Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY297325 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2006 Inspection date Laura Brewer 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 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 December 2004. She lives with her husband in a house, situated in Catford within the London Borough of Lewisham. It is accessible to local parks, schools and transport services.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The dining room and conservatory are used as the playrooms and they also offer sleeping facilities. Toilet provision is available on the ground floor and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play opportunities. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is first aid qualified and has completed relevant pre-registration training. She currently provides part-time care for three children ages three years, two years and 18 months and out of school care for one child aged six years.

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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 are cared for in a clean and well organised home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices such as washing their hands after using the toilet, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and snacks that ensure their dietary needs are met throughout the day. They take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development. For example, regularly visiting local parks for rigorous play and using the garden to practise ball skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a current first aid certificate and understands the correct procedures to be followed for recording accidents, this ensures children's welfare is safeguarded. Children's health is well supported as the childminder gives priority to children's well-being by building secure relationships and recording relevant information about the child's individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has organised space to meet children's needs and has created a welcoming environment for them to play. Most of the required safety precautions are in place, although the fire blanket has not been fitted according to the manufacturers instructions which compromises children's safety. Children can play safely because they have access to a range of safe and suitable play materials that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder helps the children to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, she has discussions with children about risks outdoors and they frequently talk about road safety issues. Children are well protected, the childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and understands the procedures she must follow if concerned about the welfare of a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident in their surroundings. They have built close relationships with the childminder as she joins in with their play and supports their ideas. Children choose from a range of developmentally appropriate resources which are stored to allow for self-selection. They show enthusiasm in their chosen activity such as building with bricks, counting and sharing books together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The organisation of the routine provides children with times to be active and quiet with opportunities to play indoors or outdoors. Local resources such as toddler groups, parks and libraries are used to increase learning opportunities and stimulate interest in the local environment. The childminder is not familiar with the Birth to three matters framework which means she does not have a full understanding of how it can be used to support her work with young children.

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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 good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children's likes and dislikes, routine and individual needs, to ensure they settle well and experience consistent care. The childminder's portfolio contains an information sheet to support her work which provides parents with details about the service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder's good use of praise and encouragement builds children's self-esteem. Children have access to the full range of activities offered and the childminder uses discussion to enable children to learn positively about diversity. The childminder has a positive approach towards working with children with learning difficulties and has a satisfactory awareness of relevant issues to promote children's welfare and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the setting which helps them gain confidence and develop independence. The organisation of the home enables children to access equipment freely to support their play.

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Organisation

Procedures followed, work in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are met because of the good relationships and communication systems set up with the parents. Parents are consistently informed about their child's day and the care provided. Documentation is appropriately maintained and kept confidentially. 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 childminder has been registered.

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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 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): • ensure the fire blanket in the kitchen is fitted according to the manufacturers instructions • develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework to further support children's learning opportunities.

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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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