Lift Bexleyheath

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 137138 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1994 and lives with her 2 adult children. They live in a house situated in Anerley, close to local parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and an upstairs bedroom is available as a sleep room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family do not have any pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children. Presently she is

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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 caring for 3 children aged under 5 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well organised and comfortable home. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands before meals. The childminder maintains a good standard of cleanliness in her home. Children are given clean bedding daily and the good nappy changing procedure reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as playing outdoors on a daily basis or practising physical skills such as kneading and rolling play dough. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records, for example, about any accidents that may have occurred. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met. Children are encouraged to eat fruit at snack time and are offered healthy and nutritious meals. This helps them to learn about healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move freely and safely around the home and garden because the childminder takes effective steps to reduce potential hazards. The childminder gives high priority to maintaining children's safety. For example, by checking the furniture she intends to buy is safe for children, by locking away hazardous substances and by supervising the children at all times. Children play safely because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them and carries out risk assessments both indoors and outdoors to ensure there are no hazards that could threaten children's safety. Most fire safety precautions are in place however, only one level of the premises has a smoke alarm. This could compromise children's safety. Children are well protected. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if concerned

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children experience a varied range of activities both inside and outside the home,

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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 such as experimenting with musical instruments, baking, reading books and pretend play. They also attend toddler groups, physical play centres and regularly visit the local park. This contributes well to their overall development and stimulates their interest in the wider world. Fresh air and exercise is an important part of the children's routine which promotes their physical development well. Children are happy and gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence through the supportive relationships and encouragement of the childminder. The regular routine helps children to know what to expect and to feel secure. Children are happy and confident as a result of the childminder's praise and support. Children's independence is encouraged, they tidy away toys and care for their own physical

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needs such as visiting the toilet and washing their hands.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's routines and individual needs to ensure they settle well and experience appropriate care. The childminder spends time getting to know the children and parents well and her honest approach ensures parents and children are well informed. Children behave well because of the childminder's good example. Her good use of praise and encouragement help build children's self control. Children understand and respect the house rules because of the skilful interaction of the childminder. The childminder has updated her knowledge in behaviour management by attending training. Children with special needs are well cared for because the childminder ensures she is able to meet their needs and gains appropriate information to increase her knowledge. Children are introduced to their local community through daily outings encouraging

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their interest in the wider world. Children learn to value each others differences by the childminder's good example, sensitive interaction and positive images within play resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised and comfortable environment which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's play opportunities are maximised because the childminder ensures she understands the children's interests and promotes their enjoyment of the outdoors. Appropriate procedures work well in practise to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. All required records are well maintained and kept confidentially. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for

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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 whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act Inspection it was recommended that the childminder attend a first aid course and that she ensures that any person over 16 living in the household is subject to the appropriate checks. The childminder has updated her knowledge of first aid by attending a course. Her adult children are presently completing appropriate documentation to be subject to appropriate checks to ensure children are protected.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring there are an adequate number of fitted smoke alarms.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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