Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356266 Unique Reference Number 21 July 2008 Inspection date Josephine Geoghegan 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 2007 and lives in the Peckham area of Southwark with her three children, all of whom are over eight years. Children have access to all areas of the home. There are no pets on the premises. The childminder is registered to care for three children under eight years at any one time and is currently caring for one child under two years. The childminder does not provide overnight care or employ an assistant. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She holds an NNEB qualification in childcare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted by clear policies and procedures devised by the childminder relating to accidents, medication and sickness. The childminder holds relevant first aid qualifications and ensures records are kept appropriately, helping to safeguard children's welfare. Good systems are in place to help stop the spread of infection, for example, the childminder uses disposable gloves during nappy changes and cleans the changing mat after

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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 use. Children participate in regular outside play, enabling them to gain physical exercise and fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a balanced diet of home cooked meals that include lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and salad, promoting healthy eating habits. The childminder works closely with parents regarding introducing new foods to younger children and shows a clear understanding of children's individual dietary needs. In addition, the childminder shares information regarding the types of meals offered with parents via a sample menu and uses a home contact book to keep a daily record of food and drink intake for younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in a well organised environment where safety is promoted well. For example, the childminder frequently checks sleeping children and uses a range of safety equipment in the home, including appropriate fire safety equipment, gates, socket covers and locks on low level cupboards. In addition, the childminder has devised a range of safety policies and procedures, including collection and lost children procedures and an emergency escape plan. The home is made welcoming to children with low level posters and toys that are easily accessible, enabling children to make choices and develop their independence. Toys, books and equipment are in good condition and suitable for the age and ability of the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Systems are in place to promote children's welfare as the childminder knows what to do if she is worried a child is being abused and keeps all relevant information and the local area contact details easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a balanced daily routine, enabling them to participate in free play activities the home and local outings to children's groups, parks and the library. They are able to develop their physical skills while visiting children's play areas with large climbing apparatus. Children move freely, exploring the toys; they make choices and develop their independence. Children develop their problem solving skills as they try to fit large bricks together and manoeuvre the beads along the bead rail. They enjoy using electron style toys, enabling them to find out how things work as they press buttons to make parts move. Children show an interest in books and develop their language skills as the childminder talks about the pictures, developing their vocabulary by encouraging them to say new words. Children are able to develop their creative skills, for example, while drawing and using soft toys and dolls imaginatively. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

makes written assessments of children's progress and evaluates these to show ways to extend children's learning. In addition, she keeps samples of children's creative work and photos of them engaging in play while at children's groups, for example, photos of children using wheeled toys and engaging in role play in the home corner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Good systems are in place to promote partnerships with parents, for example, parents are encouraged to participate in a gradual settling in process, enabling new children to feel secure

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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 when their parents leave. In addition, the childminder makes time to discuss the events of the day when children are collected and records all details in a home contact book, ensuring effective communication with parents. Parents are also offered copies of the childminder's policies and procedures which they are asked to sign to show their agreement, along with a consent form relating to outings and taking photos of children during play. However, the childminder has not retained a copy of these forms signed by parents for her records.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good systems are in place to promote equality as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children are able to learn about people in the community through use of appropriate resources, such as dolls and books that promote positive images. In addition, the childminder emphasises the importance of taking children on regular outings in the local area and to children's groups, enabling them to socialise and learn about all people in the community. Although there are presently no children attending who have identified learning difficulties and/or disabilities, the childminder has previous experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and promoting inclusion. Children benefit from clear boundaries regarding expectations of their behaviour. They show good relationships with the childminder, for example, they enjoy lots of cuddles and laugh during play.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder keeps all documents well organised, including a folder containing her childcare and first aid qualifications and information about her childminding service, such as samples of her activity plan and children's creative work and a range of policies and procedures and consent forms. However, she has not retained copies signed by parents showing their agreement. Good systems are in place to ensure all required documents, for example, records of children's attendance and any accidents or medication, are in place and shared appropriately with parents, helping to safeguard children's welfare.

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Organisation

The time children spend with the childminder is well organised, enabling them to participate in a variety of activities throughout the day that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to develop their independence as toys and books are easily accessible, enabling them to make choices. The childminder makes written assessments of children's progress and uses a contact book, ensuring information is shared effectively with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge of regulations and ensure the conditions of registration are met by reducing the number of minded children and ensuring appropriate vetting procedures are implemented for household members. She was also asked to devise an appropriate emergency evacuation procedure and extend the range of activities to support children's learning. The childminder met these actions by reducing the total number of minded children in line with her conditions of registration. She did not initiate vetting procedures as the family member who was visiting did not remain in the household. The childminder has worked with the fire safety officer to ensure she is aware of fire safety in the home and appropriate evacuation procedures, and she has extended the range of toys to support children's learning.

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Improvements 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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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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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): • retain a copy of policies, procedures and the consent form signed by parents to show their agreement.

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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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