Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364026 Unique Reference Number 07 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 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband, two adult children and four year old daughter, in a four bedroom flat, in the London borough of Southwark. The whole of the premises is used for childminding. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under eight at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's overall health and well-being is promoted very well. The childminder's cleaning routines ensure that children are cared for in a clean environment and that cross infection is minimised. Good procedures are in place for administering medication including obtaining written consent and keeping appropriate records. Permission to seek emergency medical treatment has also been obtained from parents. In addition to this, the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and is able to respond appropriately to accidents should they occur.

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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 This ensures that children's health and welfare is safeguarded. Although parents are currently responsible for providing meals for children, the childminder has a good understanding of what constitutes a balanced diet and provides healthy snacks such as fruit and vegetable sticks. Children have opportunities to be active outdoors and enjoy regular visits to the park, helping to keep them fit and healthy. Children are able to rest according to their individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has good systems in place which ensures that children's overall welfare, health and safety is promoted. For example, she has devised a detailed accident and emergency procedure and ensures that premises are kept free from hazards. In addition to this, she ensures that toys, equipment and resources are in good condition and meet safety standards. So as a result, children play freely and independently. Children are supervised at all times when off site and the childminder has devised a lost child policy. Good attention is paid to fire safety. For example, a fitted fire blanket and smoke detectors are in good working order. The childminder has devised a fire evacuation plan but is yet to practise this with children in her care. The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures and is aware of steps to follow should she have a concern about any children in her care. Furthermore, she has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

obtained the government booklet ‘What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused-Summary’, helping to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from good levels of support from the childminder, and have access to a good range of activities and resources which enable them to respond to and explore their environment effectively. She ensures that resources are easily accessible and takes into account children's different stages of development. Children develop first hand learning experiences through a range of sensorial and creative activities such as role play, play-dough and sand. Children also enjoy electronic cause and effect toys, construction and musical activities such as singing and sharing stories, helping to promote their language and communication skills. Children experience a range of activities and experiences off the premises which help them to further develop their social skills. For example, the childminder takes children to a variety of drop-in centres and groups as well as visits to the park where they enjoy activities such as feeding the ducks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has developed a positive working relationship with parents which means that children's individual needs are met. She provides a flexible routine and ensures that new children are settled in gradually, helping them to feel safe and secure. Parents have access to a good range of policies and procedures, and have opportunities to attend regular review meetings with the childminder, so that they are actively involved in their child's care and progress. Parents are encouraged to express their views and a detailed complaints procedure is in place. The childminder has a sound approach to managing children's behaviour and has appropriate strategies in place to help children learn the difference between right and wrong. The childminder has an awareness of equality issues and has devised an equal opportunities policy. There are some resources reflecting diversity available to children, however, this area of provision is under

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Helping children make a positive contribution

developed. The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning

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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 difficulties and disabilities, and is committed to treating children with equal concern regardless of their abilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a highly organised environment because the childminder has good knowledge of the National Standards and associated regulations. This means that children's overall welfare is promoted effectively. The childminder has devised a range of policies and procedures, and ensures that all required documentation is in place and is stored confidentially. The premises are safe and secure and the childminder takes positive steps to ensure that children are kept safe both on and off the premises. So as a result, children's overall safety is maintained. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to keeping her knowledge up-to-date and has recently attended a short course regarding the forthcoming Early Years Foundation Stage, which is due to be implemented in September 2008. Children benefit from a varied routine and enjoy a good range of activities and experiences throughout the day, promoting their sense of

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Organisation

enjoyment. Overall, 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 the 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.

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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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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): • ensure fire drills are practised with children • develop resources reflecting diversity

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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 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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