Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY137264 Inspection date 13 March 2006 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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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 has been registered since February 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 9, 15 and 17 years. They live in a house in Bromley. The downstairs of the home and one bedroom and bathroom upstairs are used for childminding purposes. She is registered to provide care for 5 children. At present there are 4 children on roll aged from 1 to 6 years. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet dog who is kept away from the children during the day. The house is within walking distance of local shops, schools, parks and transport links.

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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 take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as regularly playing in the garden, or at the local parks. They practise physical skills such as kneading and rolling play dough. Children are cared for in a clean, well-organised and comfortable home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands when appropriate. The signs in the bathroom help to remind them. The childminder maintains a good standard of cleanliness in her home. This reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records. For example, of any medication administered. She is trained in first aid ensuring accidents are dealt with appropriately. Children are provided with a healthy and nutritious diet. They are encouraged to snack on a variety of fresh and dried fruits to encourage healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely and safely around the home and garden because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them. The home has been organised to ensure children can play, rest and eat in comfort. She carries out indoor and outdoor risk assessments and puts measures in place. For example, closely supervising the children on the garden round-about and installing safety gates. This ensures that there are no hazards that could pose a danger to the children's safety. Because the childminder's training is up-to-date she understands her responsibility and the procedures she must follow if she is concerned about the welfare of a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. They begin to make decisions, explore and investigate within the home, choosing from suitable toys and enjoying activities such as play dough, painting or cooking. They benefit from regular outings, such as to local toddler groups to socialise with other children or to run around and enjoy the fresh air in the park. The childminder encourages the older children to share in planning what they will do. For example, they asked to be involved in cooking so the childminder ensured she had appropriate

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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 resources the next day for children to cook. This ensures activities are built around the children's interests. Children are confident and settled and make themselves at home within the setting. They relate well to the childminder because she joins in with their play and supports their ideas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder makes sure she spends time each day exchanging information with parents, and keeping them up-to-date with what children have been doing. This helps children experience consistent care. All parental consents have been agreed in writing. For example, to transport children in the car and to apply sun protection cream. Parents are given a useful pack about the service provided. The childminder has a positive approach when evaluating her service, such as asking parents to complete a questionnaire. The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, which takes into account their age and stage of development. Her realistic expectations help children to behave well. The childminder provides activities and play resources that help children to appreciate and value each other. She takes detailed information

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about the children which means their individual needs are well met. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment and meets children's individual needs well. For example, working with parents and outside agencies to continue the child's development programme. This ensures all children progress well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the organisation of the childminder who ensures she understands the children's interests and abilities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care and learning. The childminder is conscientious and has a good understanding of the National Standards. She is well organised with appropriate policies and procedures in place, however, the complaints procedure is not yet in line with current legislation. Nevertheless they work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and communication systems set up with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection it was recommended that the childminder improve safety. She now uses a pram to transport young children on outings and has removed the loose bricks in the low level wall. This means they no longer pose a risk to children's safety.

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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 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): • improve the complaints procedure to bring it in line with current legislation

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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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