Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY349841 Unique Reference Number 11 December 2007 Inspection date Donna Bonner 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 lives with her husband in a three bed roomed house on a residential road in Catford. Minded children mainly play in the dining room and conservatory. The front room is also available for quiet activities and a children's bedroom is also available for rest. There is a kitchen and first floor bathroom. The garden is directly accessible from the conservatory.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for two children and is currently caring for one child after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is encouraged as the childminder discusses their health needs with parents and keeps clear records. In this way, she respects parents wishes as she avoids foods that provoke allergies. Children benefit from daily fresh air and exercise as they walk daily and also use the garden and local parks which encourages their physical development. The childminder maintains a first aid certificate and so feels confident to act appropriately and keep

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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 safe in such an event. Children do not attend if unwell and the childminder cares for them until collection by their parent. Whilst the childminder discusses arrangements for emergency medical treatment, she does not record this and so there is no evidence of parent's wishes. Children enjoy nutritious foods on return from school and eat sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt for example.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a safe and welcoming home where they play freely both inside and outside. They have a range of safe toys and age appropriate equipment to help promote their development. Children are learning to keep themselves safe on outings as the childminder holds their hand and they listen when she talks to them about road safety. The childminder has knowledge of child protection issues as she describes different types of abuse and is confident of her duty to protect children in her care. She has written child protection procedures, which means that children's welfare is safeguarded in the event of concerns. However, whilst children know how to keep themselves safe in the event of an emergency as the childminder talks about fire drills, she does not yet practise and record these although fire equipment is available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play at length with a range of creative materials on their return from school. They are enthusiastic in their play and enjoy drawing pictures and writing labels whilst making letter sounds. Children enjoy fun interaction with the childminder as she joins in their imaginative play whilst they play farm games and pretend to be cats for example. The childminder also discusses their interests with their parents and provides suitable and challenging equipment. Children also enjoy listening to story and song tapes which further encourages their imaginative skills. Children can also access a good range of toys and games that enhance their all round development. They also visit the library which further increases their social skills. Children enjoy the homely and relaxing environment where they are able to play freely.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's gentle approach. She encourages acceptable behaviour by talking and listening to the children. Children have toys and equipment that reflect various communities and this helps them to understand differences. Children receive consistent care as the childminder offers a settling in period and parent's are fully informed about the childminder's practice through clear written documentation. This offers a thorough introduction to the childminder's service. However information about complaints does not include updated contact details. The childminder also talks daily on collection and this encourages consistent care and partnership with parents. The childminder understands the need to work closely with parents and seek information if caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities to gain an understanding of their needs.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder offers a well planned and relaxed routine that meets individual children's needs. Children are welcomed and the childminder records children's hours of attendance and plans for their arrival. They enjoy suitable toys and equipment that are set out in a homely environment. Children benefit from individual care as adult : child ratios are met. The childminder maintains most documentation in line with the National Standards and is aware of the need to notify Ofsted of significant changes. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • make sure documentation is maintained with specific regard to complaints and emergency medical treatment • devise and practise a fire drill

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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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