Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY288542 Inspection date 08 December 2005 Inspector Mauvene Burke

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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 satisfactory. 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 2005. She lives with her 6 year old son and 13 month old daughter. They live in a 2 bedroom flat situated on the second floor of a 2 storey block on a residential cul-de-sac, located in Clapham Common in the London Borough of Lambeth. It is within walking distance of local amenities and public transport. The main rooms used for childminding is the living room and the children's bedroom. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day and one child after

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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 school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment which contributes to their good health by reducing the risk of infection. Children are learning about good hygiene in their everyday routines, for example by washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Younger children have their hands wiped for them by the childminder. Sick children are not cared for by the childminder: parents are informed of this verbally and through a written contract. However, at present she does not have parents' permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, and as a result children's wellbeing is being compromised. The dietary needs of the children are generally well met as the childminder ensures that the wishes of parents are taken into consideration and that the children receive healthy and nutritious snacks. Older children receive fresh air and exercise when they walk to and from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although younger children have the same opportunities, they have limited access to exercise as the childminder does not take them out regularly during the colder weather and they have no access to a garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a satisfactory range of age appropriate toys which meet safety standards. Children do not have immediate access to the full range as they are stored in a bedroom. The childminder ensures that toys are changed regularly so that children's play is varied and stimulating. Children benefit from playing in a safe and secure environment. The childminder minimises most risks enabling children to explore safely. However, the fire blanket is not in a suitable position and the fire escape route, including the stairs outside the flat, is blocked by buggies. This means that children's safety in the event of a fire is hindered. Children do not have suitable eating arrangements to ensure they are comfortable. They eat meals whilst seated on the floor as there are no tables or high/low chairs. The childminder has yet to develop these arrangements. Children's welfare is being safe-guarded as the childminder has an acceptable

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection issues, and has a secure knowledge of what to do if she suspects a child is being abused.

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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 satisfactory. Children are beginning to socialise and communicate with each other through play. The childminder communicates with them which they respond to well. Children are confident when approaching the childminder for the occasional hug or cuddle. Although the toys provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children's development, they are not set out imaginatively in a way to aid children's natural curiosity. For example dolls, bricks and telephones are strewn across the floor with no real purpose. However, children are beginning to explore imaginative play as they hold plastic bricks which they use as telephones. Children do not have any opportunities to explore sand and water play as the childminder does not yet take them out to toddler groups or clubs. Older children tend to be mainly involved in homework at the request of their parent. They have opportunities to attend swimming classes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued for who they are. For example, one of the children attending only speaks French, of which the childminder can speak a little. She will speak to the child in French when she can and encourages other children to speak some words of French too. Children have some resources to play with and activities that provide a positive reflection of the wider community, though there are none that reflect disability. The childminder has little experience of minding children with special needs, but has a general understanding of possible issues. Children learn about acceptable behaviour with the childminder who has consistent expectations. Methods used to manage behaviour are age appropriate and sensitive to each child’s need. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder works with parents to support children and meet their individual needs. The daily verbal exchange of information keeps parents informed of their

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has recently started childminding and has started to develop an organised environment for the children attending. Some areas require development more than others: for example, she has yet to establish suitable eating arrangements for the younger children. She uses a range of written records which generally meet requirements and are effective in supporting the childminding business. However, not all records are available for inspection such as the written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment.

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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 The childminder has completed the pre-registration course and has completed part of the Introduction to Childminding Practice course which she passed. She has not yet managed to complete an appropriate first aid training course. Children are generally well settled and happy in this environment. The childminder knows the children well and works in partnership with parents, with whom she has a good relationship. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that the fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen • ensure that the fire escape route is kept clear so that in the event of a fire children are able to access the stairs and leave the premises safely • develop a suitable range of activities for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to three framework • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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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 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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