Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356905 Unique Reference Number 03 July 2008 Inspection date Christine Jacqueline Davies 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her adult son, in a three bedroom house, in the London borough of Lewisham. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. Children also have access to the bathroom and one bedroom on the upper floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight, at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years. The family have a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has devised written policies and procedures regarding medication and sickness and has obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. So as a result, children's health is promoted well. In addition to this, appropriate records are kept regarding the administration of medication and the recording of accidents. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which ensures that she responds appropriately to minor accidents

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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 if they occur on or off the premises. The childminder has good systems in place to prevent the spread of cross infection. For example, she ensures that children develop good hygiene practices by making sure they wash their hands before handling food or after using the toilet. The premises are cleaned thoroughly and gloves are used to change nappies. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder provides a good range of freshly cooked meals and snacks that are nutritional and meet the dietary needs of children. For example, children enjoy foods that include chicken, fish, couscous and vegetables. Children's physical health is promoted well. The childminder ensures that children have regular access to the garden, and visit places such as the soft play centre and park where they can use a good range of large and small equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard and protect children in her care. She has obtained local authority safeguarding procedures and is aware of who to contact should she have concerns about children in her care. She has taken positive steps to ensure that areas used by children are free from hazards and that precautions such as a fitted stairgate across the entrance to the stairs and smoke alarms on both the lower and upper level of the premises, help to keep children safe. The childminder has a fire evacuation procedure in place and has practised this with the children, however she has not kept a record of fire drills practised. Toys and equipment are well maintained and meet safety standards. The childminder has good procedures to keep children safe when they are off site. For example, the childminder has devised an outings policy and ensures that children are supervised at all times. She also raises

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children's awareness of safety through regular discussion and by emphasizing the importance of holding hands when crossing the road.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good range of play and learning activities. For example, children enjoy creative activities such as cooking, painting and arts and crafts. Activities also include construction, role play and sharing stories. In addition to this, children access a wide range of activities through regular visits to the soft play centre, library and childminding drop in groups. So as a consequence, develop confidence and self-esteem. The childminder provides many opportunities for children to take part in spontaneous play as well as adult led activities, helping to promote their independence and extend their learning. She provides babies with plenty of individual attention and responds to their gestures and sounds, helping to develop their communication skills. Children overall are happy, settled and relate well to the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected because the childminder ensures that they are treated with equal concern. She has a supportive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is willing to work in partnership with parents to meet the needs of the child. Although few resources reflecting diversity are in place, the childminder encourages children to be positive and respectful towards others, regardless of their background or abilities. The childminder takes into account children's individual needs by making sure that she communicates with parents regularly and by ensuring that she provides a flexible routine. Parents are kept informed of their child's care and progress via daily discussion, enabling them

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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 to be involved in the child's learning, care and development. Good strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour. For example, the childminder provides clear boundaries for children that takes into account their age and stage of development. She also ensures that children are provided with clear explanations as to why certain behaviour is unacceptable. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise, helping children feel good about themselves and builds their self-esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has ensured that all required documentation is in place. In addition to this, she has devised a range of written policies and procedures which contribute to children's overall welfare and development. However, records detailing practised fire drills are not in place. She has ensured that all people aged 16 years and over, living on the premises, are vetted and suitable be in the proximity of children, helping to protect children from harm. Children are cared for in a safe and organised environment and benefit from a good range of activities that promotes their overall enjoyment. The childminder keeps herself up to date by attending short courses organised by the local authority. In addition to this, she has attended a briefing session on the new Early Years Foundation Stage which is due to be implemented in September 2008, helping to develop her understanding of how young children learn. The childminder meets the

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Organisation

needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 the 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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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 that a record of fire drills is kept • develop resources that reflect diversity

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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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