Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361237 Unique Reference Number 30 June 2008 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 husband and two children, aged five and two years. They live in the London Borough of Bromley. The downstairs area of the home is primarily used for childminding purposes. There is a upstairs bedroom for children to sleep and a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who follows exemplary hygiene procedures. Children's health is very well protected by a childminder who has an up-to-date knowledge of first aid and is aware of the correct administrative procedures to follow if 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 have an accident whilst in her care. The correct procedures for administering medication are followed, including written consent from parents. Parents are advised at the end of the day about any medicines that are administered to their children; however, their acknowledgement is not recorded which has the potential to compromise their welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder supplies individual towels for children to use, to minimise the risk of cross-infection, and conscientiously ensures that children clean their hands regularly. Children also brush their teeth after eating. Very well documented records show that children receive appropriate medical care and the childminder maintains all of the necessary records and documentation to ensure that they receive appropriate treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has produced very thorough policies and procedures covering nappy changing, feeding babies, monitoring sleeping children and the procedures she will follow if children become ill or are infectious, so parents have a clear understanding of the care their children will receive. The childminder uses the information that she receives to ensure that children's sleep and personal routines are maintained. Children benefit from the childminder organising a healthy programme of activities. The childminder takes children to the park daily and organises regular visits to other places of interest where there is space to run and extend their physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thoroughly enjoy the highly nutritious and well balanced meals and snacks that the childminder prepares and provides for them. The childminder ensures that children are aware of healthy eating and learn where foods come from. Therefore, she enthusiastically involves children in growing their own herbs. They recently enjoyed a themed topic about healthy eating. The childminder follows and respects parents' wishes about their children's dietary needs and the very well balanced menu includes children's preferences

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in an environment where substantial safety precautions have been taken to minimise risks. Their safety is prioritised and the childminder has carefully risk assessed her home to ensure children play freely and safely. For example, all low-level electrical sockets are fitted with safety sockets, all hazardous materials are inaccessible to the children and the garden is safe and secure, ensuring children can play safely outside. Superior written policies underpin the childminder's safe practice and include procedures for sun protection, lost children, and collecting children. There is a detailed emergency evacuation plan in place, which is practised and a record maintained of the drill. Children are closely supervised at all times and checked frequently when sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Space is extremely well organised and encourages children's autonomy so they can freely explore and take risks while being protected from harm. Children access a wide range of good quality, safe and suitable toys and resources that are well organised to encourage independent choice. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in the home and when on outings as they are aware of the boundaries in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is fully safeguarded. The childminder has effective systems in place to prioritise children's safety. For example, all accidents and injuries, regardless of where children have sustained them, are meticulously recorded and signed by the childminder and parents. This is good practice and demonstrates that the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She knows the procedure to be followed if she has a concern

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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 about a child, including the relevant contact details. There is a comprehensive written child protection policy in place, which informs parents of her role and responsibilities; this is discussed with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the childminder’s home. They achieve extremely well because the childminder is highly skilled and uses her very good understanding of child development to provide high quality care and education to the children in her care. Children participate in a wide range of purposeful and developmentally appropriate play activities. For example, they play with tactile materials and arts and crafts. They enjoy making pictures and models and these are either displayed or proudly taken home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In addition to artwork, photographs of children at play are displayed, which gives children a sense of belonging and achievement. The childminder also uses them to aid her planning and to record achievements, for example, babies gaining their balance and taking a step. Social skills are developing well as children learn to share and take turns with the children they meet at toddler group. Children also enjoy regular outings. A daily trip to the park is enjoyed on the way home from school. During school holidays, outings are planned to parks further afield as well as to a farm. Children enjoy picnics when on outings and in the childminder's welcoming garden. Children have planted sunflower seeds; their pots are labelled so they can proudly watch their plants grow. In the winter months the children enjoyed planting seeds and watching their herbs grow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows the children very well. She monitors their development to ensure they are progressing in all areas. She ensures activities are levelled correctly, offer sufficient challenge and promote children's development. Children are able to make choices with regard to the toys they wish to play with and this promotes their independence. There is a good sense of fun in the household and the childminder has a very gentle, calm manner. When a young child decides to experiment by dropping his blueberries on the floor, this is met with complete understanding. The child giggles as the childminder pretends to be shocked. Children experience warm, consistent care, the childminder is very attentive to the children, gently reassuring and constantly focused on their needs. It is a lovely child-centred environment, where children are encouraged in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive a very high level of support and affection which builds their self-esteem and helps them to be confident, happy and secure. The childminder knows the children very well. She respects their individuality and ensures their needs are known and met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder offers an inclusive service and ensures she provides for children's individual needs. She is committed to valuing the language and culture of all children. She recently attended a language course to help her support any children who may have language delay or English as an additional language. Children learn about diversity by accessing a wide range of resources which depict positive images of people in our society, for example small world figures of people with physical disabilities, books, puzzles and dolls representing people from various cultural backgrounds. Children learn about the world around them through engaging in themed

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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 topics. Recent ones have included Easter, American Independence Day and the British Grand Prix.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well and understand the expectations for their behaviour. Younger children regularly attend toddler group where they develop their social skills. Children are praised for their efforts and a reward system is very effective. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of why children test the boundaries and this enables her to be proactive in preventing problems from escalating. Children are reminded of the house rules and good manners at mealtimes are encouraged.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents works well. Parents have regular discussions with the childminder and are able to access the children’s work. Policies are available for them to read and arrangements regarding their children's care are discussed and agreed. Parents' views are sought and welcomed. A recent questionnaire completed by parents highlighted their satisfaction with the care provided. Comments included " I am extremely pleased with the care my child receives", and " the childminder is very approachable and welcoming, she encourages the children in every aspect". The childminder has a complaints procedure and parents are given the information about what to do in the event of a complaint. However, this lacks information about written complaints and a recommendation has been made for it to be included in the childminder's procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-centred environment in which children's play and learning is very well supported. Space and resources are well organised to provide children with a good balance of interesting activities and encourage their autonomy. The childminder has implemented her own, well thought out procedures to promote good outcomes for children.

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Organisation

The childminder has a thorough understanding of the National Standards, which ensures children are well protected. The childminder has attended relevant training to support her practice and is proactive in developing her knowledge and skills further. The childminder's positive manner ensures that children feel at home and experience a sense of belonging.

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Organisation

Documentation is up-to-date and two recommendations have been agreed to enhance the childminder's effective practice.

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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.

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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 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 parents acknowledge medication administered to their children • increase knowledge about the procedure for complaints

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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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