Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310350 Inspection date 09 March 2006 Inspector Justine George

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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 satisfactory. 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 lives with her husband and three children aged eight, five and one. They live in a three bedroom, semi detached house a residential road in Welling, close to local schools, shops and amenities. Minded children have access to all areas of the home, although play mainly takes place downstairs in the conservatory, lounge, and dining room area. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder has been registered since August 2005. She cares for two children aged one, and three years, four days a week, for most of the day.

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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 Overnight care is not provided.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a clean and hygienic environment, and good hygiene procedures are in place to minimise the risk of infection. All areas of the home are clean, and children benefit as toys are regularly cleaned, preventing the spread of germs. Children wash their hands before eating, and know that if they don't, they may "get a germ in their belly"! Should children become unwell, contact is made with parents, and children are sensitively cared for. In the event of medication needing to be given, the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in obtaining written parental consent, in line with regulations. However, consent is not obtained for applying nappy creams, and some medication details are not consistently recorded. As a result, children may not be cared for in line with parents wishes. Children benefit from the nutritious snacks provided. They enjoy grapes, and a

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Helping children to be healthy

variety of fresh fruits, they enjoy nibbling on rice cakes, and older children help prepare their own snacks. Children sit at the table, or in their high chair, and the television is put on to provide a relaxing atmosphere. Parents also benefit as the childminder has taken the time to devise a written menu. Details include the range of foods offered, and the nutritional benefits of the various food groups. As a result, knowledge of healthy eating is shared, and promoted in the setting. Regular drinks are also supplied throughout the day, and children can request or help themselves, as drinks are kept within their reach. Therefore, children recognise when they are thirsty, developing awareness of their physical needs. Children benefit further as opportunities are provided for children to rest. The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their routine. Children are made comfortable in their buggy, in

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Helping children to be healthy

line with parental request, and are given their dummy to ensure they are settled and relaxed. Young children are at the stage of learning about the capabilities of their bodies, and are practising their large motor skills in walking and balancing. Ample room is provided allowing them to move around the home to practise their new found skills. However, opportunities to develop such skills further, are minimal. Children have access to a large spacious garden, and a good range of outdoor equipment. However, children do not regularly explore the outside area, or use the equipment. Opportunities for fresh air to aid children's health, are also minimal.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into a safe and secure environment. There are warmly greeted, and separate from their parents positively, going over to the window to wave goodbye. As a result, children's emotional well being is fostered. This is further

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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 supported by a settling in procedure that is flexible and suitable to the needs of the children. The environment is stimulating to children as they have free access of the downstairs area, and toys and equipment are accessible. As a result, children make independent choices in play. All resources and equipment are in good condition, and suitable for children's age and stage of development. Children benefit from the childminder's procedures of checking the environment for safety. Gates are in place to prevent children from going upstairs, plug sockets are covered, wires are inaccessible to children. Fire evacuation procedures have been planned, and fire protection equipment is in place. Arrangements are in place, and parents have been informed of others who may care for minded children, in the event

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of an emergency. Children are protected when being transported in a vehicle as suitable car and booster seats are used, and business cover is obtained. However, the childminder has not obtained written parental consent for taking children on outings, or to be transported in a vehicle. In the event of an accident, children are suitably protected as the childminder has a first aid box, and is aware of the requirements in recording accidents. However, the childminder has not yet attended any first aid training, and written consent has not been obtained for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment, if required. Children are protected against unfamiliar adults, as the childminder ensures she has written details of all those who have permission to collect children. Password systems are in place, and contact would be made with parents before letting children go off with others. Children's well being is fostered as the childminder has a well written

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection policy detailing possible signs and symptoms of abuse, and the referral procedures. Local child protection guidelines are also available for the childminder to refer to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a good selection of toys to play with suitable for all areas of development. Provisions include play dough, cookery activities, small world play including dolls and cars, a variety of books and puzzles, and exploratory toys. Outside equipment includes sand, a climbing frame, slide, trampoline, wheeled toys, and a swing. Although, children do not have regular opportunities to use the outside equipment. Children enjoy watching the childminder build a tower of bricks, and show delight in knocking them down, giggling and looking at her, waiting for the tower to be built again. The childminder repeats the task, and tries to encourage the children to add a brick, but they are more interested in knocking them down. The childminder counts the bricks as she stacks them, developing children's awareness of number through everyday play opportunities, which are fun and enjoyable. Children enjoy chasing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

round after each other, and room is organised to allow them to do it safely. As a result, children practise using their large physical skills and balance. Children enjoy playing peek-a-boo, and hide behind the sofa, peeking to the side to gain eye contact, or climbing on the step to peep over the sofa. Therefore, children's social

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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 skills are developing. Children benefit from being taken to local groups within the community to widen their experiences, and develop social interaction. Older children attend play school, and are taken back to the childminder's home for lunch, and to explore the toys on offer. Older children enjoy mark making using various writing tools, and they explore play dough using rollers and cutters. However, younger children do not explore such provisions, as the childminder feels they are too young. Therefore, opportunities for young children to explore creative materials, and use their senses, are insufficient. The childminder is not aware of the Birth to three matters framework and, as a result, some of the outcomes for children to become competent learners are not fully promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Equal opportunities is suitably promoted in the setting, as there is a range of equipment to reflect the multicultural society in which we live. Toys include dolls, puzzles and books, which reflect positive images of culture. Children have free access to the resources allowing them to make independent choices of what to play with, and develop their own play ideas. Toys are suitable for both boys and girls, and as a result, gender stereotyping is avoided. The childminder has devised a written equal opportunities policy to inform parents of her practice, in which, children are treated with equal concern, and their individual needs are met. The childminder is aware of children's individual routines, fostering their well being. Children are made to feel good about themselves as the childminder builds their confidence and self esteem by giving lots of praise, and children are encouraged to share and play

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Helping children make a positive contribution

together nicely, to ensure fairness. Children are well behaved, and enjoy playing with the range of resources on offer. The childminder has simple rules in place, which are consistent. As a result, children are learning about boundaries and limits within a safe environment. Children interact well with each other, chasing and following one another around the room. Children have developed a positive relationship with the childminder, seeking cuddles and reassurance when required. As a result, children develop a sense of belonging as they learn to trust others, and build good relationships outside the family home. Partnership with parents is good. Families benefit from a settling in period suited to the needs of the child. During this period, information is shared about the service through well written policies and procedures. As a result, parents are fully informed of the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children. The childminder has

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Helping children make a positive contribution

developed positive relationships with parents where information is shared regularly. In the event of a complaint, the childminder would encourage the parents to discuss it with her in the first instance, and if it cannot be resolved, Ofsted's details are provided. Although, the childminder is not familiar with recent amendments of having a complaints log, in line with regulations. Parents are well informed about their child, as information is shared verbally on a daily basis, and use of a daily contact book informs them of their child's physical well-being. The childminder has obtained

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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 contact details of parents, and all required information with regards to children's needs and backgrounds is in place. The childminder has no direct experience of caring for children with special educational needs, but would be happy to support families and children. The childminder would work with the parents, to find out about their child's needs, and how to support them, so progress can be achieved. If the childminder had a concern about any area of a child's development, she would share her concerns with the parent. The childminder would support the child through everyday play opportunities. For example, if the child had language delay, strategies of using books, singing songs, and interaction during play would be used. The childminder would also refer parents to other professionals including speech therapists.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has completed the required level of training, although she has not attended a first aid course. The childminder keeps her knowledge up-to-date by reading material sent through from organisations such as Ofsted, NCMA, and liaising with other childminders. However, the childminder is not familiar with the recent amendments to the Standards, for example, promoting the outcomes of Birth to three matters. The childminder and adults on the premises are suitable to be in contact with minded children, as the required checks have been carried out. Children are protected against un-vetted adults, as the childminder never leaves them alone with others. Children benefit from how the childminder organises her space, resources and time. Space allows children to move around safely, practising their new found skills, and

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Organisation

resources are left at floor level so children can choose toys that stimulate their interests. Children benefit from how the childminder organises her time as it is planned around their individual needs. They attend various groups during the week, and older children go to a pre-school. When not at groups, children spend time in the home engaged in play. The childminder ensures children's routines are consistent with the home environment. Time is planned so children are well rested, and their physical needs are met. The childminder has most required documentation in place. Paper work is well organised and is kept securely to ensure confidentiality, although it is easily accessible if required. The childminder has records of children's and parents personal details, although written consent is not in place for children to be taken on outings, be transported in a vehicle, or to seek emergency medical treatment. The

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Organisation

childminder has an attendance record in place to ensure adult: child ratios are adhered to, and to comply with her registration conditions. Well written policies and procedures are in place for the efficient management of the provision, and provides the childminder with good information to refer to. As a result, children's care and welfare are fostered.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 satisfactory. 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 children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise • obtain written parental consent for children to be transported in a vehicle, taken on outings, and to seek emergency medical treatment • complete a first aid training course for babies and children • further improve knowledge and care of children under three by promoting the outcomes of Birth to three matters • ensure knowledge is kept up-to-date with regard to recent amendments

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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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