Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY100526 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They live in a house in Bickley, close to local shops, park and a main line station. The downstairs of the property is mainly used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Currently there are six children on roll aged from one to 10 years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. The childminder's good hygiene procedures, such as ensuring the children wash their hands appropriately, encouraging children to put their tissues in the bin after wiping their nose and disinfecting the changing mat after

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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 use, prevent the risk of cross-contamination. Her effective sick child policy helps to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder is qualified in first aid and holds written permission from parents to seek emergency medical assistance or treatment, this means accidents are dealt with appropriately. Children's health is protected because the childminder keeps accurate records, for example about any accidents and any medicine they need to be given. The children enjoy visits to the local park and access to the childminder's garden to practise their physical skills. The childminder is flexible and provides meals for the children or prepares food that the parents have provided. She ensures the children are offered fresh fruit and vegetables daily to encourage healthy eating. She takes detailed information from the parents to ensure that she

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Helping children to be healthy

meets any specific needs to keep children healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment where the risk of accidental injury is minimised. The childminder takes effective steps to identify and reduce potential hazards. For instance she has covered electrical sockets, replaced the patio door to include toughened glass and installed locks on her kitchen cupboards. The home is welcoming and children are able to rest, play and eat in comfort. The play resources and equipment available to the children are satisfactory, however the variety is somewhat limited. The childminder buys her equipment from reputable sources and ensures they are appropriate for the age of the minded children. The childminder checks the equipment so that children can use it safely. The childminder understands her responsibility in safeguarding children and informs parents of this through her written child protection policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children have warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder, who gives lots of cuddles and reassurance and is attentive to their needs. The children enjoy the childminder reading to them and playing 'doctors', for instance, when they like to bandage the childminder. The childminder encourages the children to make their own choices about their play and the children play confidently together. Children are happy and settled with good levels of self-esteem because of the childminder's positive and warm interaction. The childminder puts a box of toys out ready for the children when they arrive which they rummage through and decide what to play with. Although the children are offered a satisfactory variety of toys, there are limited play opportunities that support children's imagination and creativity. There is a familiar daily routine for going out, eating and sleeping that helps the children settle quickly and feel secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from the effective partnership the childminder has fostered with their parents. She ensures that communication systems are in place such as the contact book where she records information about the child's day. This goes home with the children so that the parents can add their own comments to support continuity of care. Her portfolio informs parents about the service she provides along with her policies and procedures. Although the childminder is not presently caring for a child with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. However, this is not as yet reflected within her resources. She takes detailed information about the children to ensure appropriate care is given

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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 and respects the parents wishes in the care of their child. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem; this along with realistic boundaries helps children to behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has organised her home effectively so that the children can play, rest and eat in safety and comfort. The day is planned so that children take part in satisfactory activities and experiences, although they do not yet reflect diversity. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are kept well informed. All of the required documentation that promotes the health, safety and wellbeing of minded children is in place and well organised. 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 it was recommended that the childminder: improve her recording of children's attendance; improve her medication procedures; improve the recording of existing injuries; and improve the play opportunities offered to the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved children's attendance records by ensuring their time of arrival and departure is noted and has a robust procedure in place for administering medication to the children in her care. She has good documentation ready to record any existing injury a child may have. This protects their wellbeing.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Although the childminder has improved the play opportunities that are available to children, they are limited in variety and will form a recommendation from this inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted received one complaint relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person, National Standard 2: Organisation, National Standard 6: Safety and National Standard 7: Health. Concerns were raised about children’s safety and supervision when being collected from school. Ofsted conducted an announced visit to the premises. The provider was not meeting National Standard 2, National Standard 6 and National Standard 14: Documentation. The provider was set one action under National Standard 2, an action under National Standard 6 and two actions under National Standard 14. A response to the actions was received confirming that the childminder took appropriate steps to meet the actions required. The childminder met the National Standards and remained qualified for registration at the time the investigation was closed.

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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 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): • improve the range of activities and play opportunities to better support children's imagination and creativity. • improve resources to provide an anti-discriminatory play environment.

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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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