Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY347930 Unique Reference Number 04 June 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 good. 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four years old. They live in a house situated in the London borough of Bromley. The ground floor is available for childminding and there is a garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under eight years old at any time. She is currently caring for two children under eight, who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder makes regular use of the local amenities including parent and toddler groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very clean and comfortable home where they are encouraged to follow good health and hygiene practices. They are given opportunities to develop effective personal hygiene routines, because the childminder enables them to clean their hands independently. Younger children have a small step to help them to reach the taps and they easily access liquid soap. The childminder also explains to children the importance of washing hands before meals and when coming in from the garden.

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 Children's health is promoted as the childminder obtains appropriate information from parents about children's individual health care needs and all the written consents are in place to support this. The childminder has suitable procedures in place to record accidents and she holds a current first aid training certificate. Consent is obtained from parents to permit the childminder to administer first aid and seek emergency medical treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from the spread of illness as the childminder has a clear policy which she shares with parents about the exclusion of children if they have a contagious illness.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children eat healthily. They are provided with healthy meals and snacks which are mostly home made and meet children's individual dietary requirements. The childminder provides a sample menu and children are highly praised for eating well and trying new foods. Children have their own cups and are frequently offered drinks to ensure they remain hydrated. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Daily outing to playgroups are enjoyed regularly by children, as well as trips further a field in the holidays, for example to museums and farms. Children also enjoy playing in the garden, where they blow bubbles in the water, balance on the seesaw and play football with the childminder. Children also learn to link their physical play to being healthy and comment when playing on the steps in the garden that they are doing their exercises.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. Children's safety is prioritised and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has implemented a risk assessment routine that is carried out daily. A written record of this is maintained to detail the action taken to minimise potential hazards. For example, ensuring safety covers are in all electrical sockets and that safety gates are in place. Most fire safety precautions are in place and the childminder has developed an emergency evacuation procedure to follow which she practises regularly with the children. There are smoke alarms on all levels and they are tested each week. The fire blanket is not attached to the wall, which means it is not quickly accessible in an emergency.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an extensive range of high quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. These are mainly stored in the playroom and lounge and are freely accessible. Some additional equipment is available for outside play and the childminder rotates the toys available indoors, providing a range which is appropriate to the ages and interests of children attending. Toys and equipment are checked regularly to ensure that they are safe. Children are learning about simple safety procedures when the childminder explains to children why they cannot have access to things that may pose a potential hazard, for example dressing up clothes that do not fit correctly.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder is aware of her duty to safeguard children. She is aware of the local safeguarding children procedures to follow and who to contact should she have any concerns about the children in her care. The childminder has a written child protection policy, however it is not up to date and does not reflect recent guidance.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and well settled in the clean, warm and very welcoming environment. They enjoy spending time exploring the stimulating range of toys and equipment provided by the childminder based on her good knowledge of child development. Children relish the input of the childminder and have an excellent relationship with her. The childminder prioritises their needs and clearly enjoys supporting them in their play. When the children are playing, the childminder gets down to their level and joins in, constantly supporting the development of their language and curiosity by encouraging their questions. The childminder ensures that children's vocabulary is positively extended and their learning consolidated as she discusses the things they can see in the garden. For example, children are curious and slightly wary of insects, they discuss spiders and bees, which satisfy the children's curiosity and alleviates their

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

fears. Children feel a sense of belonging when they see their photographs displayed on the wall. They are eager to talk about the photographs that evoke memories of fun days out together. Children go on regular outings in small groups, which gives them further opportunities to develop their social skills.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their confidence as the childminder knows them well and recognises their sense of achievement when they take work home or see it displayed in the setting. A good understanding of the individual needs of children is shown when the childminder explains how she levels activities to match with children's ability. The childminder makes observations of children's progress and from this plans children's next steps. She is very aware of the needs of young children and continually offers children choices, which helps them to remain challenged and interested.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children very well and she effectively plans activities and outings to suit their individual needs and interests. She has attended training in the Early Years Foundation Stage and regularly accesses further training to increase her knowledge.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a good sense of belonging as the childminder ensures they are all valued and included. They have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs and this helps them to become confident and independent. Excellent relationships between the childminder and the children have been built up and she responds to them with enthusiasm, care and affection.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers an inclusive service and she has a positive approach to caring for children with additional needs. The childminder is aware of the importance of working closely with parents and other professionals to support a child in her care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a relaxed, enthusiastic approach. She shares a great sense of fun with the children and they clearly enjoy being in her care. Children play in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Children relish from the praise given by the childminder and they benefit from her positive role modelling. There is a clear behaviour management policy, which is shared and agreed with parents, to help promote a consistent approach.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are given copies of all the childminder's written policies and information is provided to ensure children are looked after according to their parents' wishes. A positive partnership

p.4

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 with parents is enhanced though good communication systems, for example use of a contact book in addition to a daily verbal exchange of information. Parents are very satisfied with the care their children receive, and complimentary letters to the childminder show they are happy with the care provided. Connections between home and the setting are further developed when children take home some of the activities they have completed or cakes they have baked.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment in which children can take part in a wide range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Space and resources are well-organised to provide children with a good balance of interesting activities. The childminder has implemented her own appropriate procedures to promote good outcomes for children. With the exception of the fire blanket all potential safety hazards have been risk assessed and addressed.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder has a very good understanding of the National Standards which ensures children are well protected, all except one policy is up to date. Appropriate checks are in place to ensure children are cared for by a suitably vetted person and children are never left alone with any person not vetted. The childminder has attended relevant training to support her registration and is very keen to develop her knowledge and skills further. The childminder's positive manner ensures that children feel at home and at ease. They are confident and can initiate their own play. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.5

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.5

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.5

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 good. 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): • situate the fire blanket to ensure it is accessible

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 • update the child protection policy in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board

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.6

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.6