Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY275522 Unique Reference Number 15 January 2008 Inspection date Judith Mary Scott 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 2003. She lives with her son aged 13. They live in a two bed roomed flat situated on the second floor of a converted house in Brixton, London that is close to transport links, local shops, parks and schools. The whole of the property is used for childminding. This includes a living room, bedrooms, a kitchen/diner, plus toilet and bathroom facilities. There is no outdoor play space but children are taken out daily.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. She is currently caring for a child aged 11 months, a child aged 13 months, a child aged two, a child aged three and a child aged 23 months all on a part time basis. The childminder has a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development.

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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 warm and clean home that provides a friendly and welcoming environment. Their needs are met consistently with plenty of positive interaction and close contact with the childminder. Children benefit from her good physical and emotional care and they are given plenty of affection, reassurance and attention, particularly when they are a new placement. Children enjoy special individual times with the childminder and are happy, content and settled which contributes to their sense of belonging. Children benefit from a structured but flexible routine and sleep in line with their own needs and sometimes after lunch.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's meals and snacks are provided by the childminder who has done a basic food hygiene course. She has a good knowledge of nutrition and usually cooks and plans menus in advance. Food supplied is healthy, homemade and varied and meets children’s dietary needs. Lists are maintained of any special requirements. Water is available at all times and parents provide ready made up bottles when necessary. Children's healthy eating is endorsed by the childminder in conjunction with parents through discussion, example, role play and cooking activities such as making cakes. Children have their own individual crockery and cutlery and are encouraged to feed themselves. They are introduced to new foods and meal times are regarded as social occasions where eating and social skills are promoted.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is well protected by the childminder's knowledge of health and safety, first aid and general good hygiene practice. The first aid box is well stocked and there is a travel kit for the car. Children are supervised when using the toilet and learn the importance of good, personal care and independence through discussion and daily routines, using wipes and tissues, washing their hands regularly, before eating, after using the toilet and messy play. Effective nappy changing arrangements are in place. Children that are being toilet trained are given lots of praise and encouragement with potties, trainer seats and steps available to assist this process.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children experience physical activity and exercise to help them develop control of their bodies. They have trips to parks, gardens and one'o'clock centres. Children benefit from fresh air and opportunities to walk, run, jump and climb with the childminder's support and encouragement to develop their physical skills. They use large play apparatus and like to take balls to kick and throw. Indoors, they also enjoy dancing, singing, action rhymes and music. For example, children demonstrate how high and how far they can jump and how to do a somersault on the mat.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s individual needs are met and information is shared with parents by the childminder maintaining records regarding accidents, incidents and medication. However, there are some inconsistencies in the system for recording medication administered to children. The childminder is aware of the procedures to be followed to protect children from illness and infection. A comprehensive list of written parental consents is kept for each individual child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well arranged and organised home. They are safe and secure in this environment and can move freely around the designated play areas within the apartment. They access toys and activities provided by the childminder easily. Children are well supervised and are made aware of the importance of using toys and play equipment safely through discussion,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 demonstration and explanation with the childminder. For example, children are encouraged to help with frequent tidy ups to prevent accidents. The childminder has taken effective measures to reduce potential hazards and is aware of the significance of good risk assessment. There is a clear written evacuation procedure in place. This is practised with the children and noted in the childminder's diary. Children are encouraged to build their confidence and extend their skills through play by discussion and support from the childminder. For instance, when using the climbing frame and balancing on walls.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are given clear boundaries and the childminder ensures they are safe on outings. Suitable systems are in place and she supervises the children closely and takes a mobile and the relevant details. Appropriate car seats and various safety restraints are used, children hold hands or onto the buggy and they are asked to wait, stop, look and listen to develop their awareness of road safety. Children are allowed to walk and run in sight in enclosed areas.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a varied range of appropriate childcare equipment. There is a good variety of toys, books and play materials that covers the whole age range with an emphasis on under fives. These are accessible and stored and presented effectively. Children can independently select most activities and the childminder monitors and ensures these are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Play provision includes creative materials, puzzles, imaginary and role play, books, construction, musical instruments, sensory, tactile and inter-active toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is paramount. They are safe and protected as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and procedures and has had recent training. She has child protection guidelines available for reference and is aware of her lines of communication, however, there is no confidential incident recording system in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a variety of activities that meet their needs and enable them to explore their environment. They enjoy being with the childminder and interact warmly and affectionately, communicating with early and developing speech, sounds, laughs and smiles. Children have fun with the childminder and climb up onto her lap for regular cuddles or hold up their arms so she can give them hugs. They relate well to each other and adults and are offered plenty of recognition, acceptance and comfort.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children experience a flexible but structured childminding routine that includes the nursery run, indoor play activities, meals and naps. They have regular trips out to one'o'clock clubs, parent/carer and toddler groups, the shops, parks and visiting friends. These provide chances to build relationships, use a variety of large equipment with more space to exercise and develop their physical skills and experience sand and water play. Children explore the natural world of insects, animals and nature. They enjoy feeding the ducks and collecting things that interest them such as leaves, stones, pine cones, feathers and conkers. Children also have trips further afield to city farms, aquariums, fun days and museums providing further opportunities to experience different sights and sounds in the outside world and to get to know the local community. Children also go to the library once a month for story time and learn to sit, listen

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play with suitable and age appropriate toys and are interested and involved. They confidently select toys from available supplies. Children participate in early imaginary and

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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 role-play in the home corner. They put pretend food in oven and dress and undress the dolls. They explore their environment and make connections through their senses and movement. Children have fun with sensory and tactile stimulation interacting with musical stacking toys, bongos and maracas. They investigate activity centres that flash lights and make noises. They like books that introduce different textures and descriptive vocabulary. They explore a treasure basket of natural and man made materials with a variety of fabrics. They play with toy animals and identify them by name, making the appropriate animal noises. They show concentration and perseverance putting the pieces of a floor puzzle together correctly and smile broadly when praised for their efforts. Children show interest in how things work and are familiar with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

programmable toys such as money tills and a clock. They have access to a computer and enjoy exploring a bag of cameras, phones and remote controls. Children construct towers with blocks, demonstrating good eye and hand co-ordination. They have opportunities to experiment with paint and dough and mark make with crayons and pencils.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a variety of play and learning activities on a weekly basis both at home and at groups. This includes free play, painting, dough, crayons, sticking activities, construction, puzzles, imaginary and role play, stories and music. Children also engage in cooking activities and preparing food such as making fruit salads, sandwiches and dips. Children's work, pictures and alphabet letters are in evidence around the home. They are encouraged to develop their speech and communication skills by the childminder everyday by talking and listening, actions and repetition and introduction of new words. Children enjoy singing songs, clapping their hands and like action rhymes such as "Sleeping bunnies", joining enthusiastically.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children receive support to develop their independence, confidence and ability to make choices, for instance, learning to put on and take off their coats and shoes and pouring milk for their cereal. Children experience a warm, consistent standard of care from the childminder who has a good understanding of their needs and development. The childminder is aware of and utilises the Birth to three matters framework and intends to attend training to promote young children’s learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's parents are give information about the childminder in advance in a pack which contains her policies and procedures, plus details of the service offered and additional documents. Flexible settling in arrangements are made to suit individual families’ needs. Children benefit from introductory sessions and the childminder discusses children's routines, comforters, specific words and actions, likes and dislikes and favourite activities with parents. Parents supply further written information when necessary, for example, the storage of breast milk. The childminder gets to knows children well, makes her own observations and communicates with parents regularly regarding their care, well being and progress. Children gain from the positive partnerships that the childminder has developed with parents. The childminder has devised written parental questionnaires to use every six months when renewing placement

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Helping children make a positive contribution

arrangements. These indicate parents are very happy with quality of care provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are given clear boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, plus expectations in the form of house rules such as sharing, taking turns, being nice to one another and playing co-operatively. Children are encouraged to get involved. For example, children enthusiastically comply when asked "Who wants to help change the baby's nappy?" and fetch nappies and wipes for the childminder. Children behave well and respond to the childminder's requests and guidance. Desired behaviour is promoted with lots of praise, approval, encouragement, rewards

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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 and positive language. Children benefit from the childminder's appropriate, consistent behaviour management strategies which include talking, explaining, anticipation, redirection and supervised time out if necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to the full range of activities offered. The importance of positive images, attitudes and role models is understood and children benefit from a selection of resources that promote a positive view of the wider community and increase their understanding of diversity. Children also experience different festival celebrations such as Eid, Chinese New Year, Christmas at groups and have opportunities to hear a range of music and taste different food from around the world. Children are treated as individuals and with equal concern. They are encouraged to respect and value others and the environment. The childminder displays positive attitudes towards children with learning difficulties and disabilities and aims to be proactive and inclusive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children experience a range of varied activities that meet their needs and space and resources are well utilised to encourage their confidence and independence. Children benefit from a flexible childminding routine that caters for their individual ages and requirements. They are well supported so they can enjoy and achieve in a child friendly home with good, age appropriate play provision and equipment. The childminder shares information regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the care that is provided, both verbally and in writing, in the form of a two way contact book. This includes children's nappy changes, food and drink intake, general well being, sleep patterns, activities, outings and their achievements.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps the required records that contribute to children’s health, safety and well being. The attendance register is completed accurately on a daily basis. She is aware of the complaints regulation process, however, there is no complaints record system in place. The childminder displays positive attitudes towards attending future training and amending and implementing additional documentation to promote further good practice. Overall, 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 previous inspection, the childminder now provides a range of toys and activities that promote equality of opportunity and this is ongoing. Standards for children’s health and safety have improved as written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is now requested. Interior low level glass panels have been made safe and this is also to be addressed for the windows in the living room.

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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. 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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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 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): • ensure that suitable systems are in place for recording complaints and implement a confidential incident record • improve the systems for recording medication administered to children

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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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