Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301588 Inspection date 08 November 2005 Inspector Sonia Steele

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 3 and 5. They live in a three bedroom Terraced house in the Borough of Lewisham, close to shops and schools. The childminder uses all the ground floor for childminding. The lounge diner on this floor has direct access to a kitchen. The bathroom and toilet are located on the first floor where there is a bedroom used for rest. There is a safe, enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding five on a part time basis. She is a member of the National

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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 Childminding Association and has no pets. Hers is a non-smoking household. No overnight care is provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children flourish because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the physical, nutritional and health needs of all children who attend. With guidance and support, she helps children gain an excellent understanding of hygiene, for example children wash their hands before eating and understand the reasons for doing so. The childminder knows how to protect children from infection. She ensures that the environment is clean and tidy, that toys and equipment are washed regularly and that the changing mats are cleaned after every use. Children have their dietary needs met effectively and are provided with a nourishing, freshly prepared, balanced diet. The childminder compiles menus, taking account of individual and cultural needs in close discussion with parents. She uses a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Drinks are readily accessible and

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Helping children to be healthy

children can independently access their own cup or beaker. Meals are taken together in a unhurried manner, the children being given a selection from a cold or hot menu and a choice of the quantity of food that they would like to eat. All relevant information regarding special diet, allergies, likes and dislikes is written down by the parents, thus ensuring children's dietary needs are met. The children have access to an enclosed garden which is used when weather permits. They are taken out to visit groups and go on regular trips to the park to play with balls, run around and use the swings and slides. They rest and sleep when they are tired but the childminder takes into account discussions she has with their parents about their sleep patterns and any routines they have requested. In this way continuity between home and the childminder is maintained and the children's needs are well met. Food intake and nappy changes are recorded to ensure a healthy balance is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious and well organised environment. The environment is warm clean and welcoming with displays of children's work. They are able to move around freely and play safely. They have easy and safe access to an excellent range of toys and resources appropriate to their age. Suitable and safe equipment is provided for children to eat and sleep comfortably. Regular risk assessment checks to minimise potential hazards to children are carried

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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 out and reviewed. Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe and are involved in tasks such as tidying away books and wiping spills. On outings good safety precautions are in place, with older children encouraged to learn about road safety. Children are closely supervised when playing in the garden. The garden is fully enclosed and the area is checked before the children go out to play. The equipment is secure and well maintained ensuring it is suitable for their use. Children are encouraged to think about road safety which was effectively promoted through continued conversation about crossing the road, the significance of the green and red man and the importance of not running to edge of the pavement. Children are kept safe as the childminder has completed relevant training and uses

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate documentation to promote this, for example keeping an accurate attendance register and administration of medicines records, which are shared with parents. First aid kits are kept and regularly replenished. Procedures to monitor sleeping children are in place. The home has good ventilation and natural light. The children have a wide range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards and are stored in a well organised, easily accessible and at children's height. The childminder has a good selection of equipment such as high chairs, buggies and travel cots.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Babies are able to crawl around safely and pull themselves up using appropriate resources and furniture which are child friendly. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and has recently updated her child protection knowledge. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she has concerns about children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a excellent range of early learning toys and equipment which are made easily accessible to them. They were excited and show interest in the many toys and activities on offer. The childminder enjoys art and she ensures that the children's creativity and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as art and craft, painting, listening to and playing music. The childminder interacts with the children and takes a genuine interest in their ideas and what they have to say. Children feel confident to ask for toys to be changed when they are no longer interested in them. They gain good awareness of numbers and colours during their play and are praised and encouraged in this area of learning. Children's well-being is enhanced by the childminder's interest in their home experiences. They also enjoy and learn from a range of activities that allow them to explore and investigate.

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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 Children socialise well with others through attending a variety of drop-in groups. They are provided with good opportunities to learn about the natural world as they are taken to places of interest such as the local farm and parks The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and has a good understanding of appropriate play materials and activities to support their development. There is a varied selection of toys and equipment for babies. When caring for babies the childminder gives them her full attention when they try to communicate, encouraging language by repeating words. The older children also support the younger ones by playing and repeating words to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have access to an excellent range of play equipment that promotes positive images of diversity. The childminder implements equal opportunities well and makes sure children learn to acknowledge and accept differences. They learn about the world they live in and the different cultures and beliefs through celebrating festivals and playing with globes, maps posters and paintings. She uses her knowledge to promote children's understanding of similarities and differences. The childminder has first hand experience of special needs and would be able to identify a child in her care in this category. The childminder demonstrates how she would consult with parents about the need for any special services and provide equipment for the children in her care Children's behaviour is managed by a variety of appropriate strategies, depending on the child's age and understanding. Children benefit from a calm and patient

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Helping children make a positive contribution

environment where they are given plenty of praise and encouragement. The childminder has good systems in place for verbal communications with parents and as a result is aware of any changes to the children's home circumstances. The children understand the routines and boundaries set at the childminder's home. They learn the importance of social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. Their self-esteem and independence skills are fostered because the childminder uses effective strategies to do so. The childminder works effectively in partnership with parents who are informed daily about the children's routines and childcare practices. Her friendly and professional approach to parents strongly promotes children’s confidence and sense of belonging in her home. There are clear written contracts and agreements with parents which set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child. This contributes to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's well-being while in the care of the minder. The childminder is aware of the need to maintain privacy and confidentiality.

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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 Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who has knowledge and understanding of child development and good practice. She has recently gained her Level 3 Cache training in childcare. The adult to child ratio positively supports children's care, learning and play because the childminder is able to organise her time with the children to give them the maximum amount of individual support. For example, when one of the minded children is at pre-school or asleep, she interacts and plays with the other minded child. The childminder draws up comprehensive records of children's details and individual needs in conjunction with parents and uses these to convey her work with the children. The childminder has requested a variance to her numbers and ages of children and in view of her knowledge and

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Organisation

understanding of childcare development and good practice it has been agreed at the Inspection. There are good systems in place for sharing policies and procedures with parents. The childminder is currently updating these systems to provide a more professional approach to her childminding business. A daily diary for all the children is shared with parents, detailing where they have visited during the day. Separate records for each child are not kept. The setting is meeting the needs of all the children for whom it provides care.

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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 then those made to Ofsted. There are no complaints to report

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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):

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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 • obtain permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice

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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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