Childminder in LewishamOfsted inspection, 13 Dec 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 128688 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Pamela Patricia Paisley

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1996. She lives with her husband and adult daughter in Downham Bromley. The whole ground floor and bathroom facilities on the first floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of 4 children at any one time. There are currently 3 children on roll, 2 children under 5 years during the day, and 1 child over 5 years, before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The

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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 family has no pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children gain a good understanding of good hygiene practice through daily routines. They understand that washing their hands stops them getting germs. Children enjoy nutritious meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day. They are learning about what foods are healthy and they make choices about what they want to eat. The childminder takes into account any dietary requirements that children have to ensure their individual needs are met. Children's well being is promoted because the childminder discusses health care matters with parents, including her policy about children not attending when they are infectious. Children learn about the importance of staying healthy through physical exercise and they take part in activities that contribute to their good health and physical development. For example, daily walks to and from school, local shops and regular visits to parks. Children learn the importance of physical activities in maintaining a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are learning to keep safe as the childminder talks to them about safe practices, for example not running in the house, putting toys in their mouths or jumping on furniture. The home environment is safe and welcoming with space and resources organised well to promote their development. Risks are minimised throughout the home to protect children from potential dangers with effective safety devices such as cupboard locks, a fire blanket and smoke alarms. The organisation of play materials in low level units means that children can access them safely and independently. The childminder supervises children's choice of resources to ensure they are safe and age appropriate. Children play with a wide and stimulating range of safe, good quality play materials, toys and suitable play equipment such as bikes and sit-ride toys in the garden. Children are protected on outings as they are encouraged to follow good practice,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

such as holding hands when crossing the road. As a result children learn the importance of keeping themselves safe. Through the use of appropriate car seats and seat belts, children are kept safe when travelling by car, although written permission for taking children out in a vehicle has not been sought. Children are well protected because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 good. Children become increasingly independent in response to the childminder's expectations and encouragement to make choices and decisions about choosing and helping themselves to drinks, snacks and serving themselves at meal times. They play well together and enjoy play opportunities provided by the childminder. Children benefit from a range of activities that foster their creative, imaginative and physical development. They happily take part in creative activities such as arts and crafts role play and cooking. They enjoy dressing up, and trips to local parks, shops and visiting places of interest. Children have opportunities to socialise with their peers through regular visits to the library and toddler groups. They gain confidence in communicating. They relate well with the childminder because she talks to them and encourages them to share their ideas, gives cuddles and fosters their self-esteem and confidence through praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are effectively met because the childminder values each child, she makes them feel important and treats them as individuals. The childminder spends time finding out about their likes and dislikes, as she works closely with parents to develop children's daily routine. Children are confident in expressing their feelings. They initiate conversations, about their day at school and home life with each other, giving them a sense of belonging and awareness of their own needs and that of others. The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and appropriately, taking into account their level of understanding, which enables them to know what is expected of them. They are encouraged to show regard for each other and take turns when playing. Their achievements are consistently praised, which contributes to them developing good self esteem and respect for others. Children are helped to learn about their wider community through discussions and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

looking at different cultures and festivals using books. Their awareness of diversity and understanding of others is promoted as they celebrate different festivals throughout the year.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time well to meet the needs of the children in her care. Activities are well planned to support children in their development and learning. Children are cared for in a secure relaxed environment that is organised to promote their independence. As a result, they are confident in accessing resources and

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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 initiating their own play. Policies and procedures are shared with parents and keep them informed about the service provided but consent for taking children out in a vehicle has not been sought. The childminder understands and complies with regulatory requirements. Children are supervised at all times to ensure they are protected from persons who have not been vetted. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to maintain an accurate record of accidents. The childminder has improved her record keeping. A clear record of accidents is maintained. As a result children's health and safety has been enhanced.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to made to Ofsted 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 children’s welfare is effectively promoted through obtaining written parental consent for taking children out in a vehicle

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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