Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY295054 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2006 Inspection date Donna Bonner Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 2004. She lives in the Deptford area of Lewisham with her husband and their son, who is aged under eight years. They live in a two bedroom terraced ground floor maisonette with a rear garden. Areas of the home that are accessible to minded children include a lounge, kitchen, toilet on the ground floor and one bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. The rear garden is accessed via the lounge. The childminder's home is close to parks, bus routes and the local shops and amenities of Deptford.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder currently cares for one child aged under 12 months on a part time basis.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a home that is regularly cleaned and so limits the risk of infection and this helps them to learn the importance of good hygiene. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder discusses their health needs with their parents and keeps a clear record. However, the childminder does not request permission to seek emergency medical treatment. This means that in the event of an emergency, children may not be cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Children enjoy nutritious cooked meals and the childminder carefully avoids salt and sugar in their diet to encourage healthy eating which is agreed with parents. Babies enjoy carefully prepared food in accordance with their age and stage of development and this encourages calm mealtimes. Children are encouraged to eat fruit and drinks including water and the childminder also presents food attractively which further encourages good eating

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Helping children to be healthy

habits. Children's physical development is encouraged as they benefit from daily fresh air when going to local playgroups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a mostly safe and secure home. The childminder practises her emergency escape plan and so children know how to evacuate in an emergency. However, the fire safety is limited as the blanket is not installed and this poses a risk in the kitchen. Children develop awareness of keeping themselves safe as the childminder talks with them and uses appropriate pushchairs and harnesses when outside. Children are able to access toys and equipment which also encourages their independence. Children play with toys that are appropriate to their stage of development, however, there is not evidence that all toys meet safety standards although the childminder purchases from leading toy suppliers. The childminder understands written child protection guidelines so that children's welfare is safe guarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in the home and have a good relationship with the childminder. They confidently choose from accessible activities and happily chatter and sing songs with the childminder and this encourages their language development. Children's choices of activities are sometimes limited as not all items presented meet their individual developmental needs. For example, children enjoy playing with puzzles but the puzzles seen in use are too challenging and do not encourage their confidence in this area. The childminder praises their efforts when children help to tidy away or clap hands to the music and this raises their self-esteem. Children benefit from a varied routine as they visit local playgroups and local shops frequently and this helps them to socialise.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are familiar with playgroups in their local community and they develop an understanding of different backgrounds and cultural foods. They are valued and respected by the childminder and they respond well to her. Children are gently encouraged to treat each other nicely and this improves their behaviour. They enjoy treats such as a favourite toy or game and this helps their self-esteem. Children's progress is shared with their parents and the childminder follows their routine which offers children consistency. Children receive care that is agreed with their parent as their needs are discussed and clear written contracts are maintained and in use. However, written information for parents on the childminder's service and outings consent is lacking to provide evidence that children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. The childminder is aware of the need to meet the individual needs of children with special

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met as the childminder is mostly organised and maintains records in line with the National Standards. The childminder meets required adult and child ratios so that children receive sufficient time from her and as a result children are comfortable with the routine. The childminder uses her time well and takes into account children's individual needs. The childminder updates her knowledge by attending training and keeps abreast of new developments which informs her practice. 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 the last inspection.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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): • make sure the home is safe with particular reference to plug sockets and evidence of toy safety standards • make sure there is parent consent with particular reference to seek emergency medical treatment and outings • make sure stimulating activities are planned to encourage children's development

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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