Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY356671 Unique Reference Number 21 April 2008 Inspection date Janet Sharon Williams 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 registered in 2006. She cares for children in a residential setting situated in Clapham Park in the London borough of Lambeth. The whole of the premises and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There are shops, schools and parks within walking distance. The childminder takes children to school.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time. She is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and well maintained home. All areas used by the children are very clean. Children learn good hygiene routines, for example, they wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Effective procedures are in place for recording medication, incidents and accidents. No medication would be administered without prior parental permission, and parents are asked to sign medication records on collection of their children. However, the

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 childminder has not obtained parental permission for emergency medical treatment. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid certificate to enable her to carry out appropriate first aid in the event of an emergency.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with healthy nutritious meals which consist of varied vegetables and fruit. Meals are frequently discussed with parents, who are able to make suggestions and provide the childminder with a list of what their children like to eat. Drinks are readily available and children can ask for one at any time or help themselves.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have plenty of fresh air and exercise through walking to school and making use of the outdoor play area, where they are able to manoeuvre sit-and-ride toys. This contributes to a healthy lifestyle.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Safety precautions have been taken to minimise accidents indoors and out, for example, sockets not in use are covered, a smoke detector is fitted on the lower level, a fire blanket is in place in the kitchen, and the stairs are inaccessible to children. However, the childminder does not have an emergency evacuation procedure in place. On outings, older children are encouraged to hold hands and are taught basic road safety.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have enough space to move around freely and comfortably. They have access to a sufficient range of toys and equipment that are appropriate to their age and stage of development, for example, books, soft toys, push and pull along toys, cars and puzzles. They are also able to help themselves to resources from low level drawers that are easily accessible, which enables them to make their own choices about what they want to play with.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of issues surrounding child protection. Her written policies and procedures clearly identify many of the symptoms of abuse and what she would do if she had concerns about a child being at risk, which includes keeping a written record and contacting social services.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well looked after and have access to a suitable range of resources, which are made readily available to them each day. The organisation of the equipment encourages children to make their own choices about what they want to do. Children are supported in their play, because the childminder spends time talking on a one-to-one basis about what they are doing and positively interacting with them. This contributes to children's learning and development. Children develop self-esteem, confidence and independence. They play alone completing floor puzzles, enjoying cars and listening attentively to what the childminder has to say. They have the opportunity to learn numbers and letters which contributes to their language and mathematical skills.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form good relationships; they have the opportunity to meet other children and adults through the frequent visits to the one o'clock club and library. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and are very happy and content.

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are respected and their individual needs identified. They have access to a satisfactory range of toys and equipment that reflect diversity, such as books and puzzles. Pictures and photographs around the home portray people from around the world. However, the childminder has no resources to raise children's knowledge about disability.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that some children may have a learning difficulty or disability, for example, hearing or speech impairment. Where such concerns arise she would have a sensitive approach and work with parents to seek professional support or advice to promote the well-being of their children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved because they are kept occupied. The childminder would deal with inappropriate behaviour by reasoning with the children, taking time to explain to them about right and wrong. The childminder has a behaviour management policy in place, which clearly explains how methods for dealing with inappropriate behaviour would be agreed with parents prior to placement.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Good working relationships have been established with parents. All parents receive a copy of the childminder's policies and procedures. Terms of agreement include mandatory details about the children and their parents. Most of the recommended permissions have been obtained, for example, for outings and taking photographs. The childminder has a comprehensive complaints procedure which includes Ofsted's contact details. Information is also shared with parents daily.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Good routines are in place to promote the well-being of all children being looked after. Their daily routine allows for active and quiet play and time outdoors. Children are secure in a happy family environment, which supports their development, self-esteem and confidence. They are progressing due to the childminder providing a satisfactory stimulating and motivated environment. The childminder also uses the Birth to three matters framework when planning the children's day.

p.4

Organisation

All of the mandatory, and some of the recommended, documentation is in place, for example, the recording of children's arrival and departure times. Comprehensive policies are also in place to cover equality of opportunity, health and safety, and behaviour management.

p.4

Organisation

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

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 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.

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): • obtain parental permission for emergency medical treatment • devise and implement an emergency evacuation plan • improve knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding child protection • provide a range of toys and equipment to promote equality of opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

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