Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY365407 Unique Reference Number 10 June 2008 Inspection date Pamela Bailey Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and 12 years in the London Borough of Lewisham. The whole of the childminder's house, except for the master bedroom and office, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years all day, and one child over five years after school. The childminder collects children from the local schools and takes children to the local park and library. The family has a cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a warm and clean environment where they develop good personal hygiene routines and self-care skills. There are effective procedures in place to prevent cross infection.

p.2

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 The childminder monitors hand washing after toileting and parents receive information about the sick child policy.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks such as croissants and fresh fruits. They receive plenty of drinks, although they are not encouraged to drink water. The childminder ensures that she gathers relevant information regarding children's health needs such as diet and medical history. However, the childminder does not obtain prior written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and ensures that a sufficiently stocked first aid box is in place. This ensures that she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. All the required documentation such as accident and medication records are in place.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Large play equipment in the garden, such as, the climbing frame and trampoline give children the opportunity to practise and develop their physical skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around freely and independently, selecting from an extensive range of toys and resources suitable for their age and stage of development. They benefit from some good safety measures, for example socket covers, a well maintained outdoor play area and safety gate on the stairs. However, the premises are not secure. The low level handle on the front door is easily accessible to the children. The ladder attached to the bunk bed is easily accessible to children and the office, not used for childminding, is easily accessible to children. These are all potential risks to children's safety. The childminder has devised a fire and emergency policy. However, she does not practise the procedures with all children to ensure that they are all familiar with the routine in an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has a concern about a child in her care. She has devised written policies in the event of a child being missing or uncollected. This ensures that she can quickly recognise when a child is in danger and act in their best interest. However, the childminder has not obtained prior written consent from parents to take children on outings or travel in her car.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children explore and experiment through a range of activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder provides a stimulating and well resourced play environment. She is skilled at supporting children's learning and development. Children are able to make themselves understood through language and actions. The childminder encourages use of language by talking to them about what they are doing and responding to children's interests. Children have good opportunities to express their imaginary experiences. They enjoy playing shops in the role play area and use cash registers confidently to swipe cash cards and exchange goods for money. They learn to sort items when tidying up, such as, putting fruits in the basket, stacking tins on the shelves, count and understand numbers and identify and match colours. Children investigate the contents of different containers during their play. They

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

delight in the surprises and the childminder uses appropriate language to develop their understanding of mathematical language, such as, empty or full. Children enjoy playing with

p.3

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 dough. They are able to express themselves creatively and have plenty of opportunity to develop their finer motor skills. They use a range of cutters, rolling pins and their hands to cut or mould different shapes and models.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and very well behaved. The childminder use lots of praise and encouragement to build children's confidence and self-esteem. They are encouraged to have respect for the resources and help to clear up.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a limited range of resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability inside the childminder's home. The childminder gathers some information from parents about children's individual needs. However, she does not ensure that she knows about children's needs with regards to culture or religion, so that she can help children to acknowledge their own culture and learn about others. There are no children currently attending with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shares her written policies and procedures with the parents. Her complaints policy informs parents of Ofsted's details should they wish to make a complaint. However, the childminder is not fully aware of the requirements for dealing with complaints made by parents. The childminder has systems in place to obtain the necessary consent from parents. However, she does not monitor records effectively to ensure that these are completed correctly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They receive good support helping them to feel secure and confident. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards supporting children's learning by presenting activities in an interesting and enthusiastic manner. Children's health, safety and welfare are promoted well in some areas. Written policies and procedures are used to ensure that parents are kept informed of the childminding service. However, parents are not provided with sufficient information about the complaints procedures. All required documentation is in place.

p.4

Organisation

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to have procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and to keep a record of complaints and their outcome.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • make sure that fresh drinking water is readily available • assess the risks to children in relation to the front door, bunk bed ladder and office and take action to minimise these • ensure that all children are familiar with the routine in case of emergency • gain information about children's culture and/or religion and obtain the necessary consent from parents • provide a range of resources that reflect positive images of different culture, ethnicity, gender and disability • improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements for dealing with complaints made by parents

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5