Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY100318 Inspection date 10 October 2005 Inspector Adetokunbo Abudu

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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 has been registered since October 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five years in a terrace house, close to public transport, local schools and parks, in Bromley in the London Borough of Bromley. Childcare takes place in the whole of the ground floor. An upstairs toilet is also used. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has two gold fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight

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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 years old and is currently caring for two children aged 19 months and four years old. The childminder is not registered to provide overnight care. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group or Teddy Bears’ picnic in Bromley and takes children to the local library. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and disabilities. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and comfortable home as the childminder maintains good hygiene practices. She provides individual bedding, utensils and regularly washes the toys. Children are protected from illness and infection as they do not attend if they are ill or have contagious disease. Good records and procedures are in place for first aid, accidents and medication, which ensure children are well cared for. Children's individual dietary needs are well met because the childminder gains good information from parents at the beginning of the placement, and she has a sound understanding of providing varied, well balanced foods and drinks which are offered regularly through out the day. Very young children's curiosity is extended as they have frequent opportunities to experience the natural outdoor environment. Children benefit from regular out door play as they enjoy playing in the garden, going to local parks and play grounds,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a warm, safe and caring environment with sufficient space for them to move around comfortably to explore and satisfy their curiosity. They are secure and content, and receive individual attention and support to promote their emotional well-being from the childminder. Children independently choose activities from a range of good quality resources, which meet safety standards. These are easily accessible and generally well organised to meet the needs of all children. The childminder has taken all necessary steps to ensure high level of cleanliness of the home. Both in and out of doors are kept clean and tidy and regular risk assessments of the premises are carried out. However, safety of the children in the well organised space could be compromised as the big fireplace surround in the lounge poses a potential hazard to children and the childminder has agreed to ensure the fire place is safe and secured.

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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 The childminder is well informed about child protection issues. She knows what signs or symptoms could suggest ill treatment and would take appropriate action without delay. Records and documentations that are required for the safe management of the children are well maintained such as fire evacuation and child protection procedures. Children enjoy a flexible routine which provides good opportunities for them to visit local parks, toddler groups and play grounds. This provides a further learning experience for the children. Overall, the needs of all children are met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a wide range of stimulating toys and activities to promote and encourage their learning and development. For example, children are developing their early writing skills as they draw and paint. Children are learning to share and take turns as they interact with each other. They are increasing their vocabulary as the childminder asks them questions and encourages them to talk. Children show interest in toys and activities provided, which are organised to offer the children the freedom to choose their own toys or to settle at any one activity. Subsequently, the children engage in meaningful play. Children settle well at the childminder's house, as she has a good settling in period. They have easy access to a good range of suitable toys and activities which promotes their learning and development. Although older children would benefit from a wider range of toys and resources.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a close and loving relationship with the childminder. For example, she gives hugs and cuddles and knows the needs of each child well. Children get pleasure from being taken out regularly to local parks and child friendly settings such as toddler groups and childminder drop-ins, where the children explore new activities and enjoy the company of older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good behaviour management policy, in place which is discussed and agreed with parents. As a result, children have clear and consistent boundaries. Children develop self-esteem and confidence, as the childminder gives praise and encouragement to make children feel good about themselves. This is reflected in practice when children are praised and encouraged when they do something well. For example, during play when a child climbed the indoor slide with little adult support. The child beamed with delight as the childminder offered lots of praise and encouragement. Children benefit from the close relationship the childminder has with parents. For example, she provides daily feed back to parents about their children's routine and their developmental progress. She discusses issues and concerns openly and

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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 frankly. As a result, children are happy and secure. The childminder understands the importance of helping children to develop a positive identity and feel good about themselves and their family. A range of suitable resources reflecting differences in culture, gender and disabilities helps children to learn about differences and the world they live in. The childminder shares her knowledge of cultural backgrounds in the community with children by introducing resources and books that reflect our diverse community into her childminding practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from a well organised space, as they explore their environment. They feel at ease and content in this well organised environment. Children happily settle in the warm and comfortable home. The areas for play, rest and eating are well set out, helping children to feel secure in their surroundings. The childminder is well organised and the children benefit from a variety of outings to parks and toddler groups where they are able to socialise with other children and widen their experiences. Childrens overall care, learning and welfare are promoted as sound information about the children's individual needs is gathered from parents. As a result the childminder provides good quality care in accordance with parent's wishes. She has a well organised and detailed portfolio which is shared with parents and includes training certificates, first aid and public liability certificates, policies and procedures. These

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Organisation

enhance the quality of care provided to ensure children are well cared for. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the fire place is safe and secured

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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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