Childminder, Out-of school day care in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 252803 Inspection date 29 March 2006 Inspector Sandra Rosemary Pierce

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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 outstanding. 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 1990. She lives in a house in a residential area of Orpington, the London borough of Bromley within walking distance of a primary school, local parks, shops and transport links. The whole of the ground floor with the exception of the conservatory, and one bedroom of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under 5-years, all of whom attend 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes children to the library, parent/carer and toddler groups and music groups, and has contact with other childminders.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder follows highly effective practices that meet children’s health, nutritional and physical needs. The home is very clean and hygienic, and children are protected from cross-contamination and the spread of infection. The childminder promotes their personal hygiene through high levels of support and consistent routines. Prompt and effective nappy changing procedures are in place to keep children comfortable. Children quickly become competent at recognising their own needs. For example, children understand concepts of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’. Laminated pictures in blue and red are set over the specific taps, and illustrations of hand washing and toilet flushing along with written messages remind children about the procedure. A varied range of attractively presented meals and snacks encourage children to try new foods and subsequently widen their tastes. Finger foods encourage toddlers' self

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Helping children to be healthy

help skills and independence. A comprehensive menu takes into account all children's individual dietary requirements. The childminder respects parental wishes and children’s particular preferences. This helps form the foundations from which, with increasing independence, children can make healthy choices for themselves. There are excellent opportunities for fresh air and physical play. Children enjoy a range of outdoor activities including garden play and regular trips to the local park. This fosters a positive attitude towards exercise and helps to promote children's physical development. Younger children join in enthusiastically because the childminder makes optimum use of the Birth to three matters framework. She has clear understanding about appropriate types of activity to stimulate children's interest and curiosity, and the levels of support required to give them confidence to try out new skills and develop control of their bodies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their play in an exceptionally welcoming, safe and child-oriented environment. They have access to high quality toys and equipment that are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Resources are regularly checked for safety. The childminder is vigilant and proactive in her use of thorough risk assessments to reduce potential hazards both indoors and outdoors. Good routines and skilful reminders help children learn about safety within the setting and when on outings. The childminder talks to children about potential dangers to increase their overall awareness of themselves and of others. Children regularly

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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 practise the precise emergency evacuation procedures. They comply with road safety guidance from the childminder. Their sense of responsibility is enhanced when they complete the task of checking that the roads are clear. They learn to hold hands, stop at the kerb, look carefully, listen for traffic and wait for the green man signal before crossing the road. Children’s welfare is protected because the childminder demonstrates a considerable understanding of her role in child protection and the importance of keeping appropriate records. Regular communication with parents also makes a significant contribution to children’s safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children experience a wide and varied range of stimulating activities inside and outside the home. They have numerous opportunities to socialise with other children and enjoy regular visits to the park, library, singing and music sessions, and toddler groups. The childminder makes innovative and resourceful use of the Birth to three matters framework, adapting household items to stimulate children’s creative, imaginative and exploratory skills and sensory perception. Children listen and respond to music tapes, songs and stories, and engage in construction and role-play. They relish the sensorial experience of painting with their fingers and hands. They use marks readily to represent their ideas and older children are adept at writing their own names. The childminder takes a flexible and adaptable approach with her planning of projects and provides an excellent balance between adult initiated and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

child-led activities, allowing children to learn at their own pace. The childminder is perceptive to children’s development during self-initiated play and uses books, stories and questions very successfully to challenge children’s thinking and extend their language skills. For example, young children make connections and gain an increasing sense of the world as they put babies to bed in the dolls’ house and participate eagerly in the picture-story book of bedtime routines. They find the bath-time duck under a flap and clap joyfully in expectation as they link the sequences to bedtime. The childminder provides dedicated support and makes full use of highly effective systems to observe, monitor and record children’s achievements and to plan experiences that motivate children to take the next steps in their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has substantial knowledge of children’s developmental milestones. She values each child’s uniqueness and develops warm, loving relationships. She provides good opportunities for them to snuggle up on her lap for cuddles and provides emotional comfort in response to their needs. This enables children to feel settled and secure, and they make considerable progress. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being.

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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 Parent’s views about their child’s interests, likes, dislikes, and routines are actively sought to ensure the children settle well and experience consistency of care. Children are encouraged to bring comforters, such as, favourite bears to help their transition between home and placement. Such items are highly regarded and share snacks, drinks and cuddles alongside the children. Children have their individual treasure boxes in which to store their special items. Children gain self-confidence and self-esteem through support and encouragement from the childminder. Their artwork and photographs are appreciated and displayed, assisting their development of a strong sense of self. The childminder has an accomplished approach to behaviour management and her calm, caring attitudes

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Helping children make a positive contribution

create a positive and happy environment. Younger children are quickly learning to be independent and all behave well and receive praise for their efforts. The children have extensive opportunities to learn about the wider community through their access to a range of play resources that positively reflect areas of equality. Planned activities incorporate festivals and celebrations, and children eagerly participate in outings to local places of interest.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of the childminder’s organisational skills. The premises are well maintained and indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. Cohesive organisation of daily play routines and appropriate recording procedures support children’s learning and care. Comprehensive polices and procedures are in place to support the childminder’s work and give parents a clear view of the professional service offered. Children's needs are well met because of the good communication systems that underpin the successful partnership with parents. The childminder completes a detailed contact book to ensure parents are fully informed about their child's day and the care provided. All legally required documentation contributing to children’s good health and safeguarding their welfare is in place and regularly reviewed. Records are

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Organisation

well maintained and kept confidentially. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and development of the service she provides. She regularly monitors and evaluates the quality of her care and education, whilst completing an accredited quality assurance scheme portfolio. Comprehensive tracking and achievement records enable the childminder to support children’s progress in all areas of their development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, a recommendation was made to strengthen fire safety provision for children by installing extra smoke alarms. The childminder has moved house and the issue has been addressed.

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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

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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