Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY356913 Unique Reference Number 23 June 2008 Inspection date Denys Rasmussen Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and two children aged two and seven years old. They live in a house in a suburb of the London borough of Bromley. They are located near to shops, local schools and transport links. The whole of the home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Currently there are two children on roll.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Her home is clean and well organised. She has a rota to ensure that all the toys are cleaned regularly and uses disposable gloves when changing nappies; this helps to prevent the risk of cross-contamination. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established every day routines. The childminder's well written sick child policy is effective at informing parents, this helps to stop the spread of infection. Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy, home cooked, well balanced diet. She ensures the

p.2

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 children are offered fruit and vegetables every day and encourages them to eat five portions a day by using a reward chart. This contributes to children learning about a healthy lifestyle. She gains advice about food and nutrition from National Health Service publications and provides a written menu for parents information. The childminder promotes the good health of children very well by working in partnership with parents. For example, she records everything the children have eaten in their contact book. The childminder keeps excellent records that are clear and accurate. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met. She is qualified in first aid and requests parental consent to seek emergency medical assistance if necessary. This means accidents are dealt with

p.2

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming home where space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely and explore safely. Children's work is displayed and toys are stored in transparent drawers to enable self selection. The children have access to a wide variety of good quality play resources which the childminder ensures are age appropriate. The childminder has excellent systems in place for ensuring the safety of the children. Meticulous risk assessments are completed ensuring measures are put into place to reduce the risk of potential hazards both indoors and outdoors. For example, safety gates restrict children's access, cupboards are locked and electrical sockets are covered. Before taking children to a new venue the childminder completes a risk assessment to ensure she has put adequate measures in place to safeguard the children. Fire safety precautions are

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

good. There are smoke alarms on both levels of the home which are checked weekly and a fire blanket is installed in the kitchen. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a very good understanding of safeguarding children procedures, such as recording incidents; accidents and any concerns she may have about a child's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and gain good levels of self-esteem and confidence through the supportive relationships and encouragement through positive interaction with the childminder. She is extremely attentive and provides the children with stimulating activities that she knows they will enjoy. The childminder's good understanding of child development contributes to the quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. Children show pleasure when involved in activities and the childminder promotes the children's learning by talking to them about what they are doing and asking questions that encourage them to think. The childminder values the children's opinions and asks them to evaluate what it is they enjoy doing so she can plan accordingly. She extends the children's learning by continuing their interests from school and because she knows the children well she understands what to provide to engage their

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interest. For example, a child likes art so she provides activities to promote this. Children enjoy story time because the childminder uses props such as finger puppets to encourage the older children to help tell the younger children the story. The children plant seeds to learn how to care for plants and hunt for snails in the garden. The childminder uses her observations of the children and discussion with their parents to provide an appropriate learning environment. The children are stimulated well through play in a safe and caring atmosphere.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from the partnership that has developed between the childminder and their parents. Comprehensive written policies are shared with parents giving details of the childcare practices used. Parents are very happy with the service provided and made comments, such as, 'the relaxing environment', 'very caring', 'childminder is good at communicating', 'she has an easy nature and warm character', 'she is positive and professional' and 'she has a strong bond with our child'. Parents are given excellent information about the service offered through the childminder's port folio, written contact books and information displayed on the wall. The childminder treats children as individuals and takes detailed information about them to ensure appropriate care is given. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

environment. The positive imagery within her play resources and worthwhile topic work help children to value each other's differences and similarities. The childminder's insightful understanding of the differing needs of children ensure her behaviour management is appropriate and effective. The childminder has a written behaviour management policy which she discusses with the parents. Her good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem; this along with realistic house rules help children to behave well.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children benefit from an environment where they receive excellent adult support to help them feel secure and valued, supporting their learning and development well. Space is used effectively to meet the needs of the children attending and to provide a child orientated environment. The childminder has clear and comprehensive written policies and procedures which fully support her excellent childcare practice. She attends relevant training ensuring her practice is up-to-date. Children's safety and welfare is fully supported by the childminder who has a clear understanding of the National Standards and her responsibilities to the children and their parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5