Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY367789 Unique Reference Number 18 July 2008 Inspection date Mauvene Burke 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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her two daughters aged two years and nine years old. They live in a two bedroomed ground floor maisonette in Brixton, situated in the London borough of Lambeth. Children will be cared for mainly in the ground floor lounge and will use an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is a small balcony off the lounge that can be used by children under direct adult supervision. Local parks and play areas will be used for outdoor play on a regular basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of two children under eight years old and currently cares for siblings on a part-time basis, one of which attends after school. At the time that the inspection was carried out, there were no minded children present.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated a satisfactory understanding of how children's health is best promoted in terms of ensuring that children wash their hands before eating and especially after using the toilet. Children will have the use of individual paper towels on which to dry their hands to help to reduce the risk of cross infection. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the procedures to follow if a child in her care has an accident or requires medication. Although she does not hold a current first aid certificate she demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of basic first aid. There is a complete first aid box on the premises. She has sought written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides children’s meals. The childminder has obtained appropriate information about children's dietary needs to ensure their specific needs are known and met. The childminder provides freshly prepared meals and introduces healthy foods to children’s diet, such as fruit. This helps children develop good eating habits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the importance of children receiving fresh air and engaging in physical activities. She stated that children are taken to the local park on a daily basis where they have opportunities to climb, run and uses a scooter.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The home environment is warm and inviting for children and their parents. The childminder has organised the available space well in order to meet the needs of the children, for example children have access to the living room for their main play, they sleep in an upstairs bedroom and eat and have messy activities in the kitchen. There is a satisfactory range of toys and equipment available for children that are suitable for their age and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates how she promotes and maintains safety with children and minimises hazards in her home. However, the fire blanket is currently ineffective in its present form as it is not fixed in accordance to the manufacture's guidelines. Cleaning agents and low level sockets in the kitchen are accessible to children and the carpet at the top of the stairs is loose which is a tripping hazard. This compromises children's overall safety. There is a fire evacuation procedure displayed but as yet a drill has not been carried out. The childminder demonstrates through discussion that she has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrated a reasonable understanding of some areas of child protection, for example, some of the signs and symptoms which may indicate abuse or neglect. However, she is less confident in her understanding of the procedures to follow if she has a concern which means that children's welfare is not fully safeguarded. The provider is due to complete a Safeguarding Children training course in September 2008.

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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 satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates how she provides a stimulating environment for children in her care. She indicates that children's needs are met and that they are provided with an appropriate range of toys and resources to help keep them happy. For example, it is reported that children enjoy looking at books and being sung to. Musical instruments are provided in order to compliment the songs that the childminder sings. Through discussion the childminder is able to demonstrate how she helps children to enjoy and achieve whilst in her care. She demonstrates how she knows and meets the needs of the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion the childminder demonstrates that she has a suitable understanding of equal opportunities and the inclusion of all children. The childminder demonstrates through discussion how children are treated and cared for as individuals. Children have access to a small range of resources, mainly books, that reflect the diversity of our society, this enables children to learn about and understand diversity, in addition to this, children are taken out into the local community where there are further opportunities to explore their community. However, on the whole, resources are limited and none promote disability. The provider intends to look for support in this area from the Early Years team. The provider has not minded any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of how parents can be supported and children included within her setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a clear knowledge of methods for behaviour management, giving suitable examples of how she would approach situations. There are appropriate methods used to work with parents; parents are offered daily verbal feedback, they use contracts and the childminder respects the wishes of each parent regarding the care of their child. These aspects help ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive information about their children's care. The childminder was unable to demonstrate a sound understanding of the complaints regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provider has been registered as a childminder for less than six months so therefore has not yet completed a first aid course or completed an approved childminding course as is required. The childminder demonstrates how she meets children's individual needs appropriately. She works from an organised home, nonetheless, there are some safety issues which need to be addressed to ensure children's safety at all times.

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Organisation

Most required documentation is in place to promote children’s health and well-being. However, not all relevant information as required is maintained, for example, the hours of children's attendance. The childminder ensures that other records relating to children's records are up-to-date, this helps to promote children's welfare and well-being. Documentation relating to children was readily available for inspection.

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Organisation

Overall, evidence suggests that the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

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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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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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): • assess the risk to children in relation to the low level sockets, the cleaning agents and the loose carpet and take action to minimise them • ensure that the fire blanket is fitted in accordance to the manufacturer's guideline • develop knowledge and understanding of the procedures to follow if you have concerns about a child's welfare and ensure that these are in line with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board • ensure that resources positively reflect diversity and disability • develop knowledge and understanding of the complaints procedures and ensure that these are shared with parents • ensure that the hours of the children's attendance is accurately recorded and maintained at all times.

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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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