Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277399 Unique Reference Number 13 November 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 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. Registration is for a maximum of five children at any one time. The childminder is currently minding three children under eight, none of whom are full time. Registration does not include overnight care. She lives with her partner, and two children aged 14 and 18 in Lee in the London borough of Lewisham. The whole ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler groups. The family has two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop a good understanding of personal health and hygiene practices through everyday routines. The childminder ensures her home and play equipment is cleaned daily. Children wash their hands before eating food although the cloth towel may provide a route for cross infection. The childminder reinforces social conventions explaining to children the need to put their hands over their mouth when they sneeze. A box of tissues is accessible.

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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 Children enjoy regular physical activity within the home and outside as they learn to negotiate around furniture and resources. Young children develop positive attitudes to exercise with daily walks to and from school. They develop balance and coordination as they play in the park or at local clubs and venues. Children know how to relax. They go to the childminder for hugs and cuddles, sit quietly or lay on the sofa when they need a rest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to make healthy food choices. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. She provides snacks of fruit, salad, vegetables and sandwiches. 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 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 good. Children and adults are welcomed into an organised and well maintained home. The floor space is uncluttered and children make independent choices from free standing toys or storage boxes. There is good natural light and adequate ventilation. The home has comfortable furniture, a child height table and clean bright décor. Children select from a sufficient range and variety of toys which are checked daily for repair or discarded. Cleaning routines are followed daily and when toys and equipment are tidied away.

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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. She routinely completes an informal risk assessment of her home ensuring items work properly and play areas are safe. The home is secure and children play safely. Fire safety recommendations are in place. An emergency exit plan has been considered, however, a written emergency exit procedure is not available. 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. Children learn to keep themselves and others safe as they sit securely at the table or wash their hands before eating food. Road safety habits are reinforced with older children as the childminder discusses these as they walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Parents are informed of her professional role. National and local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and contact numbers are available for parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are stimulated, supported and engaged in their play. They stack rings on a musical toy, push cars in the passage and select from a range of books. Children are growing confident and proud of their achievements because the childminder displays their work and praises their achievements. She provides a variety of good quality toys and resources for children to explore. Children learn new words, such as wolf, giraffe and tortoise. They learn number as the childminder reminds them of a recent birthday and counts one, two, three. They chatter 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 engagingly as they play. They say their baby 'got hurt' and they take it to 'the doctor.'

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children extend their developing physical skills as they slide or pedal in the garden, walk to school or play in local parks. They examine how a zip works as they open and close a purse. Children develop social skills when they regularly attend a local pop-in club and events in their community. The childminder plans outings throughout the year, such as a summer visit to The Beach at O2 and a winter visit to Santa in his grotto. Children receive gentle guidance from the childminder encouraging them to care for each other. They learn to respect differences and share toys. They have appropriate self control and understanding of right and wrong because the childminder is alert, can distract them and gives gentle explanations when necessary. Children show a strong sense of belonging as they point to objects they have made and name members of the childminder's family.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children show a growing confidence because they are respected and allowed to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a positive attitude towards physical and cultural diversity. She encourages children to acknowledge differences and provides a good range of equipment, such as books, puzzles, dolls and small world toys for them to reflect their community in their play. Children receive consistency of care because individual requirements and family preferences are recorded and discussed at the initial interview. The childminder is aware of the supportive role she will offer to children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities should this be required.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children know how to control themselves and are caring towards each other. They know the childminder's ground rules because she gives simple consistent explanations for the behaviour she wants. Children learn to share toys 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 good. Written agreements are used and individual details are recorded. For example, GP details, medical information and adults identified to collect children are recorded. Signed permissions are held as good practice and daily information is exchanged ensuring potential concerns are resolved immediately. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures including a procedure for any concerns or complaints she may receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children show a growing self confidence and sense of belonging in an organised and welcoming home. Children's imaginations are stimulated and engaged because equipment is provided to meet their individual abilities.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps all documentation secure and to a good standard. Records and information are readily available for inspection. Registered ratios are maintained and the record of attendance notes when children are present and why they are absent. The childminder has completed an Introducing Childcare Practice course and holds a current certificate in first aid for children and babies. The registration document is displayed. She is aware to inform parents

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Organisation

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 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 a recommendation to build on her childcare knowledge through attending training. This has not been met.

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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 contact 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): • consider expanding information for parents to include a written fire or emergency escape plan • consider methods to minimise the risk of spreading infection when children dry their hands

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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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