Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY305084 Unique Reference Number 08 July 2008 Inspection date Liz Corr 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 with her husband and three school-age children. They live in a two bedroom maisonette on the second floor of a purpose built block in the SE16 area of the London borough of Southwark. Children access the living room on the ground floor, children's bedroom and bathroom on the upper floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children and is currently caring for two children under eight years. The childminder also works with an assistant.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the satisfactory procedures to ensure their physical, nutritional and health needs are met. They are cared for in a clean environment and learn the importance of self care as they are encouraged to wash their hands before meals or after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a clear sickness procedure which is discussed with parents and available in writing. Consequently, children are suitably cared for when they are ill. Accidents are

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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 appropriately recorded and the childminder has a completed a suitable first aid course. However, permission has not been given for emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a satisfactory range of snacks and drinks throughout the day. However, a healthy eating program has not been introduced at the setting. Children enjoy regular indoor and outdoor exercise which contributes to their good health and physical development.

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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 welcoming environment. They are able to make some choices from a selection of play equipment which is rotated each day. However, due to the organisation of space most equipment is stored in a large cupboard, which therefore limits children's independent access to play materials.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken some steps to identify and remove hazards. However, the kitchen has not been appropriately risk assessed and some sockets are uncovered in the living room. Children’s safety is promoted by the appropriate use of fire safety equipment, including a smoke alarm and a fire blanket. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and has been practised with the children. However, this has not been recorded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are beginning to learn about road safety as suitable procedures are in place to ensure they are safe on outings. Appropriate measures are taken so children are collected only by appropriate adults.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected as the childminder has an appropriate understanding of Child Protection issues and the importance of reporting and recording concerns, including allegations made against her or her family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a variety of home based and community activities. The childminder has a good knowledge of local facilities and children are regularly taken to local community groups and the library. A good selection of play equipment is available. Children settle quickly and become involved in a variety of activities. They enjoy playing games in pairs, such as word games. Older children are supported with their homework and benefit from spending time reading with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are regular opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have opportunities to play with hoops, skipping ropes and ball games. Opportunities are provided for cooking activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy organised dancing and singing sessions with the childminder. One child plays a drum and has fun making up words for their own songs. Children are happy and settled with the childminder and receive regular praise and encouragement, which increases their self-esteem.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's family backgrounds are valued and respected, their individual needs are appropriately recorded, which helps the childminder to provide appropriate care. They access some play equipment designed to develop their understanding of the wider world and a positive image of their own background, this helps to promote their self-esteem. Children enjoy opportunities for sharing food at the childminder's home from their different cultural backgrounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from satisfactory systems in place for reporting any learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder demonstrates a sufficient commitment to working with other professionals where necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are generally well behaved and receive regular praise and encouragement as they play. They are reminded of the house rules and they are provided with realistic expectations they can easily understand.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is encouraged through daily discussion between parents and the childminder. Useful information is gathered at the beginning of the placement to enable the childminder to provide individual care for each child. The childminder has devised a system for recording parents' complaints and has provided parents with details of the regulator should they wish to raise a concern. This has a positive impact on children's overall well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled with the childminder and are familiar with the routine. They benefit from activities both inside and outside the home. A relaxed environment is provided and children have a secure relationship with both the childminder and the assistant.

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Organisation

There are satisfactory systems in place to promote children's health and safety. However, healthy eating has not been introduced to fully support their health and some areas of the home have not been suitably risk assessed.

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Organisation

Documentation for childminding is generally well kept. Individual records are kept for each child and daily registers are in place. However, these do not contain accurate details of the hours the children attend. Documentation for the childminding assistant's attendance is also not in place. Most records to support children's health are in place with the exception of permissions from parents for emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has a sufficient understanding of the National Standards for childminding and demonstrates an awareness of how to access support to improve her practice within the local authority.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

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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. The provider is required

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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 to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaint 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 that children are provided with a range of healthy meals and snacks • improve safety by carrying out a risk assessment for the kitchen and ensure this is made safe or inaccessible to children • ensure that parents give permission for emergency medical advice and treatment • improve systems for recording daily attendance of children and the childminding assistant.

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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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