Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298370 Inspection date 17 January 2006 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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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 sister and one school age child and one child of pre-school age in a house situated in Nunhead. There are shops nearby and a park opposite to her home. The whole ground floor and one bedroom of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect. children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler

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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 group. The family have tropical fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Well established hygiene routines such as cleaning and sterilising toys and equipment help children to stay healthy through minimising the risk of infection. The childminder also encourages children to keep their hands clean by using moist wipes, especially before having meals. Children are developing healthy eating habits as they are offered daily fresh healthy foods which are provided by parents and encouraged by the childminder. She is fully aware of what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet which ensures children are well nourished and they develop an understanding of healthy eating. They can help themselves to drinks, which are easily accessible to them and the childminder encourages them to have fresh fruit as a snack. Children have plenty of physical exercise, as the childminder has regular outings to the nearby park, where children are able to run and climb. Children's care in the

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Helping children to be healthy

event of an accident is secure as the childminder has up to date first aid training.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming play area, with enough space to explore and move around freely. There is a wide range of safe, developmentally appropriate resources, which are organised in a way that ensures they are easily accessible to children. Therefore encouraging their independence in their freedom of choice. The childminder is aware of safety within her home and when going on outings. By installing child gates, she ensures children do not access areas such as the kitchen and upstairs, when she is not able to supervise them. She also constantly reminds children that radiators are hot which increases their awareness of safety. In the garden, the childminder makes children aware of the steps and the need for them to be careful when playing outside. Fire evacuation plans are also in place and the children and childminder practise these every three months which raises children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

awareness of how to keep safe in the event of a fire. Children are well protected, as the childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding child protection. Through her recent training, she has a good awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse together with a secure knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any cause for concern.

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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 good. Children are relaxed, happy and confident in the childminder's care. The childminder is enthusiastic about her work and enjoys all that children have to say and do. Children benefit from the childminder's warm and caring nature, making them feel comfortable and valued, whilst helping them to increase their confidence. Children have a wide access to a variety of toys and activities that are provided according to their needs and stage of development. Activities such as interactive toys develop toddlers curiosity as they push and turn buttons to reveal different sounds and effects. Children are beginning to enjoy music as the childminder plays rhymes and they have fun singing along with the merry music. Children's social skills are also being developed as the childminder takes children out to regular activities such as 'childminder drop in centres', where children can play with their peers. The childminder also frequents the library which promotes children's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with respect and made to feel good about themselves. They have access a good range of resources that promote equality and reflect positive images of diversity, disability and ethnicity. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with special needs and, through her records, she ensures all children's needs are carefully noted, so that she is able to provide the correct care. Clear behavioural boundaries are in place. These help the children to distinguish right from wrong. Children receive regular praise and encouragement to reinforce positive behaviour and to help increase their confidence and self-esteem. Children benefit from the childminder's positive relationship with the parents. Children settle well and are appropriately cared for as the childminder spends time, during the settling in period, to get to know each child's individual needs and preferences. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder has an informal chat with parents at collection time and she offers to write details down for parents to take home. The childminder however takes initiative to provide parents with a written assessment of how their child has settled in and is making progress after the first three months of being in her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Space within the home is well organised so children can play and rest which gives children the opportunity to thrive and feel secure in the childminder's care. All documentation that contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is stored securely to maintain confidentiality. The registration certificate is shown

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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 to parents at the start of minding but is not continuously on display for parent's reference. The childminder has enthusiasm for her work and is very proactive in her own development so that she can provide high quality care for children. She has completed all required training, plus has taken further courses, such as health and safety, food hygiene plus the NVQ 3 Early Years Care and Education Certificate. She is also referring to aspects of the of Birth to three matters framework in her daily care provision, so that babies and toddlers benefit from her care and attention. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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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 that the certificate of registration is displayed during hours of childminding • develop an information pack for parents, detailing policies and the activities provided for children • ensure that a record of complaints is maintained and shared with parents

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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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