Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276913 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Cheryl Walker 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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her two children aged eight and ten years. They live in a house in a residential area of West Wickham, within walking distance of public services, including a mainline station. There are local parks, schools and pre-schools within close proximity.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the ground floor rooms, which include toilet and washing facilities. They have access to a fully enclosed garden for supervised outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children and is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. Good daily routines and explanation help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. Good systems are in place to prevent the spread

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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 of infection, for example, children who are unwell do not attend and a clear written policy is available for parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's individual health needs are known allowing the childminder to cater accordingly. Parents give prior written consent to administer medication, ensuring children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. Children receive prompt attention following an accident as the childminder has current first aid training and the well stocked first aid box is accessible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand about healthy eating as the childminder provides a well balanced diet. Snacks consist of a variety of fruits, which are readily available to the children. All dietary needs are respected. Some parents prefer to provide food and the childminder is aware of safe storage to prevent risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical health is promoted as the childminder ensures children are active and have regular opportunities for outdoor play.

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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 home where the childminder has taken effective action to reduce any risks. She regularly risk assesses the environment to ensure it is a safe place for children to play. For example, potentially unsafe areas are out of bounds to the children, child catches are fixed to low level cupboards and socket covers are in place. Parents give permission for most activities, though not all have yet given written permission for use of the trampoline. A clear policy regarding children's safety on outings is available for parents to read. The childminder ensures that she has all relevant information with her when she leaves the home in case of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play in clean premises using toys and equipment which are plentiful and in good condition. The childminder takes care to ensure children play with toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding when she may have concerns that a child is at risk from abuse. Her written statement informs parents she will keep a record of any concerns. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to refer any concerns and referral procedures are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Happy and positive relationships exist between the children and the childminder. Lots of warm interaction takes place and children receive consistent attention. Children are confident to speak to the childminder and she engages in play with them. They enjoy her company and converse happily about the activities they take part in. They learn about turn taking and sharing as they play board games together and begin to learn about telling the time when the childminder explains how many minutes have passed since they started lunch.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children participate in a varied and stimulating range of activities which encourage them to develop. They regularly socialise with other children and happily play with an appropriate range of toys, enjoying a good range of craft activities to celebrate Chinese New Year.

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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 The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and recognises the importance of play in children's overall development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and respected as individuals as the childminder provides a routine which supports their needs. She is happy to adjust the routine to cater for each individual child. A good range of books and resources reflect positive images of disability and culture, supporting children's understanding of difference. They have opportunities to try different foods, for example, they try prawn crackers and Chinese sweets. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of ways in which to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She is currently learning British Sign Language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about acceptable behaviour as the childminder is a positive role model who uses praise to encourage good behaviour. Children respond well to her calm approach. Clear house rules are shared with children and parents to ensure that boundaries are well known.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Effective links exist with parents. Daily conversations ensure a good exchange of information takes place and support consistency of care. Parents are aware of all the written policies and procedures as they have access to these.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable in a well organised home, where they move safely and play happily with a good variety of toys. A written portfolio gives information about the childminder's childcare experience and demonstrates her clear understanding of the National Standards and the Birth to three matters framework.

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Organisation

All legally required paperwork which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place. Most parental permissions have been obtained, ensuring that their wishes are known. Written records are clearly recorded and confidentially stored.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve the fire safety precautions and to obtain various written permissions from parents. Working smoke detectors are in place and the fire blanket has been appropriately fixed, improving fire precautions. Most written consents are in place, ensuring that parental wishes are known.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 parents give written permission to allow children's use of the trampoline

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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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