Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309863 Inspection date 10 March 2006 Inspector Sarah Morfett

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 2, 4 and 9 in Chislehurst, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children under 8 years part time before and after school. The childminder walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has some fish.

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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 supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their health and well-being. Daily vigorous activities help the children learn to control their bodies, for example, while dancing around to music, children jump and learn to negotiate space. Regular trips to the local park help children to develop strong physical skills whilst they play on the large climbing apparatus. They are learning balance and hand eye co-ordination. Children's physical development is promoted well. Children have a sound understanding of hygiene practices. The childminder takes time to talk to them about why they must wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating. Children know that this gets rid of germs and keeps them well. Children begin to understand the importance of personal hygiene as they brush their teeth after breakfast each day. An effective sickness policy ensures that they are

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Helping children to be healthy

protected from the risk of cross infection. Children start to learn how to keep themselves healthy. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet, as the childminder involves them in their food choices. They can choose from a healthy breakfast of cereal, porridge and toast and later they are provided with a nutritious dinner; such as shepherds pie and vegetables. All children's dietary requirements are recorded and their likes and dislikes are taken into consideration. Drinks are readily available and children can help themselves when they need to. Children's dietary needs are considered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where risks have been identified and minimised. This enables the children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children make independent choices from a range of stimulating activities which can be easily accessed. All toys are cleaned regularly and checked to ensure there are no broken pieces. Children benefit from the good condition of all resources. Children's safety within the home is promoted well. Regular risk assessments that are carried out, ensure they have a safe and secure environment in which to play. The fire evacuation procedure in place ensures that children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe as this is practiced regularly. The childminder provides equipment to ensure children's safety; however the fire blanket is not fixed to the wall, therefore would not be effective in an emergency. Children follow clear

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

boundaries when out and they know that they must stop, look and listen when they

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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 cross the road. Generally children's safety is considered. The childminder has all of the procedures and documentation in place to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded, for example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder's understanding of child protection procedures helps to keep children safe from the risk of harm and neglect and is pro-active in updating her knowledge. Children can feel safe and secure in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well settled at the childminders house. They appear confident and make themselves at home when they come in from school. Toys and resources are readily available and children show confidence in choosing from a wide variety of activities. These suit the children's needs and cover the areas of development. Such as, role play, creative play and a play station; therefore, children can relax after school. Children move confidently from one activity to another, for example, the game of schools moves into the living room and the children start to draw pictures. Children are making choices and leaning to develop their own games. They have opportunities to complete their homework as the childminder supports them with the parents permission. Children are happy to do their homework with the childminder, and the parents report that they are progressing well at school. The childminder has a good understanding of how children develop as well as an

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

awareness of the foundation stage and Birth to three matters framework, therefore during holiday periods she provides stimulating activities which are fun and help the children learn. Children are comfortable in the homely environment, they demonstrate this by asking to watch a film as they are starting to feel tired after school. Children benefit from they way the childminder caters for their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the world around them. For example, puzzles and books increase children's awareness of diversity. Through play and discussion with the childminder they learn about different cultures. Activities offered to children are age appropriate and non-discriminatory. Dressing up clothes reflect different genders and all children can choose what to wear. All children are treated with equal concern. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude towards behaviour management. Strategies used are adapted for the ages of children attending. Children are encouraged to solve their own problems, for example, the childminder asks questions such as "what can we do about this" and the children devise their own solution. Children feel acknowledged as important individuals because the

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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 childminder gives attention for positive behaviour and ignores unwanted behaviour. Therefore, children behave well and make the most of their time with the childminder. Children are valued as individuals. Their needs are met as their normal daily routine is shared verbally with parents each day. Parents are kept well informed of the care their children are receiving by clear and concise policies and procedures devised by the childminder. Parents report that children are very happy with the childminder and make good progress. Children receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel at home and at ease within the suitably organised environment. Children are confident and self-assured. This means that they are able to initiate and extend their learning and play. Well thought out planning contributes to an adequate range of experiences for children. Children make reasonable progress in all areas of development. Children's welfare, care and learning is promoted effectively through the policies and procedures developed by the childminder. These are shared with parents to ensure that they are well informed of the care their children receive. The high proportion of over eights minded requires monitoring so that this does not impact on the care of the under eights attending. All documentation is maintained to a suitable standard. The childminder has a positive attitude to keeping her knowledge of children's development up-to-date. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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

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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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 any care provided for children aged 8-14 does not adversely affect the care provided for children under 8 • ensure that the fire fighting equipment is accessible and can be used effectively in an emergency

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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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