Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY307136 Unique Reference Number 14 July 2008 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies 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 2005. She lives in a three bedroom house, situated in the London borough of Southwark. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight, at any one time, and there are currently two children on roll. There were no minded children present at the time of inspection. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated via discussion that she has good understanding of how to promote children's overall health and well-being. Although there were no children present at the time of the inspection, she explained that children would be cared for in a clean, hygienic environment. For example, the areas used by children would be cleaned daily and children would have access to suitable hand washing and drying facilities. She further explained that she uses gloves to change nappies and that food is prepared and stored hygienically. All required

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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 documentation regarding the recording of accidents and medication is in place and the childminder has ensured that written permission to seek emergency medical treatment has been obtained from parents. In addition to this, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to providing children with a healthy range of snacks and meals. She explains that all food provided is organic and that the dietary needs of children are obtained from parents. Through discussion, the childminder describes how children's physical health is promoted. She explains that children have regular access to the garden, where they are able to use a range of outdoor equipment. They are also taken to the park and soft play centre, where they are able to release surplus energy and develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder describes the procedures she has in place to ensure that children are kept safe whilst on the premises. For example, she explains that safety precautions such as a fitted fire blanket, smoke detectors and stair gates are in place. She also explains that she has devised a fire evacuation procedure which she practises with children, however, she has not kept a record of the fire drills practised. She further explains that all equipment available to children is checked regularly for damage so that they can play safely. The childminder explains how children are kept safe when they are off site. For example, she has devised a lost child policy and has obtained permission from parents to take children on local outings. In addition to this, she has obtained permission from parents to transport children in her car and ensures that appropriate car seats are in place. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection issues and has recently attended a safeguarding course. She is aware of whom to contact should she have concerns about children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of how young children learn and develop. She explains that she provides children with a wide variety of activities and experiences that are age and developmentally appropriate. For example, children have access to resources that promote their imaginative development, which includes dressing up clothes, play people, train set, dolls and construction. She further explained that children take part in creative activities such as painting, making play dough and a selection of arts and crafts. The childminder describes how children learn about their environment because she provides opportunities for children to grow their own tomatoes and salad leaves in the garden. She explains that children have many opportunities to socialise with other children when attending drop in groups, as well as having opportunities to try new activities in a safe and supportive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion, the childminder describes the importance of teaching children the difference between right and wrong. She explains that children are given clear boundaries and are made aware as to why certain behaviour is unacceptable. She further explained that children are encouraged to be kind and considerate towards another and to be respectful of other people regardless of their background or abilities. The childminder describes how she creates an

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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 inclusive environment for children in her care. For example, she explains that children are treated with equal concern, they learn about their own and other cultures via discussion and have access to a selection of resources reflecting diversity. The childminder demonstrates a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She explains that she would discuss the needs of the child with parents and would adapt her activities accordingly so that children have positive experiences whilst in her care. The childminder describes how she communicates with parents about the care and progress of their child. She explains that parents have a daily contact book where relevant information about the child is recorded by both the parent and the childminder. She further explained that she has devised a complaints

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Helping children make a positive contribution

procedure which outlines how any concerns or issues can be resolved. She has also devised a system for recording complaints, which is available to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates that she has clear understanding of the National Standards and associated regulations. She has devised a range of policies and procedures which are available to parents and contribute to the safe and efficient management of her service. The childminder demonstrates via discussion that children are kept safe both on and off the premises. She has suitable precautions in place and has ensured that equipment is well maintained. All required documentation is in place, however, the childminder has not kept a record of fire drills practised with the children. The childminder demonstrates that children are provided with a flexible routine which meets the needs of individual children. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: This is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

On 21 November 2007 concerns were raised about the suitability of a member of the childminder’s household. These concerns related to national standard 1: Suitable person. Ofsted liaised with external agencies and conducted visits to the premises on 29 November 2007, 7 December 2007 and 11 March 2008. During the visit in March 2008 the childminder was found to have taken steps to meet national standard 1; however she was not meeting national standard 14: Documentation and an action was set to “improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to notify Ofsted of relevant matters”. A response to this action was received on 27 March 2008 confirming the action taken to meet the national standards. The provider remained qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure that a record of fire drills practised with the children is kept

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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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