Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY306563 Unique Reference Number 06 December 2007 Inspection date Sue Boylan 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 was registered in 2005. He lives with his parent and adult brother in the London borough of Lambeth. The whole of the ground floor and one bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes the children to the park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. When working with another childminder, they care for up to seven children at any on time. There are currently four children minded, some on a full-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of healthy eating as their main meal at lunch time is freshly prepared, for instance, they enjoy a spaghetti bolognaise and sausage casserole with fruit and vegetables served daily. The childminder is aware of any special requirements, ensuring these needs are met. Children are able to access drinking water, which helps to prevent dehydration.

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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 benefit from the opportunity to play outside in the garden, they love to play football and see who can score the winning goal. If it is raining the childminder likes to encourage them to pretend to be dinosaurs, moving in time to the music.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has completed an up to date first aid course, this means children are treated quickly and appropriately if they have an accident or minor injury. However, parents do not provide written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice which means their wishes are not known. There are effective hygiene procedures in place to protect children's health, for instance, they have their own individual bed linen, surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray and the childminder has completed a food hygiene course.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home is safe and children are secure in the environment. They move around easily and self select from a range of good quality toys and resources. Children's safety around the home is promoted, for example, safety gates to restrict access to the kitchen and upstairs, using door jammers, fire guard and socket covers. The premises are checked for potential hazards on a regular basis and the childminder is vigilant in his supervision. However, parents have not provided written consent to go on outings. There are suitable fire safety precautions in place and the childminder has thought about evacuation. However, children do not practise the escape plan on a regular basis and are not familiar with the routine. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection. He has the correct guidance and knows what to do if he has concerns about a child in his care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's self-esteem is fostered because of the warm and caring approach of the childminder. They are secure in the environment and feel very much at home. When the childminder goes out of the room, children ask where he has gone. They enjoy sitting together on the sofa with the childminder whilst he talks to them about the drawing of the spider, for example, 'how many legs does it have?' Children have a fun time with the range of creative activities, for instance, kneading and rolling the play dough and pouring out cups of tea from the water tray. Children benefit from the time the childminder spends playing and interacting with them. They participate fully in building a house with bricks and singing a favourite song, such as 'row, row, row the boat'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are respected at all times. For example, applying special cream when required and considering sleep patterns at all times. Children benefit from the structured but flexible routine and know what to expect. They have good opportunities to experience the local and wider community with regular trips to the park, shops and library. There are some activities for children to explore a variety of cultures and traditions, for example, food tasting and playing with a selection of dolls from different countries. Children are aware of the behavioural expectations, they are frequently praised and understand the clear boundaries. This contributes to positive self-esteem. Children benefit from the close relationships formed with parents, for example, written agreements are completed and photographs of the children at play are provided.

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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 Time is made available daily to keep parents informed about the child's day. This promotes consistency in care. However, parents are not aware of the details relating to the regulator.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space in the relaxed home environment. Time is planned well and children participate fully in helping to tidy away before they eat a snack. This helps them to gain confidence and be independent. There are effective procedures in place so children are not left in the care of a person not vetted. Most of the required records are in place, this contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing, however, the organisation of the paperwork is not in very good order. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder 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 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): • provide parents with details about the regulator • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure the children are familiar with the emergency escape plan • obtain written parental consent for children to be taken on outings • ensure the required paperwork is in good order.

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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 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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