Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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159930 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2008 Inspection date Michelle Smith 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and adult son in a three bedroom house on a residential road in East Dulwich. Children have access to the ground floor, one bedroom and toilet on the upper floor. There is an enclosed garden. The childminder is registered to care for four children. The childminder is currently minding two children on a part time basis. She attends the local parent and toddler group. She takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children access a home that is clean and well maintained. Children are developing an understanding of good hygiene practice through the clear procedures in place for regular hand washing. For example, children wash their hands before meals and after using the bathroom. However, the equipment in place for hand washing does not protect children from cross infection. There are clear procedures in place for caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious diseases are excluded. This means children's health is protected.

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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 The childminder has systems in place for recording medication administered to children and accidents. She has updated her knowledge in first aid, therefore is able to administer first aid if the need arises. Children have regular access to the garden, where they play and develop their physical skills. They benefit from daily fresh air. Children are offered affection from the childminder, through hugs and cuddles. This means children's emotional needs are being met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from meals that are cooked fresh daily, such as pasta, ham and fresh salad. They are offered a varied diet that is nutritious and well balanced. Children enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables with their meals. This means children are developing an understanding of healthy eating. Children have drinks and drinking water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a home that is welcoming, safe and secure. Children enjoy a garden that is secure and accessible for them to play safely. Children access a range of toys and equipment that is in good condition and meets safety standards. Children enjoy a wide range of different play provisions that are age appropriate and stimulating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All safety equipment in place, for example, smoke alarms, fire extinguisher and safety catches on low level cupboards. Children are safe on outings through the clear procedures in place. For example, young children are strapped securely into their buggy and the childminder uses designated crossing areas. Children are constantly supervised inside the home and on outings. The childminder has developed a good understanding of safety, that contributes towards the safety of the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of the procedures to take if allegations are made against herself and household members. She has a copy of the 'What to do if you're worried a child being abused' document. The childminder has recently updated her knowledge in child protection issues through training. This means children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a range of different learning experiences. They access different art and craft activities. For example, a child was engaged in cutting and sticking. The childminder provides age appropriate and interesting activities. The childminder encourages children to make choices. For example, she asked a child 'what do you want to do now?' and the child requested to continue with her chosen activity. Children take part in creative activities using a range of different materials, such as different colour shapes. The childminder questions the children to extend their knowledge. For example, she asked a child what colours she was using during the activity. The childminder praises children for their achievements, this helps children develop their positive self esteem. The range of play experiences are aimed to the children's level of understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing an understanding of the local community as they visit different places of interest, for example, the Horniman museum, where they observe different exhibitions. Children enjoy a range of different play experiences within the home, for example, role play and building equipment. Children spend their time purposefully. Children benefit from

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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 opportunities to interact with the childminder on a one to one basis. For example, the childminder talked to the child about their transaction to primary school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children visit the local playgroups, where they play and socialise with others. This helps children develop good social skills. Children are becoming competent learners as they play and learn new things within their setting and surroundings. The childminder caters for the needs of the children and understands children are happy when they are entertained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and play harmoniously with their friends. There are clear systems in place to manage children's behaviour. Children enjoy regular outings to different places of interest, such as the local library and playgroups. Children are developing social skills through the social opportunities provided. This helps children establish relationships with others. The childminder has built good relationships with the children and knows them well. Children communicate very well with the childminder and develop a sense of belonging through the close relationship.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to develop an understanding of differences through interaction with children from different cultural backgrounds. They access provisions reflecting positive images of differences including disability. The childminder has a positive attitude towards special educational needs and welcomes all into her setting. The childminder has established good working relationships with parents and communicates effectively with them on a daily basis. For example, during the inspection a grandparent came to collect a child and commented positively on the care provided by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home in the well organised environment. There have been no changes to household members. All household members have completed the necessary checks. This means those that have unsupervised access to children are safe to do so. Children move around confidently and initiate their own play.

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Organisation

The childminder updates her knowledge in recent childcare practices through accessing various courses, via the Early Years Development and Partnership. Parents are kept well informed regarding the service, daily routine and children's activities. This contributes to continuity of care. All relevant documentation is in place for monitoring children's progress and to keep children safe. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure all household members are vetted. All household members have been vetted. The front door has been made safe.

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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

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 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): • make sure children have access to appropriate hand washing facilities.

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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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