Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY267287 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Tuffnell 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 10 in the London Borough of Lambeth. There are shops and schools in the local area. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has two cats, two tortoises and a love bird.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

There are six children currently on roll. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time and flexible basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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 clean and well-maintained home, with regular and effective hygiene routines that encourage their independence in personal care such as washing hands after use of the toilet, before meals and after playing outside. Children learn to look after and care for the childminder's pets. They feed the tortoises and understand that they must wash their hands after every contact. They use good quality hand washing resources. Toys and equipment are regularly cleaned to ensure that they are hygienic for children to use. Children actively take part in cleaning toys and equipment. The childminder uses anti bacterial wipes on the changing mat after changing babies to ensure children's health is protected. Good records of medication are kept by the childminder and children's health needs are promoted effectively, by appropriate methods such as the care of sick children and first aid procedures. Children's individual needs

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Helping children to be healthy

are safeguarded by successful information sharing with parents and excellent health and safety procedures. For example, the childminder has parental consent in place for the seeking of emergency treatment or advice.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes account of parents' wishes and children's preferences when planning the types of food she offers to children. For example, meals and snacks promote healthy eating and any allergies are recorded and discussed with parents. The childminder prepares meals in advance and has a very good understanding of providing children with healthy, nutritious food that includes a variety of fruit snacks and yoghurts. Children are very well supported by the childminder. She plays an active part in encouraging and supporting children by ensuring that mealtimes are relaxed, social occasions, where everyone sits together to enjoy each other's company and learn social skills. Children help themselves to drinks from their own cup and drinking water is always available to ensure they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children make good progress in their physical development and are provided with plenty of opportunities for physical play through well-planned indoor and outdoor activities. This helps children develop the confidence to enjoy moving with control and using their bodies in various ways. For example, ball games such as football and baseball develop children's coordination and help them learn the rules of the game. The children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise with daily walks, garden play and visits to the adventure playground. Children's small motor skills and dexterity is developed through creative activities, construction, jigsaws, threading activities and manipulative toys. The childminder talks to the children about exercise, how this effects them and encourages them to drink more after physical play. There are comfortable quiet areas for children to rest and sleep.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe environment where risks have been identified and minimised. The childminder safeguards children by implementing very good procedures and being consistent in checking the childminding area before children arrive. There are comprehensive safety measures in place and children move safely and confidently in the childminding areas. For example, children are protected with good security at entrances to the premises. The childminder has clear ideas on preventing accidents and keeping the children safe. The children are involved in their own safety with firm boundaries. For example, children know that they must not climb on furniture or throw toys. There are appropriately placed smoke alarms and a fire blanket in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 kitchen. Children have significant opportunities to learn about personal safety as they practise road safety. An excellent fire evacuation plan has been devised that identifies fire exits and is shared with parents. This is discussed and practised with the children to ensure they are familiar with the emergency exits and to raise their confidence in the fire procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have independent access to an attractive and appropriate variety of equipment and resources. All equipment seen is in good order, clean and well maintained. Toys are provided that meet children's developmental needs and challenge their learning such as jigsaws, board games, books and construction materials. An abundance of play materials help promote all aspects of children's play and consequently their learning and development is extended. There is a wealth of creative resources for children to express themselves through art and craft.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of how to protect children and recognises that this is her first priority. She is vigilant, aware of the known signs and symptoms of possible abuse and has procedures in place to record any concerns in a confidential manner. However, the childminder does not have the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance to follow, should she have concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure, confident and happy. They are given lots of good quality attention from the childminder. The children respond to the childminder positively and she reassures and encourages them when undertaking tasks. For example, the children play imaginatively with the play materials on offer and the childminder fully supports them. Warm and caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. They communicate easily with each other and this helps children to enjoy and achieve. For example, the children are able to participate in fun and interesting activities to raise their awareness of the local area, mix and socialize with other children and learn about nature first hand. They visit farms, woods and parks and enjoy regular visits to playgroups, music groups and museums. Children are relaxed and settled. A daily planner gives clear evidence of the excellent activities that takes place and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the range of play opportunities on offer. This enables children to make good progress in their personal, social and emotional development. Children are involved in a broad range of activities that support language development and make decisions about their own play. They talk confidently with adults, and show good independence at selecting and carrying out tasks. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement by the childminder to increase their self-esteem and confidence as they learn.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The 'Birth to three matters' framework is not yet incorporated into planning. The childminder has obtained the framework and will be using this to extend her knowledge and experience to ensure that the needs of children under three years old are fostered appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the world and increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children have access to some toys and equipment such as multicultural story books that show different ethnic family groups and the customs and cultures of other countries. There is also play provision that shows positive images of people with disabilities. For example, small world figures in wheelchairs. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They talk

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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 confidently and are well mannered and sociable. They behave well and have a good awareness of boundaries and acceptable behaviour. Children are secure and happy, they approach the childminder confidently to ask for help with activities and the childminder is cheerful and positive with the children. Children's individual needs are fostered well. The childminder collects information from parents to ensure that all children receive appropriate care. For example, children's information sheets contain important personal details. The childminder has high expectations of children’s behaviour and she manages behaviour in a way that is appropriate to each child’s age and stage of development. She is calm, consistent, polite and respectful and is a good role model for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident and secure because the childminder has developed a close working relationship with parents. She welcomes parents to the setting and has time to discuss their children's day, involving them directly in their children's care and development. Parents are updated verbally regarding the day to day care of their children to ensure that the successful exchange of information impacts positively on the children's happiness and security. The childminder has a written agreement with parents which sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the children and business arrangements. She provides flexible support to parents who have varying work patterns, ensuring that children are safe and secure. The childminder is aware of the regulatory requirement to inform parents of the complaints procedure and has a complaints log in place to record any concerns.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are safe, secure and happy in a stimulating environment. They are confident to initiate their own play and learning, are fully engaged in activities and receive good help and support from the childminder. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and her long experience caring for children. The childminder uses her time well to ensure that children receive appropriate adult attention and this ensures that children feel secure and confident in her care. The environment, both indoors and out, is organised flexibly so children are able to make choices and decisions about what they would like to play with and how they would like to spend their time.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of children. The childminder has a good range of documents that are shared with parents to keep them informed about the provision. These are implemented successfully in the daily routines, updated regularly and impact directly on the continuity of the children's care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to: ensure that a daily record of children's attendance is kept and keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children; ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket, which conforms to BS EN standards, is accessible in the kitchen; establish a written agreement with parents that sets out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and business arrangements and provide a first aid box the contents of which are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. Children's attendance record is now in place and a written record of medicines given to children is signed by parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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 some resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for example, ethnic dolls, puzzles, books and play figures. A fire blanket is now situated in the kitchen, there is a written contract with parents and the contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced as necessary.

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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 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 that the child protection information in updated with the Safeguarding Children Board guidance and share this with parents • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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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