Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY221871 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2006 Inspection date Janet Sharon Williams 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 has been registered since August 2002. She lives with her partner and their three children aged 4 and 5 years, and 18 months. They live in Kennington, located in the London Borough of Lambeth and is close to public transport, a local park library and drop in centres. The lounge, kitchen/ diner, and bathroom is used for childminding and there is access to a secure balcony which children can only be used when under the direct supervision of the childminder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child. The childminder attends the library and local parent and toddler groups.

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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 satisfactory. Children learn about healthy living through the childminder providing a warm, well maintained and hygienic environment. They wash their hands after using the toilet, before and after meals. Effective procedures are in place to protect children's well-being. Records of accidents and medication administered are clearly recorded and well maintained. However, the childminder has not obtained parental permission for emergency medical treatment and her first aid certificate has expired. The childminder is booked to complete an up to date first aid training course in June 2006.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because varied and nutritious meals are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. Mealtimes are relaxed, are a social occasion when children and the childminder sit together around the table to enjoy their food and each other’s company. The children enjoy their food and eat well, which aids their overall development. Children have access to readily available drinks; consideration is given to those who are unable to ask for one themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily physical activities for example, daily walks, running exercises and making use of many of the local resources, such as children's and carer's groups

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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 welcoming, and well maintained environment. They benefit from playing in spacious surroundings, where they can move around freely and comfortably. Children have easy access to a wide range of resources stored at child’s level, such as cars, trains, dolls, puzzles, books and construction resources. This gives children the opportunity to make independent choices and meet their needs effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe through the childminder making sure that children can play and investigate safely, both indoors and outdoors. The childminder has a good risk assessment procedure in place to ensure all areas and equipment used by the children are safe to minimise accidents. For example, a stair gate is fitted at the top of the stairs, sockets not in use are covered, and windows have restricted opening facilities. Toys and equipment are frequently checked to make sure they are safe and in good condition. On outings, younger children are strapped into their pushchair. Although the childminder has a BS approved fire blanket in the kitchen it is not easily accessible to use in event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded due to the childminder's sound awareness of child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows the procedure to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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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 enjoy a broad range of activities, both within the home setting and wider environment. Toys and play materials are stimulating, fun and interesting, such as junk modelling, play dough and painting. The children also have trips to the farm, Imperial War Museum and the local child health centre. The good range of activities provides children with a range of experiences, which help promote their overall development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the childminder frequently talking to the children, spending quality time with them. For example, the childminder takes time to explain to the children how things work, they share picture books, and the childminder shows an interest in what children are doing. Children are happy and content within the setting; they get on well with their peers, sit nicely and talk to each other.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are well cared for through the childminder's continuity of care, interacting in a caring, supportive manner, enabling the children to feel settled. The childminder enjoys the children's company and is fully aware of their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children become aware of a wider society through a good range of toys and play materials within the home and meeting people within the diverse community. For example, dolls, puzzles, books, and acknowledge many of the festivity events, such as Diwali and Ede which, extends children's awareness of other race, religion and culture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very good understanding of issues surrounding special needs is proactive in addressing issues. For example, children with special needs are supported to ensure their needs are met effectively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are fully occupied and know boundaries because the childminder has created an environment that encourages good behaviour with frequent positive verbal comments, taking time to explain to the children right from wrong and encouraging them to share.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive and friendly relationship with parents. She has clear, effective written agreements with parents formalising arrangements and expectations and to ensure that children are looked after in accordance to parents’ wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are effectively protected and their well being considerately promoted because all of the mandatory documentation, most records and relevant training courses are maintained. The childminder also has comprehensive policies and procedures which, includes recording complaints from parents.

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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 Children benefit from good organisation, providing suitable areas for rest, play, sleeping and time outdoors. The childminder takes children out every day, making use of local facilities to ensure that children have access to an even wider range of stimulating and enjoyable activities. As a result children are happy, relaxed and fully occupied.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide a method to record child protection concerns. This has been satisfactorily addressed to keep children protected and safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There has been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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.

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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 fire safety precautions by ensuring that the fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen • obtain written permission form parents for emergency treatment and first aid • complete an up to date first aid course for babies and young children

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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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