Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343456 Unique Reference Number 25 June 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 husband in a two bedroom flat, in the London borough of Lewisham. The whole of the premises is used for childminding. There is access to communal gardens for outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years. The childminder does not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good systems are in place which ensure that children's health and well-being is promoted. For example, the childminder has devised a sickness policy and has a clear understanding of procedures to follow should a child become ill in her care. In addition to this, she ensures that gloves are worn when changing nappies and that children are encouraged to wash their hands after messy activities or before handling food. The implementation of a no shoe policy in the main play room used by children, help to sustain high levels of hygiene and minimise cross

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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 infection. Procedures regarding the administration of medication are in place and consent to seek emergency medical treatment has been obtained from all parents, safeguarding children's welfare. A system is in place to record accidents and the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to respond appropriately to accidents that occur both on and off the premises.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary requirements are well supported by the childminder. Parents are responsible for providing all the snacks and meals for their children. However, the childminder ensures that she discusses the dietary needs of children with parents and keeps a record of any allergies or any special dietary considerations. In addition to this, fresh drinking water is provided for children throughout the day, helping to keep them hydrated. Children's physical health is promoted because the childminder ensures that children regularly visit the park where they can access a good range of large and small equipment to develop their growing physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's overall health and safety is promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and has up to date guidelines in place. She undertakes regular risk assessments and ensures that the environment is mostly free from hazards. However, the low level glass mirror located in the living room is not made of toughened glass and medication kept in the main bedroom, is accessible to children and is a potential risk. She ensures that children access toys and resources that are well maintained and meets safety requirements. So as a result, children play safely and independently. Consideration is given to children's safety when they are off the premises. For example, the childminder talks to children about keeping themselves safe when walking along the pavement or crossing the road. She also ensures that young children are securely strapped in the pushchair and are never left unsupervised. So as a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

consequence, children's welfare is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a broad and varied curriculum which is well planned and meets their individual needs. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and ensures that play experiences include, imaginative play, storytelling and a broad range of creative activities, promoting children's sense of enjoyment. Children have access to a dedicated playroom which is organised so that children can easily access toys and resources. So as a result, children explore their environment with enthusiasm and are able to make choices during their play. Children benefit from plenty of individual attention and have developed a close, trusting relationship with the childminder, helping them to feel secure. The childminder ensures that children have many opportunities to socialise with other children. For example, she takes children to drop in groups and to the park, so as a result, children are confident and are steadily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developing their social skills. Overall, children are happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder works in partnership with parents and ensures that she communicates with them on a daily basis about their child's care and progress. The routine provided for children is flexible and is discussed with parents before they commence the placement. This results in

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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 children being settled and secure and ensures that their individual needs are met. In addition to this, a good range of policies and procedures are available to parents so that they are aware of how the needs of their children will be met. Children behave well because the childminder ensures that boundaries are realistic and age appropriate. Children are made aware of why behaviour is unacceptable and are praised for good behaviour. So as a result, children display good levels of self-esteem. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment. Resources reflecting diversity are few but she is committed to treating children as individuals and with equal concern. Children are taught to be kind and considerate and to be respectful of others regardless of their abilities, gender, race or religious persuasion. The childminder has a positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

attitude towards providing support for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Although none attend at present, she is willing to work in partnership with parents and outside agencies so that children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and has ensured that all required documentation is in place, helping to promote the overall well being of children. In addition to this, good systems are in place which underpin the safe and efficient management of the service she provides. The premises are generally safe with the exception of low level glass and medication which is accessible to children. The childminder provides children with a good range of learning experiences and ensures that space within her home is well utilised, helping to promote their sense of enjoyment. High priority is given to the childminder's professional development. For example, she has attended a broad range of workshops which have included, safeguarding, managing behaviour and the Early Years Foundation Stage. In addition to this, she is currently undertaking a level three qualification in children's care learning

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Organisation

and development, helping to enhance her knowledge and understanding of children in her care. Overall, the childminder meets the 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.

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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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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): • increase resources reflecting diversity • ensure that the low level glass mirror is made safe • ensure that medication is placed out of reach to children

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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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