Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355306 Unique Reference Number 22 July 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 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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and children, 12, 10, and six years old in Bromley within the London borough of Bromley. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children on a part time basis. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. The childminder walks to local schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home, where they are beginning to learn the importance of good hygiene practice. For example, children wash their hands before meals and on arrival from outdoor activities. The childminder provides hand washing facilities, such as clean towels and dispensable soap. This helps to support good hygiene practice. There are procedures in place for administering medication to children. However, the childminder did not obtain parents signature after administering medication to a child. The childminder has recently updated her knowledge in first aid, this means she can administered first aid safely in the event

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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 an emergency and there is a first aid box in place. This means children's wellbeing is protected. There are clear procedures in place regarding caring for children that become unwell. For example, children with infectious illnesses are not permitted. Therefore, children are protected from infection. Most required documentation is in place. Children enjoy opportunities to develop their physical skills through regular access to outdoor activities, where they access climbing equipment. The childminder is affectionate towards the children. For example, she cuddles and embraces children. Therefore, their emotional needs are being met. This helps children feel comfortable within their surroundings. There are opportunities for children to rest and be active, throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating and enjoy fresh fruits at snack time. Parent provide meals for the younger children and she works in partnership with parents to provide their children with healthy meals. Older children benefit from healthy snacks. Information is shared with parents daily of their children's food intake.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around the home safely and freely, through the safety equipment in place. For example, safety gates at designated areas within the home. The environment is warm and welcoming for children as they play. Children enjoy a basic range of play materials, that is interesting and age appropriate. The play materials are in good condition and meets safety standards, this means children play safely. The childminder gives priority to maintaining children's safety. For example, children are constantly supervised. All safety equipment in place is in working order. Children access a secure outdoor play area. However, there is a gas cylinder attached to a barbeque in the garden. This means children do not always play safely in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. There is a child protection policy in place and she has a copy of the child protection guidelines for childminders. However, she does not have a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document. She shared the signs and symptoms of abuse and understands children's welfare is paramount and not to be compromised. This means children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides children with different play experiences that are interesting and enjoyable. Children go to different places of interest, such as the local playgroup. This means children benefit from opportunities to interact and socialise with others. Therefore, becoming aware of their social skills. Children take part in daily walks to the local park, where they access swings and slides. Children benefit from opportunities to sit with the childminder and read stories. The childminder get involved in the children's play and makes it a more meaningful experience. Children access different malleable materials, such as play dough. This means children are developing an awareness of different textures. The childminder provides children with age appropriate activities, throughout the day. For instance, programmable equipment. Older children can relax and chill out on their arrival from school. Children use their imagination

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as they build a den in the garden. Children do spend their time purposefully.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a sense of belonging through the close relationships built with the childminder. The childminder offers children praise and encouragement as they play. This means children are developing positive self esteem. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children and this offers children reassurance. She interacts well with the children and knows them well. This means children's needs are met and developing a sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children explore and investigate their surroundings. They go on outings to different places of interest. For example, they visit local playgroup and parks. Children behave well and show increasing independence, as they make choices in their play. They play together harmoniously and encouraged to be kind towards each other. Children access a basic range of play materials that reflect positive images of different cultures and they socialise with children from a diverse cultural background. This helps promotes a positive view of the wider community. There are no play materials reflecting positive images of disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The well established relationship built between the parents and childminder, impacts positively on the children. Information is exchanged of the children's progress and daily routine.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are at ease in the organised environment. There have been no changes to household members, this means those with unsupervised access to children are suitable to do so. Children can initiate their own play, as they utilise the comfort of the home. The routine is adapted to meet the needs of the children. Children make the most of the indoor and outdoor space.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps most required documentation. There are some policies and procedures in place. Parents are well informed and updated with any changes that may occur within the service, children's activities and developmental progress. She is proactive in updating her knowledge in childcare practice. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides

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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.

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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): • devise a system for recording medication administered to children and obtain parents signature on medication records • make garden safe for children • obtain play materials that reflect positive images of disability • obtain a copy of the 'What to do if your worried about a child being abused' document.

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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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