Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 140029 Inspection date 03 October 2005 Inspector Elizabeth Anne Coffey

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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 to care for children since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged 6 and 8 years old. They live in a three bed roomed house in West Norwood, in the London borough of Lambeth. All of the property can be used for childminding purposes although children are cared for mainly on the ground floor and only use the first floor for sleep and toileting needs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children and is currently caring for

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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 three children on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy balanced diet that is adapted to meet their individual needs. They sit at the table for meals and chat sociably together whilst eating. Babies and young children rest and sleep securely in a travel cot which is placed in the childminder's bedroom. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene through good example and explanation by the childminder, for example they are gently reminded to wash their hands before lunch and after using the toilet. Children develop good coordination through a wide range of physical activities including swimming lessons and regular use of swings and climbing apparatus both in the garden and at local playgrounds. Children are cared for by a childminder who is a trained to administer first aid and who demonstrates an awareness of appropriate health and hygiene policies and procedures.

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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 secure and well supervised environment. They use safe and suitable toys and equipment that stimulate and challenge them, for example children deftly use an assortment of sturdy plastic utensils and cutters when working with play dough. They enjoy robust physical exercise both in the garden and at local parks and playground where they develop good coordination and body control through use of swings and climbing apparatus. Children learn valuable lesson about road safety and keeping themselves safe through clear explanations and good example by the childminder. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very settled and confident in the childminder's home. They relate well to the childminder and benefit from close relationships with her family, for example minded children talk enthusiastically about attending the childminder's daughter's recent school assembly. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's because she plans a range of activities and outings that they are interested in and that are well matched to their individual needs such as use of one o'clock clubs and participating in story times at local libraries. Children acquire new skills through skilful guidance and support from the childminder for example they are learning how to tell the time through the use of jigsaw puzzles. They concentrate well and exhibit pleasure and

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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 pride in completing tasks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The daily routine acknowledges and complements their home routine, for example baby's and young children's sleeping patterns at home are considered when putting them down to sleep at the childminder's home. Parent's views are sought and the childminder works closely with them to meet their child's needs. The childminder provides fully inclusive care for children with a range of abilities. Children learn about the local and wider community through walks and discussions. They develop an awareness and respect of others through a meaningful range of activities and outings. Children behave well and play harmoniously together. Their self esteem is raised by very good use of praise and encouragement by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of childcare. She understands and complies with most regulatory requirements although some sections of documentation are incomplete. This compromises children's health and safety. Where weaknesses in the system are identified she is keen to address these in order to ensure that her service reflects best practice. 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 agreed to ensure that children have access to a range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, to make a policy regarding the care of sick children available to parents and to ensure that procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or child protection concern were available. Children have access to a range of books and play materials that reflect diversity. This promotes children's awareness of different lifestyles and abilities. A sick child policy has been drawn up and is made available to parents. A written emergency evacuation plan has been devised. Child protection procedures and contact details are held. This promotes the health and safety of children.

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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): • request written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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