Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510789 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Mandy Mooney

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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 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 the 1995. She lives with her husband, two adult children and a 13 year old daughter, in a three bedroom, two storey semi-detached house in New Eltham, close to New Eltham train station. The children use the living room, dining area and garden for play. The toilet is located on the first floor. The childminder takes the children out locally, to places of interest and to a local group, as part of the regular routine. There are currently 7 children on roll aged between 1 year and 8 years. All children are cared for 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 family have goldfish and a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally well promoted. They learn appropriate self-care skills, for example they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Procedures in place for dealing with sick children are satisfactory, including the arrangements for giving medicines. Having sufficient information on children's health needs, such as allergies and restrictions, helps the childminder promote children's welfare appropriately. Children regularly take part in physical activities and they are encouraged to be active. They make good use of the garden in the finer weather. Younger children enjoy taking part in dancing and singing indoors and exercise at a toddler group. Children are beginning to learn the benefits of good nutrition. They are provided with a variety of meals and snacks, which include fruit and vegetables, on a daily basis. Children are provided with regular drinks, such as water, milk or juice and they have

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Helping children to be healthy

individual cups that are readily accessible to promote their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a bright and welcoming environment. They have access to a lounge room for quiet times, appropriate sleep provision and the main play area, which is the dining/kitchen room. Children play with a range of appropriately maintained toys and equipment. They are protected by a sufficient range of safety precautions, both in the childminder's home and on outings. For example, access to the first level is restricted by use of a safety gate and this allows children to move freely and safely around the rest of the home. Effective fire safety precautions are in place. This includes maintained smoke alarms on both levels and an accessible fire blanket in the kitchen. Although the childminder has given some thought to how to evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency, this has not been practiced with the children to ensure it is effective. Children also learn how to keep themselves safe whilst outdoors, for example by

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

ensuring they keep their seatbelts on when travelling in the car. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms that could indicate abuse and she is confident in her knowledge of the procedure to follow in the event of a concern. This ensures children are appropriately protected.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy regular outings including visiting a local toddler group several times a week. This provides them with opportunities to take part in a wide range of activities and they also benefit from being able to socialise with a regular group of children. Children are well settled in the environment. Older children readily approach the inspector to enquire what she is doing and proceed to write their name on the laptop. Younger children, who become a little upset by strangers, are quickly reassured by the childminder. Children form warm relationships with the childminder and enjoy her friendly, relaxed manner. They are comfortable in her home and confidently select toys for themselves, although this is sometimes hampered because toys and equipment are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

stored on top of one another. Children approach the childminder readily for attention and encouragement, which they receive. They are provided with an appropriate balance of active play and rest times. Play experiences and opportunities are based on the childminder's knowledge of the children attending. However, although the childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework, it is not evident in practice. Consequently, the benefits to children are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about people from the community. Whilst attending groups with the childminder, they take part in activities which increase their knowledge and understanding of differences and have access to a range of resources to support their play. However, the range of resources to reflect a positive image of diversity within the childminder's home are not readily accessible. Procedures in place to support children with special needs are appropriate. The childminder is committed to assessing children's needs on an individual basis and providing any care that is reasonably possible. Children behave well and are learning to play co-operatively and to take turns. They respond well to the childminder's calm manner when reminding them of the behaviour boundaries within the home. Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The information shared allows the childminder to provide care, which meets

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their individual needs. Although the childminder is aware that she is responsible for investigating complaints, recent changes in the procedures have not been shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a good level of experience in childcare and a sound knowledge of the children she is caring for. This helps her provide a satisfactory range of experiences to stimulate the children. She expresses an interest in attending relevant training to further enhance her service. However, she has not managed to do this as yet. Although the childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure all household

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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 members are vetted, this has not been maintained. This is a breach of regulations. However, she demonstrates a positive approach to ensuring all household members are suitable with immediate effect and the risk and impact to children is minimal as unvetted persons are not left alone with children. Children have sufficient space for active play, quiet activities, rest and relaxation. Children spend a lot of their time indoors in the kitchen/diner. This contains large furniture and many toys, which sometimes limits their free movement. The childminder offers appropriate support to the children and encourages conversation and social skills. All required records and documentation are in place and are stored in a confidential way. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to enquire as to whether it was necessary to seek training to administer an epipen. Although this is no longer current, she would ensure appropriate training is completed prior to administering any specific medication to promote the good health of children.

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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 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 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): • improve the outcomes for children from birth to three years by using an approach in line with Birth to three matters

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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 • consider practicing the emergency evacuation procedure with the children to further enhance safety systems • further develop the system for investigating complaints and ensure parents are made aware of this • review the organisation of furniture, toys and equipment in the dining area to ensure maximum use of space for children • ensure all household members are suitable

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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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