Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357667 Unique Reference Number 24 June 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Anne Coffey 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and their two daughters, aged 17 months and four years. The family live in a two bedroom house in Forest Hill, in the London borough of Lewisham. The whole of the property is suitable to be used for childminding. There is a living room, kitchen/diner and conservatory on the ground floor, two bedrooms, a toilet and bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet Boxer dog. There are also some goldfish in a pond in the garden that is not accessible to children. The childminder employs her sister as her assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is to be registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years. There are currently two children on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are learning to develop good control of their bodies through activities both in the home and garden. Children

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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 enjoy playing on the low slide and in the play house in the garden. They develop their coordination as they manoeuvre wheeled toys with increasing skill and control.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and young children are able to sleep comfortably at times that match their daily routine. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Their individual toileting and nappy changing needs are well met by the childminder who demonstrates an awareness of, and commitment to, preventing cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy, nutritious diet and menus are adapted to meet individual dietary needs. The childminder encourages the children to develop good eating habits, for example, eating fresh fruit every day. They sit on mats in the garden and chat with the childminder as they sip their drinks and enjoy a snack of bananas and apples. Children develop their social skills as they eat meals seated at the kitchen table. A selection of highchairs are available which enables babies and younger children to fully participate in mealtimes.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has appropriate record keeping systems in place for the recording of accidents and medication. Written policies are shared with parents covering all aspects of children's health. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children learn about keeping safe both in the home and as they travel about with the childminder and her assistant. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that all children are suitably restrained when travelling by car. Children practise crossing the road safely and learn to look and listen carefully for oncoming traffic. Outings are planned with children's safety in mind, and the childminder ensures that she has appropriate emergency consents and contact details in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a well maintained home, where the childminder has taken appropriate action to reduce most risks. For example, sharp utensil and cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach. Good use is made of stair gates to ensure that children are cared for in a secure area. Written health and safety policies are in place and the childminder ensures that these are fully implemented. For example, the front door is locked with a key following all arrivals and departures. There are sound fire detection and evacuation procedures in place. However, there are some low level glass panels within children's play areas that do not meet current safety standards. This compromises children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from close adult supervision, as they independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder takes care to ensure children play with toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development. She encourages children to play in a manner that keeps themselves and others safe. For example, she gently reminds a child to sit down before sliding down the slide to prevent them from falling.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm by the childminder who has a sound knowledge of child protection and understands her responsibilities in following correct procedures in the event of a concern. A written child protection policy is held and shared with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a warm interactive relationship with the childminder. They enjoy playing with the wide range of toys and play materials that are readily available to them. Children are provided with well planned imaginative activities that stimulate and interest them. They particularly enjoy playing in the garden with the sand and outdoor equipment. They readily engage in imaginative play as they play with the dolls, pushchairs and child-sized home corner equipment. This helps foster their imagination and social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to play freely and make independent choices about what they want to play with. They readily come to the childminder's home and enjoy their time there. Children's learning and social skills are promoted through the wide range of outings, including visits to toddler groups and farms. The childminder has a collection of photos which are displayed in an album of the children enjoying the play facilities at home and on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled. They benefit from a daily routine that accommodates their individual sleep and feeding patterns. New children are helped to settle in because the childminder is calm and patient in her approach. She encourages the child to get to know her and her family and to build relationships with other minded children. The childminder plans her day well to balance the needs of her own and minded children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop their understanding of the local community through regular outings. The childminder provides a good range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, including dolls of different colours and books that reflect multicultural society. This helps to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of different lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Although the childminder does not have direct experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she demonstrates an awareness and understanding of the importance of identifying and meeting the individual needs of all children. She is aware of the normal developmental milestones of children and would seek appropriate advice and support where necessary. She is happy to work with other agencies, such as speech and language therapists, and recognises the importance of ensuring that all children are given any additional support available in order to promote their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A written behaviour management policy and a list of house rules are available and shared with parents. The childminder reinforces positive behaviour through good use of praise and acknowledgement. The childminder is calm and positive in her dealings with the children, encouraging them to share, take turns and treat each other and the resources with respect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents' views are respected and they are kept well informed about how their child has been during the day. The childminder provides a flexible service to meet the varying childcare needs of different families. Clear, well written policies and procedures are laid out in a portfolio that is shared with parents. This helps to promote positive working relationships and identifies the expectations of all parties.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well organised play areas, allowing time for quiet and messy play. They enjoy an environment where they receive appropriate adult support, from both the childminder and her assistant, to help them feel secure and confident. Children's care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation. The childminder organises her daily routine around the children's needs. The day is well planned to accommodate journeys to and from school or nursery and to allow the children adequate time to rest, play and eat.

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Organisation

The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced. She holds an appropriate first aid certificate. A notice board in the entrance hall is used to display relevant certificates and information for parents. A written portfolio gives parents information about the childminder's background and demonstrates her understanding of the National Standards. All required documentation is in place. However, the current system for recording attendance does not clearly indicate which adults care for the children. The childminder is keen to address this oversight with immediate effect. Information is treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

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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. 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): • ensure low level glass does not pose a hazard to children. • ensure that the attendance register records the names of the adults who care for the children

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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 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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