Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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405550 Unique Reference Number 03 May 2006 Inspection date Elizabeth Ellen Mackey 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 registered in 1992, she lives with her husband and two children aged 18, and 16 years old. The family live in a 3 bedroom house in a residential area within the London Borough of Bromley. All of the house is used for childminding, with downstairs rooms the main areas used for play. A garden is available for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children under 8 years old at any one time, and there are currently 5 children under 8 and 2 children aged 8 years or over on roll. The children all attend on a part-time basis. The family have a pet hamster and a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Mencap Childminding Network and she is also a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Children are settled and benefit from a close relationship with the childminder. Children participate in a wide range of physical activities, including trips to the local park. The children benefit from the excellent use of the garden. The childminder brings activities out into the garden and encourages the children to develop their knowledge and understanding of how things grow. For example, the children have their own flower box and have grown herbs which they have used in cooking. Children are confident, make good relationships and demonstrate a sense of belonging.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home. There is a very good standard of hygiene throughout and children are encouraged to maintain good standards of personal care. For example the childminder encourages the children to wash their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy an excellent range of meal and snacks. They are able to choose from the healthy choices available. The childminder meal planning takes account of parent’s wishes. Snacks are healthy and fruit and drinks are available at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe home, because the childminder takes steps to minimise risks to children. Children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder helps the children understand how to keep themselves safe, both in and outside the home. Children follow the measures the childminder puts in place to keep them safe, for example they know they must remain within her view when out walking.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are appropriate to the children's age and stage of development. The childminder organises resources according to recommended age to ensure suitability for all the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder's policies and procedures underpins the good practice to safeguard and promote children's development. She has a good understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and has attended training in this area to update her knowledge. The childminder has an up to date First-Aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, confident and settled. The childminder’s enthusiastic, supportive approach encourages children to feel welcome and develop a sense of belonging. She knows the children well and she effectively supports their individual needs. She takes into account

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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 their different ages and stages of development in planning activities and has effectively implemented the Birth to Three Matters Framework, which enhances the provision for children under three.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy purposeful, well planned activities, which include various crafts, baking, planting and growing. Children develop well, because they are provided with excellent opportunities to be creative and they are encouraged to explore.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children make good progress. They access an extensive range of resources that are used imaginatively to interest them. Children benefit from having a good relationship with the childminder. She interacts positively with them, acknowledges their achievements and consistently communicates with them. This encourages their imaginative play and extends their learning. They enjoy her involvement in their play and respond affectionately to her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are valued and the childminder meets their individual needs exceptionally well. She understands the children's needs and effectively works towards meeting them. She engages in their play and ensures all children are included in group activities, levelling the activity individually for each child. Children develop a sense of fairness, which the childminder achieves through effective communication. She listens closely to the children and encourages them to express themselves. The childminder offers an inclusive service and has extensive knowledge, experience and training in caring for children with special needs, including Makaton.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well because of the good relationships fostered. They are respectful of each other and are encouraged to share. Children are becoming aware of the wider world, through regular outings and through the childminders enthusiastic approach to learning; for example the childminder encourages the children to learn about their environment through activities and helping the children to notice the things around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is welcoming to parents and works closely with them to promote the welfare and development of the children. She provides parents with information about their child's activity and keeps them updated on their progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and are comfortable in the well organised environment. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the organisation of the home, which includes a well resourced and accessible storage area. The childminder plans themes and activities and maintains records of children's progress.

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Organisation

The childminder has a detailed portfolio to show parents which includes her policies and procedures, menu's and information about her service. Policies in place are well thought out and work well in keeping children healthy and safeguarding their welfare. The childminder has

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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 a level three qualification certificate in childcare and she continually updates her practice, she is keen to undertake further training.

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Organisation

Positive relationships and good communication with parents contribute to meeting children’s needs well. Documentation is well maintained and confidentially stored. The record of attendance lacks essential detail, this is required to maintain an accurate account of children's attendance. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved her maintenance of medication records. Meticulous records are now kept; this contributes to the safety and effectiveness of the procedure for administering medication.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no 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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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 record of attendance identifies children's arrival and departure times

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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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