Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY241568 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Sheila Harrison 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her two teenage daughters in a large terraced house in a quiet road in the London Borough of Southwark. The ground floor only is used for childminding. There is direct access to a garden and a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for three children aged under eight years and there is one child on roll. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are strongly encouraged to develop a healthy lifestyle. They are offered good nutritious meals and snacks using fresh fruit and vegetables. Frequent drinks are available to quench their thirst. Children are encouraged to learn simple good health and hygiene practices. They know to wash their hands before eating and after going to the toilet. Their dental health is promoted as they are encouraged to bring their own tooth brush and to clean their teeth after meals. The childminder is suitably informed about each child’s health. The parent brings the child’s

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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 medical book each day with details of their health and physical development. However, the childminder does not have written permission for emergency medical advice and treatment which potentially limits their safe management during a medical incident. The childminder has a suitable first aid certificate and first aid boxes in case of an accident at home or on an outing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have sufficient exercise to encourage healthy growth. They enjoy spending time in the afternoon dancing to music and in the better weather, they visit the park to use the challenging play equipment. Children rest and sleep according to their natural routine in comfortable surroundings with close supervision from the childminder to ensure their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable and welcoming environment where there is ample space for them to move safely. The childminder informally recognises the hazards in the home and ensures any safety issues are quickly attended to. Children are developing an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. For example, when on an outing to a museum, the childminder ensures they jump from suitable height rather than higher up a flight of steps. Children choose from a wide range of suitable resources which are stored at a low-level and available for them to choose. Toys are safe, kept in good order and appropriate for the children’s developmental needs. The childminder has the required child protection procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and enjoy being with the childminder as she builds a strong relationship with them contributing to their sense of belonging. They speak confidently to the childminder about their likes and dislikes and their imagination is expanded as they play tea parties with plenty of play food. The childminder supports their learning through their interests, she ensures there are a wide range of stimulating resources linked to the child’s current fascination with animals, there are many books including some with different textured pictures and some that make the animal sounds. Children are involved in a broad range of activities that support their language and counting skills. They can choose from a variety of play activities stored at floor level around the room. Children are learning through familiar household tasks as they enjoy finding the items required when shopping with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel settled and secure as the childminder offers a long term commitment to them and their families. There is a strong and positive relationship with the parents. Daily feedback on the children’s day and development is friendly and professional. The childminder discusses the individual needs of each child with the parent and demonstrates a suitable understanding of providing for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn the childminder’s expectations and house rules. They help to put one set of toys away before getting others out. The childminder gives appropriate praise and good manners are fostered. Children are beginning to respect others as they are encouraged to gently comb the hair of the childminder in a favourite game of hairdressing. They are becoming more

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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 knowledgeable as they care for the pet fish. They know the characteristics of the different kinds of fish and ensure the correct amount of food is given. They are encouraged to feel valued and free from discrimination as the play materials reflect diversity and show positive images of boys and girls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning about the wider world as they visit local attractions and some outings to London Zoo or the museums. They celebrate traditional festivals and learn about the festivals of others with stories and by tasting different celebration foods.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at ease as they receive consistent care to maintain their comfort and security as the childminder effectively uses her time with them. The documentation is generally well managed. For example, contracts and contact numbers are up to date and the attendance registers are complete. Children’s well-being is supported as the childminder is committed to her role. She has organised to update her first aid certificate before the current certificate expires. Overall the children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to maintain a register, accident book and record of medication. The childminder keeps a record of attendance, accident book and record of medication which maintains the children's well-being.

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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 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): • obtain permission for emergency medical treatment.

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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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