Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303266 Inspection date 07 October 2005 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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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 outstanding. 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 has been registered since April 2005. She lives with her partner and child aged 17 months. They live in a house in Beckenham close to shops, schools, parks and public transport. The downstairs of the home, except for the conservatory is currently being used for childminding purposes. The family have a pet dog.

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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 The childminder may care for a maximum of five children at any one time. Presently she cares for two children aged under 3 years on a part time basis. The childminder holds the NNEB ( Nursery Nurses Examination Board) and the ADCE (Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established every day routines. They know; for example, they need to wash their hands after they have had their nappy changed and before meals. They are protected from cross-contamination because the childminder follows excellent hygiene procedures in the kitchen as she has completed a food hygiene course. She uses disposable gloves when changing nappies and cleans the changing mat thoroughly after each use. 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 and well balanced diet, she ensures the children are offered fruit and vegetables every day and encourages them to drink water and fruit juice. This contributes to children learning about a healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

lifestyle The childminder keeps excellent records that are clear and accurate; for example, children's food intake, sleep periods, demeanour and nappy changes. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met. Children enjoy the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities on a daily basis, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. They visit the park where they play football or use wheeled toys or test out their physical skills on more challenging equipment in physical activity centres. The childminder provides regular opportunities for the children to practise physical skills indoors; such as, kneading or rolling play dough or music and movement, this helps the children gain control of their body. The childminder's good understanding about appropriate types of activities, level of support and warm interaction gives the children confidence to try out new skills, set

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Helping children to be healthy

their own limits and know when to ask for help.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent systems in place for ensuring the safety of the children which she gives high priority. Clear risk assessments are completed ensuring measures are put into place to reduce the risk of potential hazards. For example, toughened glass in external and internal doors, stair gates placed to restrict children's access to potential risk and all hazardous substances out of the children's reach. The risk of accidents outside the home is reduced because the childminder is conscientious about ensuring children are safe on outings. For example, she uses a

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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 harness when children are walking and makes sure they have appropriate restraints in the car. The childminder helps children to learn about their own safety by introducing them to road safety when on outings. The children choose activities from an excellent variety of good quality resources, which the childminder makes sure are suitable for their age and stage of development so they can play safely. The routine of visiting familiar safe places allow children freedom in a controlled way to keep them safe. Space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely, explore and take risks because the childminder supervises appropriately. Clear and comprehensive policies and practice are effective in protecting children. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children in her care and has a very good understanding of procedures such as recording incidents; existing injuries, accidents and any concerns she may have about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are confident and settled, they make themselves at home in the organised and stimulating environment. The children relate well to the childminder because she makes sure she is at their level, establishes eye contact and is physically close. This helps the children to communicate how they feel, enjoy her company and be happy to go to her for support. The children enjoy the close contact with the childminder and respond well to her encouragement. The childminder's exceptional understanding of child development and the 'Birth to Three Matters' framework contributes greatly to the quality of activities and experiences that the children are offered. The childminder gives children's learning high priority every day. This ensures they make very good progress in all areas of learning. The childminder plays with the children at their level, she gets down on the floor and inspires their play by supporting and guiding them, being enthusiastic and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

knowing them well enough to know what interests them. Children learn to listen and respond while enjoying and sharing stories, songs and games. The childminder is particularly skilled at encouraging language development, she stimulates language through activities offered such as role-play and responds to the children by repeating what they say, reinforcing the language and ensuring they feel understood. She talks to the children about what they are doing and asks questions to make them think, this stimulates children's learning. She enables the children to have fun because she knows them well and understands their needs. The childminder records what the children can do and have achieved daily in their individual contact books for the parents information this helps her monitor how they are progressing. An important part of the children's day is fresh air and exercise, they go to the park on bikes, scooters and play football promoting physical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's independence is encouraged; for example, through accessible resources stored at child level, helping the childminder to tidy up and practising putting on their coat. They are happy and secure with good levels of self-esteem and confidence as

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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 a result of the childminder's praise and support. The children attend groups and meet up with other childminders and their children. This enables them to make friends building their confidence and social skills. Children develop a sense of belonging through the consistent routine and positive relationships they have with the childminder and each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder goes to a great deal of effort to ensure the individual needs of the children in her care are met. For example, she takes detailed information about the children's home routine, words they know and what particularly interests them so that she provides consistent care and can help the children to feel valued. The childminder discusses useful information with parents at their first visit and encourages regular settling in meetings, which are flexible and parent led ensuring that children settle well. She has extensive experience and understanding of 'partnership with parents' and builds relationships with parents that are both friendly and professional. This helps ensure children are settled and secure. Parents have clear information about the childminder and the service she offers in her port folio. This also displays her clear policies and procedures, ensuring that parents are well

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Helping children make a positive contribution

informed about the service offered. Children show care and concern for each other and play together harmoniously because of the childminder's realistic expectations and example. Her skilful use of praise and encouragement help children's self-esteem and self-control. Children understand rules are made to keep them safe such as not throwing the toys or hurting each other. Children have access to resources and outings that promote a positive view of the wider world. For example by acknowledging a variety of festivals and traditions, visiting people and providing play resources that reflect positive images of race, culture and disability. The childminder has considerable understanding about caring for children with special needs, her up-to-date training allows her to assess the needs of all children and enable her service to be inclusive.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised child orientated environment. The photographs of the children and the children's work displayed on the walls make the home welcoming. The childminder is very well qualified and experienced which means children's play opportunities are maximised. She ensures she understands the children's interests, she inspires them to learn and promotes their enjoyment of the outdoors. Exemplary policies and procedures work well in practise to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided.

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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 All documentation is well maintained to a very high standard and kept confidentially. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 outstanding. 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

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

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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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