Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347261 Unique Reference Number 25 April 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 2007. He lives with his partner and daughter aged three years, in the London Borough of Lewisham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house and the bathroom and bedroom located on the upper floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for four children, who attend on either a full time or part time basis. The childminder attends parent and toddler groups and takes children to the park. The family have no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's physical health is promoted well. They are encouraged to be energetic and thoroughly enjoy outdoor activities, such as, playing in the garden or visiting the park. The childminder is committed to healthy eating and provides children with a variety of snacks and meals that meet their dietary requirements. For example, children enjoy hummus, cheese, olives and a variety

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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 of vegetables and fruit. Meal times are sociable occasions as children sit with their friends and enjoy food that has been freshly prepared by the childminder. Fresh drinking water is available to children at all times, helping to ensure that they do not become dehydrated. Children benefit from a clean environment and are aware of the importance of regular hand washing. However, children all use the same towel to dry their hands, increasing the risk of cross-infection. Procedures are in place regarding the safe administration of medication and accidents are recorded appropriately and shared with parents. In addition to this, the childminder has devised a sick child policy which is available to parents. However, the childminder has not obtained details regarding the health needs for all children in his care, which means that their health

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Helping children to be healthy

needs may not be met at all times. The childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate and has a sound understanding of first aid procedures, helping to promote the well-being of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Procedures are in place regarding the safe arrival and departure of children. However, the childminder has not ensured that the attendance register is accurately maintained, which is a breach of regulations. Furthermore, children may not be accounted for quickly in the event of an emergency, compromising their safety. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment and have sufficient space to move around freely to access resources and activities. However, children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded because the childminder has not ensured that some areas in the garden are made safe. For example, the garden shed contains hazardous materials and tools. In addition to this, the wall located in the upper level of the garden overlooks the lower part of the garden and presents a hazard to children. This is because it is high enough for children to sustain an injury if they fall over it. Medicines located in the kitchen also present

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

a risk to children because they are easily accessible. The childminder demonstrates a satisfactory knowledge of child protection issues and is aware of who to contact should he have any concerns about children in his care, helping to protect their welfare. Children play comfortably with the toys and equipment which are in good condition and meet safety standards.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a stimulating learning environment which encourages them to be active, independent learners. Children have developed positive relationships with their peers and confidently initiate their own play. Activities provided are age and developmentally appropriate and the childminder positively interacts with children, using good questioning techniques to extend their learning. Activities include a good range of imaginative play equipment, construction, painting and sand. Children enjoy off site activities such as visits to the park, farm and museum, contributing to their overall enjoyment. Children are settled and secure and benefit from individual attention from the childminder. The childminder values children's efforts and achievements by actively listening to them as they express their thoughts and ideas during play. Overall, children make good progress and benefit from a supportive, relaxed atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is committed to providing an inclusive environment so that children are valued and respected as individuals. Children have access to a varied range of resources which help to

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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 raise their awareness of positive images of culture, gender and disability. For example, children can choose from a range of dolls, books and imaginative play equipment which reflects diversity. Displayed photographs of children's experiences, show that children learn about the local community and the wider world through the many local trips they undertake. The childminder has a sensitive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities and is willing to work closely with parents and outside agencies so that children receive a good level of care. The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents and communicates with them on a regular basis so that they are kept informed of their child's care and progress. In addition to this, the childminder has devised a range of policies and procedures which provide

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents with information about the level of service they can expect to receive. This helps to strengthen the partnership between the parents and the childminder, so that children's individual needs are met. Children behave well because the childminder implements positive strategies when managing behaviour. For example, the childminder takes time to explain to children why behaviour is unacceptable and encourages them to be kind and considerate towards another. This helps to build their confidence and develop their self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a welcoming environment and have developed positive relationships with the childminder, helping them to feel secure and settled. Most records that contribute to the children's care and development are satisfactorily maintained, with the exception of the attendance register which has not been completed regularly and is a breach of regulations. In addition to this, clear information regarding the health needs of some children have not been obtained from parents. The premises are generally safe, however sufficient steps have not been taken to ensure that some areas in the garden are made safe or that medicines are kept out of reach to children. This means that children's welfare is not entirely safeguarded. Children benefit from the childminder's flexible approach and are provided with a good range of stimulating activities and experiences that help children feel valued and also promotes their sense of

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Organisation

enjoyment. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to enhancing his knowledge of childcare and education and is currently undertaking a Level 3 early years qualification. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom he provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the childminder: obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children; keep a written record, signed by parents, of medicines given to children; and ensure that the certificate of registration is displayed. Since the last inspection the childminder has made good improvements. He has now obtained written permission from parents to administer medication and a system is in place to record medication given to children when required. He has also ensured that the registration certificate is prominently displayed on the premises.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, 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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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 written information regarding the health needs of children are obtained from all parents • ensure that medicines are stored out of reach to children, that the garden shed is made inaccessible to children and that the wall situated on the upper level of the garden is made safe • ensure that children's hours of attendance are recorded at all times

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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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