Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295262 Inspection date 16 January 2006 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 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 registered in 2005, she lives with her daughter aged seven years. They live in a first floor flat in a small block, the flat is within walking distance of shops, parks, public transport and a large hospital. The whole of the flat except the main bedroom is used for childminding. The family have pet goldfish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children. She is presently caring for two children.

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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 has a B.Tec qualification in Health and Social Care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a clean, well organised and comfortable home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands when appropriate. The childminder maintains a good standard of cleanliness in her home. This reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records about any accidents that may have occurred and children's dietary needs. This ensures information can be effectively shared with parents to ensure children's health needs are met. Most parental consents are in place, however there is no consent to seek emergency medical assistance which may result in parental wishes not being followed. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices at snack time. They are offered, for example, a selection of fruit and bread. This helps them to learn about healthy living. Children take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and

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Helping children to be healthy

physical development, such as regularly playing in the local park, and practising physical skills such as kneading and rolling play dough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children play safely because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them and carries out risk assessments both indoors and outdoors to ensure there are no hazards that could threaten children's safety. Children are well protected because the childminder recognises her responsibility towards the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if concerned about a child's welfare. Children begin to understand how to keep themselves safe when outdoors because the childminder talks to them about road safety. Children are able to move around safely and independently because the childminder has ensured the home is free from hazards and welcoming. Resources are stored safely and to enable self selection to encourage the children to use a range of activities to promote their development.

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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 There is a consistent routine which helps the children to feel secure. The childminder encourages the children to express their thoughts and feelings through good questioning and repeating their responses, which encourages the use of language. The children are happy with good levels of self-esteem and confidence as a result of the childminder's praise and support. Children's independence is encouraged through accessible resources. The children are confident and settled and make themselves at home within the setting. They relate well to the childminder because she joins in with their play and supports their ideas. Children experience a varied range of activities both inside and outside the home such as music and movement, creative and pretend play. They also attend local toddler groups and regularly visit the local park and shops. This

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

contributes to their overall development and stimulates their interest in the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder discusses useful information with parents at their first visit and encourages regular "settling in meetings", which are flexible and led by the parents. This helps the children to settle well. The childminder works closely with parents through holding regular informal discussions about children's progress and keeping accurate records. This ensures that children experience consistent care. The children behave well because of the childminder's realistic expectations. Her good use of praise and encouragement help build children's self esteem and self control. Children learn to value each others differences through positive images within play resources, the childminder's good example. Children show increasing independence when they select toys for themselves. They are becoming aware of the wider world through regular outings to the park, groups and local area.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are comfortable and secure in the well organised home, which helps them gain confidence and be independent. The indoor environment is laid out to make the most of the available space and maximise children's play opportunities. The childminder keeps all the required records confidentially. This contributes to the children's health, safety and well being. She regularly shares them with parents, which keeps them well informed about the care provided. The childminder attends regular training, this ensures she provides an up-to-date service.

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Improvements 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 N/a

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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 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): • request written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or assistance.

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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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