Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357821 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Beverly Hallett 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged two, five and six years, in the Clockhouse area of the London borough of Bromley. The whole of the premises is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks. The family have one cat.

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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 satisfactory. Children are developing some awareness of hygiene procedures as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at regular intervals throughout the day for example after playing in the garden and after using the toilet. However, these procedures are not implemented consistently. For example, when a child has an accident, although the childminder quickly cleans, washing her own hands and the floor appropriately, she forgets to ensure the child is dry and comfortable by cleaning, or washing the child's hands. In addition, the downstairs toilet seat is cracked, making it difficult to clean effectively and protect children from the risk of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to play in a clean and comfortable environment as the childminder takes positive steps to ensure good standards of hygiene, for example keeping the home clean and tidy and agreeing good policies and procedures verbally with parents around childhood illnesses.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy good quantities of well prepared food and drink and are learning to make healthy food choices as the childminder bases menus on healthy eating guidelines. Children enjoy mealtimes as social occasions and are developing positive attitudes towards eating as they sit together at the table, chatting and relaxing as they feed themselves with support from the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are being active and acquiring good physical skills as they use the large garden in good weather, and take walks in the local park. They enjoy fresh air every day and make the most of good weather by taking trips further a field for example to local nature reserves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play safely in a well thought out, safe and secure environment. The childminder's home is welcoming to children, offering sufficient space in which to enjoy both quiet and active play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play happily with a good range of toys which maintain their interest, are in good condition and support their overall learning.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe when in the setting as the childminder has a sound knowledge of safety issues and takes appropriate steps to minimise risks, for example by using safety gates and regularly practising emergency exit procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are suitably protected from harm and neglect as the childminder's knowledge around child protection issues is sound, and essential documents to ensure children's safety are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are beginning to make positive relationships with adults and each other. They receive gentle support from the childminder as they explore the good range of toys set out for them.

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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 As they play, children answer questions posed by the childminder to extend their learning for example she asks, what colour is this?

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming skilful communicators, listening and responding and finding a voice as they share stories and rhymes with the childminder. The childminder takes the children on regular trips to local parks and places of interest. In this way they are beginning to learn about the world around them and make connections in their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A child centred routine gives children good opportunities to rest and play according to their individual needs. A very good range of toys, resources and adult planned activities engage the children's interest, and children are encouraged to choose and make decisions as the childminder ensures toys and resources are stored so that children can access them without adult help.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children play well together, using the pretend food and the pushchairs and babies to create an imaginary world where they use their imaginations. The childminder supports their creativity by joining in with the imaginary situations saying things such as - that soup smells good as the children pretend to cook.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Observations on children's daily activities support the childminders understanding of how the children are enjoying their time with her. However, these observations are not evaluated against any learning objectives and are therefore not used to promote children's further learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children can see that their efforts are valued as their art work and photographs of their achievements are prominently displayed in the setting. This helps to support their positive self image. Children experience equality through having equal access to play resources. However children have limited toys and resources available which promote images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are welcomed into the childminder's home and their individual needs are appropriately met because the childminder discusses care aspects and routines with the parents. Each child has a contact book in which the childminder passes on daily information to their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a relaxed and secure relationship with the childminder and they experience support and praise, which promotes their self-esteem and confidence. Their behaviour is managed positively and appropriate to their age and development, and they play well together, taking turns and following the rules of the games.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides. Children have a comfortable and well organised environment for their care and play. Children's social and emotional needs are met as they enjoy individual time and interactions with the childminder.

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Organisation

Documentation is in good order; it is well-organised and provides for the exchange of information, such as written parental consent, which helps to secure sound care arrangements for children. There are records to support practice, such as details for children's attendance

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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 and guidance documents for child protection. These are effectively used to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection

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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 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): • ensure hygiene procedures are implemented consistently for children • increase toys and resources which support children's awareness of todays diverse society • ensure the toilet facilities used by children are in good order in order to maintain high standards of hygiene

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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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