Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY288440 Unique Reference Number 11 March 2008 Inspection date Margaret Coyne 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. She lives with her partner and two children aged five years and seventeen years in a house in the Brixton area of London. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five years on a full-time and part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect her own child. The childminder attends a local toddler group and childminding support group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder holds a childcare qualification National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB).

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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, clean and well-maintained home. The childminder has established daily routines and children have a gained a successful understanding about the importance of washing hands to help maintain good health. For example, after using the toilet, nappy changes, playing outside and before meals. They use a hygienic hand gel to ensure their hands are clean and this is also used when they are away from the home. Children receive consistent support from the childminder. She uses positive strategies to develop their understanding of self-care and is a good role model. She gives children clear reasons and explanations why personal hygiene is important. She supervises handwashing and children have separate flannels and towels. Good hygiene procedures are followed for nappy changes and potty training. Good procedures are in place to ensure children's health is maintained and

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Helping children to be healthy

cross-infection is minimised. This is achieved because the toys and equipment are kept clean, a sick child policy is in place and infection control procedures are shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has excellent recordings in the accident book and clear procedures for administering medication which are shared with parents. She takes positive action to ensure that children's health and welfare is safeguarded. The childminder is trained in first aid and holds a current certificate. This ensures that children receive prompt treatment for any accidents and the childminder is confident in the care she provides to ensure any illness or accident is managed to prevent children becoming distressed. Full information is obtained from parents about their child's health, immunisations and doctors details. Consent is gained to administer medication and seek emergency treatment or advice. This ensures children's welfare is maintained at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a stimulating range of equipment to promote a healthy lifestyle and their physical development. They practise and develop skills through well-planned activities both indoors and outdoors. The garden is used by the children to get fresh air and take part in physical activities encouraging them to use their bodies in a variety of ways to stay fit and healthy. They have access to a range of outings which further develops and promotes physical skills. They go for walks, visit parks and playgrounds and enjoy trips to the farm. A local adventure world has a range of equipment and activities for children of all ages and abilities. This develops their confidence and skills to climb, balance, crawl and to throw and catch balls. Children's dexterity is developed as they use a range of equipment. For example, they thread beads, build with construction bricks and manipulate small figures and domestic play equipment. They manipulate

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Helping children to be healthy

various musical instruments and toys. The children enjoy dancing when a music disc is played and move their bodies with pleasure. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs and separate bedding is available to ensure hygiene is maintained. The childminder recognises that children's comfort items are important to them and ensures they can reach these at any time.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy snacks, meals and drinks. The childminder plans her meals each week to ensure that children have a wholesome, balanced and nutritious diet that complies with dietary requirements and the children's preferences. For example, information is gained from parents to ensure that children's individual dietary needs are catered for. Home cooked meals are provided which includes food items from across the five food groups and a vegetarian option is available. The childminder is keen to introduce new tastes and experiences for the children including meals developed from different cultures. Children learn about healthy foods

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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 through the discussions they take part in and with a healthy eating book the childminder has developed showing pictures of food that is good for us. Children have contributed towards this book by drawing pictures of their favourite fruit and vegetables. This is a lovely example of how they learn through their experiences. Meal times are a social occasion where the children sit at the table together and enjoy each other's company. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day to ensure they remain hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a stimulating, bright child-orientated environment with a very good range of high quality equipment. This is appropriate to their age and stage of development. They have excellent access to play equipment that is safe and well-maintained giving them opportunities for free choice. Play materials are challenging, exciting and stimulating and give children opportunities to extend their learning through both adult-led and child-initiated play. For example, activities are available which cover all elements of children's play and learning such as imaginative play, constructive play, creative activities and learning games and resources. The garden is fully enclosed and provides children with a safe area to access. However, there are limited outdoor toys and equipment to fully promote their physical activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm because they are cared for in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. For example, safety gates are in place to make sure the childminder can supervise the children closely in certain areas of the house. Space and resources are organised to allow children to move around safely and independently whilst they play. Children use suitable and safe equipment which is well-maintained and meets their different abilities. The childminder helps children understand how to stay safe through sensitive reminders and regular routines. Such as, not climbing on furniture or the stairgate and not throwing toys. They learn to follow the codes to cross the road such as using the crossings and learning how to press the button to ensure the road is safe to cross. An evacuation plan has been documented and is displayed. However, this has not yet been practised to ensure children and the childminder all know how

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to leave the home in an emergency to safeguard them in the event of a fire. There are good procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children, including information regarding named persons who are able to collect a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A range of procedures and documents ensure that children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and the signs and symptoms to look for and has completed a recent safeguarding children training course. She is fully aware of documenting and reporting any concerns and keeps all records up to date. This provides excellent evidence of her practice in order to ensure children remain protected. All required literature has been obtained such as the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures to support her practice and ensures she can follow current policies, working in partnership with parents, to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have wonderful opportunities to play with stimulating and imaginative activities. They take part in activities in an environment that is centred on interesting, challenging and exciting activities both in and out of the home. Well planned visits enrich children's understanding of the local area as they visit the parks, adventure centre, local libraries and a farm. For example,

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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 children have taken part in 'Black History Month' at the local community centre dressing up in African outfits, looking at different cultures and enjoying dance sessions. Their natural curiosity to learn is developed through exciting play as they have opportunity to be creative, play with construction and spend time in the garden. They interact together as they make a picnic using the play food, cooker and domestic play equipment. Children use the musical play mat which has helped support their growing mobility and balance while they discover colours and numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans activities that are of a consistently high standard. She has a very good understanding of how children play and learn and is highly effective and skilled at using varied and exciting methods to meet each child's individual needs. The childminder praises and values the children which in turn raises their self-esteem and confidence. She talks to them with great respect and discusses many different topics and issues which increases their vocabulary and communication skills. The childminder has made a series of books for the children some of these relate to the trips they have taken part in. One is about healthy eating and one is a spider poem that the childminder has written and developed pictures and a spider for the children to use as a prop when they read the poem together. These are wonderful examples of her ability to help the children develop language skills, relive past events and discover the world around

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

them. Children flourish in the care of the childminder because she is consistent, kind and caring about each child's individual needs. Children climb on her lap for cuddles and the affection between them is obvious. Younger children's independence is very well fostered because the childminder knows when to step back and let a child lead. For example, as they explore the activities developing their mobility. They operate independently as they move around the home selecting toys and activities that interest them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder holds a childcare qualification which underpins her knowledge and understanding about how children learn through their play. She uses many elements of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to extend activities for the children helping them develop across all aspects of their play. Children respond exceedingly well to the consistent praise and encouragement from the childminder. They are proud of their achievements and develop high levels of self-esteem because the childminder and her family make things fun and exciting. Children are able to absorb the learning potential from each activity because it is presented in a fun and natural way. A positive, happy and relaxed environment has been created which helps children feel secure and content helping them thrive within this vibrant home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude and this helps provide children with a well-balanced view of the world around them. They gain an awareness of diversity through activities, discussion, books and other resources. For example, as they play with dolls, look at books together, dress up and use playfood and multi-cultural musical instruments. Children learn to value and show respect because the childminder clearly values each child as an individual. Children can express their individualism through activities and the childminder confidently adapts her care to take account of different abilities and personalities. A complete profile is gained from parents about their child including their likes and dislikes, routines, medical history and things such as toilet training and feeding routines. This enables the childminder to tailor her care to meet the needs of each child and to help them settle in her care. Children experience their local environment

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Helping children make a positive contribution

as they enjoy many trips around the local area and take part in community events. This continues to support their understanding of equality.

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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 The children are happy and secure and feel a sense of belonging within the childminder's home and with her family. They are made to feel welcome and spend good quality time building trusting relationships while learning what is expected of them. Children thrive with positive discipline techniques that encourage good behaviour and self-esteem. Well-managed strategies help children learn to manage and control their own behaviour from a young age. They cope with their emotions and are learning right from wrong and how to share and play nicely together. Overall the behaviour observed was excellent as children are occupied and involved. They clearly enjoy being with the childminder who supports their behaviour with positive interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Secure relationships with parents ensures that the individual needs of the children are met effectively. This helps children feel safe and secure. Parents are involved in the time their child spends in the setting by receiving excellent verbal feedback and sharing in the wonderful photograph albums the childminder has produced. This shows parents the children taking part in the activities and the enjoyment and fun they are having. This helps establish a good working partnership and gives parents opportunity to be involved in their child's day. They are provided with excellent and detailed written information about the childminder's practice. For example, a comprehensive professional portfolio containing items such as the childminder's training certificates, her personal information, public liability insurance, sample menus and reference and compliment letters. This is an ongoing working folder which is continually updated with

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relevant information. Many policies have been produced to share information with parents about her procedures. This includes a complaints procedure to help parents in the event of any concerns and a system is in place to record complaints if and when they arise. A notice board provides additional information for parents about the childminder's practice and useful literature and leaflets. Some of the children's work is also displayed to help them share special things with their parents and develop a sense of pride in their own achievements. All this written and verbal information impacts on the trust that has developed between them and on the overall security and confidence of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care and learning is greatly enhanced by the efficient organisational skills and the knowledge and understanding of the childminder. The premises are very well-organised and the childminder is committed to providing a professional and friendly service. The childminder shows commitment towards her own personal development. She improves her knowledge by attending relevant courses and workshops and uses this knowledge effectively to provide children with a wide range of learning experiences and activities. She has just finished an Open University course 'Understanding children'. She has completed her National Nursery Examination Board qualification (NNEB), her child protection, food hygiene and first aid course. Various other workshops have also been attended such as, creative resources, shared beginnings supporting children's literacy, treasure baskets, visual bottles, engaging babies in conversation,

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Organisation

songs and books. This high level of additional training underpins her knowledge and understanding of child development and helps her enrich the experinces she provides for the children. She demonstrates a secure knowledge of the National Standards which are well-implemented across all levels of her care. The childminder has completed her self-assessment record which helps her continually assess her own practice and improve on the care she provides.

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Organisation

Ratios are met at all times because the childminder is aware the impact these have on the children's ability to socialise and be cared for in a safe and happy environment. She is able to organise her time effectively to provide children with some individual time each week. Children

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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 play in an exciting and well-organised home with ample space and a broad range of resources to provide stimulating and challenging opportunities. All records and documents are well-presented and organised to support the high level of care she provides. These are updated regularly and are kept secure and confidential. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure that appropriate vetting procedures are completed for all adults living on the premises or regularly visiting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All adults living or regularly visiting the premises have a Criminal Records Bureau check completed and the childminder is secure in the high level of supervision she provides for each child.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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): • ensure an emergency escape plan has been devised and practised • ensure children have access to a varied range of age-appropriate outdoor toys and equipment.

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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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