condition. The childminder has taken action to minimise risks to children in her home. She has attached safety film to low level glass and has fixed a safety gate over the kitchen door which contributes to children's safety. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She has attended training since registration to enhance her understanding. She can describe the signs or symptoms that suggest ill-treatment, and knows that she must make a note of any concerns and take prompt steps to contact Ofsted and appropriate agencies.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder talks about encouraging children's language skills through discussion, sharing books and reading stories. She describes suitable outings to the toddler group that help children to gain confidence and develop good social skills. The childminder plans a range of appropriate activities for the children which include small world play, play with construction toys and making puzzles. Play resources are easily accessible which helps to promote children's ability to make choices and decisions. The childminder demonstrates in discussion that she has an appropriate knowledge and understanding of how children develop and of how she can help them to make progress in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates in discussion that she has a sound understanding of treating each child as an individual. She asks parents for useful information at the time of registration about their child's individual needs in relation to dietary and religious preferences. She plans outings to toddler groups so that children learn to accept and respect diversity. She has a

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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 selection of toys and books that reflect different people. The childminder has devised a settling in procedure to help each child to gain confidence about being left with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties. However, she demonstrates a willingness to work with parents to meet children's individual needs. She has a sound understanding of behaviour management strategies, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has devised a comprehensive file of useful information for parents. She describes how she uses this file to show parents what training she has undertaken. The file also sets out in detail for parents what is required of a registered childminder and what policies and procedures she follows. She also displays useful information for parents in the playroom which include contact details for Ofsted.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder shows in discussion that she is aware of her duty to ensure that other people living on the premises are suitable to be in contact with children. Registers of attendance show that the childminder works within the constraints of her registration although the certificate of registration is currently kept in a file and is not displayed during the hours of childminding. The childminder has arranged her home so that space is available for children to play, rest and eat in comfort. She has adopted an active approach to training to assist her in developing and enriching her work with children. She has attended many useful courses including child protection, behaviour management and healthy exercise. The childminder is aware of what documents and records must be maintained to meet requirements and of most of the required written permissions that must be requested from parents. She has suitable systems for storing

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Organisation

all documents securely to ensure confidentiality. Overall, evidence suggests that 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 three recommendations for improvement were made. The childminder agreed to provide drinks regularly. She explains that she leaves a jug of fresh drinking water out for children so they can have a drink whenever they feel the need which contributes to their good health. The childminder also agreed to remove the hazard posed by the accessible lock on the toilet door. This lock has now been moved higher up the door so that small children cannot access it which helps to keep them safe. The childminder agreed to review and improve her daily routine. She has attended training to increase her knowledge of helping children to learn which is likely to increase the effectiveness of her work with children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The childminder 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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Complaints 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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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): • request written parental permission for emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure that the certificate of registration is displayed during the hours of childminding.

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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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