Childminder, Out-of school day care in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298238 Inspection date 26 January 2006 Inspector Silvia Richardson

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 16, 13 and 5 years. They live in a house close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. There is on street parking available. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding a 13 month old full-time and children age 3 and 4 years 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 The childminder collects from Christ Church primary school. The family have a dog and keep goldfish as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Young children can move around and play comfortably on the floor in the lounge and dining room, because the childminder ensures floors and carpeted areas are kept clean and free from debris, protecting children's health. Good house work routines include daily vacuuming and cleaning of the kitchen and bathroom, ensuring facilities are hygienically maintained to promote children's health. Nappy changing arrangements are hygienic and good hand washing routines minimise risk of the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to develop good personal hygiene habits through hand washing before meals and after using the bathroom. They each have their own hand towel, helping to reduce any cross infection. Sick children are excluded to protect the health and best interests of all children. Children are well nourished and have a good balance of healthy meals and snacks. They are positively encouraged to try new tastes and textures and toddlers are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged with finger foods. Older children sit together at the dining table as a family and enjoy an evening meal together. Children are learning about the benefits of a healthy diet through the childminder ensuring they have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. They are offered fruit juices and low sugar squashes to help protect their teeth. Children enjoy an active lifestyle because they regularly walk to the library and the park. They have good opportunities to run around and peddle bikes at community groups and to use climbing and sliding equipment in the garden, helping children to gain physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children travel safely in the car because the childminder ensures they have properly fitting car and booster seats. She fastens children's seatbelts herself to make sure they are secure. Children are learning how to stay safe in the car, because the childminder explains that they mustn't undo their seat belts or touch the door handles. Children are learning rules when out walking, to protect them from dangers of traffic. They know they must hold hands or hold the buggy and must not run ahead, in order to stay safe. They are learning how to cross roads safely, because the childminder talks to children about waiting for the 'green man'. She discusses hazardous situations with the children, to help them become safety conscious. Children play and move around the home safely because good measures are taken to help them stay safe. Sockets are fitted with covers to protect children from the

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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 dangers of electricity and house rules include not touching any electrical items, such as the TV. Dangerous substances, such as cleaning fluids, are secure in a cupboard, fitted with a safety catch, to make them inaccessible to children. The family dog has his own area in the home and a safety gate is fitted across the doorway, to keep the dog away from the children, so they can play safely on the floor. Fire safety precautions are generally good and include a fire blanket in the kitchen and emergency evacuation plans, to help keep children safe and protected. However, because of recent decorating, the smoke detectors are not properly fitted or in good working order, so early warning of fire is reduced, compromising children's safety. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

issues and knows how to make a referral should concerns arise. Children's welfare is safeguarded, because the childminder regards the protection of the child as her first priority and she ensures parents are aware of her duty to report any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Babies are very happy crawling and moving around on the floor and carpeted areas, because there is plenty of space for them to be active and explore. They are confident trying out new skills, such as pushing themselves up to a standing position, because the childminder supports and encourages them very well. Babies enjoy using a wide variety of toys and play materials because they are easily accessible and attractively presented to motivate interest and discovery. The childminder sits with babies on the floor and actively plays with them, helping them to develop skills and make good progress. Babies are happy and settled, because the childminder is attentive to their care needs and responds positively to them in a calm and warm manner. Children enjoy a well balanced schedule of activities to meet their development needs. They make choices from a broad range of toys and play equipment, easily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

accessible in the lounge. Further toys and games are available upstairs and children play in the bedroom or select resources to bring downstairs, so they always have plenty to do. The childminder organises activities well and rotates the toys offered, ensuring children always have variety and choice to keep them interested and learning. Children's play and learning opportunities are enhanced by visits to community groups, the library and walks to the park, helping them to make good progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal access to activities and facilities so their individual needs are met. A good range of resources, such as dolls and books, reflect diversity, affording children positive images of different races and cultures. The childminder is keen to promote inclusion so that all children feel valued. They are helped to feel part of the family by having access to all areas of the home and though opportunities to sit

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 together as a family, such as for the evening meal. Children with special needs are supported well, such as helping them develop speech and language through repetition, stories and every day activities. Children are learning how to behave in acceptable ways because the childminder praises the children, for example, when taking turns and sharing. Children are encouraged to say please and thank you, so they develop good manners. They have some very good opportunities to develop their social skills, though group activities and playing with family members. The childminder takes photographs of the many activities children take part in, so parents have a visual image of the children's play and learning experiences. Positive relationships with parents are well established and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

promote the children's wellbeing. Some good written information is available to parents so that expectations are clear, promoting children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder and family members are properly vetted ensuring they are suitable to be with children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, enabling her to respond appropriately should an accident occur. She has completed her initial childminding training, so she fully understands her responsibilities in caring for children and promoting their welfare. Records, policies and procedures are in place ensuring the safe and efficient management of the setting and these are implemented effectively, so that the welfare, care and learning of all the children is actively promoted. The setting is very well organised to meet children's needs. The ground floor bathroom provides easy access to toilet and wash facilities, enabling children to experience some independence. Children play happily at the table, taking part in creative activities. They also sit here when doing puzzles and playing board and card

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Organisation

games, so babies do not have access to resources with small parts. All children relax and play comfortably in the lounge, because it is very well arranged with soft furnishings and a clean carpeted area. Toys and play materials are very well organised into sets, so it is easy for children to identify and select items of their choice. 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. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they

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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 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): • make sure smoke detectors are correctly fitted and maintained in working order

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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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