Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313140 Inspection date 12 July 2006 Inspector Claire Jean Douglas

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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 seven year old son in Lewisham. The family live in a two bedroom house close to local shops, schools and parks. Children have use of the ground floor of the house and can play whilst supervised in the secure communal garden. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years old at any one time, and there are currently two children on roll. The childminder is 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 begin to learn about the importance of good hygiene practices when they wash their hands before and after they eat and use the toilet, which helps reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The childminder's practice and procedures reduce the risk of cross infection within the home and to the children. For example, children do not attend if they are ill; parents are informed of any illness in the setting. Children benefit from regular meals that meet their nutritional needs. The childminder encourages children to develop healthy eating habits, for instance by offering fruit and vegetables at every meal. Children take part in physical activities, such as walks to the park, visiting toddler groups and playing in a secure garden, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Their health is well protected because the childminder has systems in place to keep a record of any accidents children have and any medicine they need to be given.

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Helping children to be healthy

However, the childminder has not asked parents to give their written consent for her to seek medical advice or treatment for their child in an emergency. This means that parents' wishes regarding action to be taken in an emergency are not clear.

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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, well maintained environment with facilities to meet their needs. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder takes steps to identify and reduce potential hazards. For instance, she makes sure children cannot access the stairs, kitchen or any exposed electrical sockets. Children play with toys that are clean, in good condition and suitable for their age. This helps ensure they can play safely. Children's welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has recently completed the NSPCC home child protection course and is familiar with possible signs of child abuse or neglect. She is aware of her responsibility to report any concerns. Children are beginning to learn to take responsibility for their own safety, for example, the childminder discusses and practises fire and road safety with the children. Children enjoy playing 'stop and go' when they visit parks, which reinforces

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the importance of listening to the childminder's instructions, when they are out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and feel at home at the childminder's house. The childminder is attentive to their needs and responds to them warmly. Children benefit from a familiar daily routine for going out, meals and sleeping. This helps them feel secure and settle quickly. Children take part in a range of activities that are suitable

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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 for their age. They increase their skills in all areas of development, as the childminder provides a stimulating routine, which involves regular trips to toddler groups, music groups and local parks. Whilst at the childminder's house, children choose independently from a variety of toys available at their level. Children were observed enjoying colouring and drawing and making tea with the tea set and cooker in the play room. The childminder plans and adapts activities for all ages as they take part in play dough and baking cakes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the setting and valued as individuals. The childminder's consistent approach to rules and boundaries helps children behave well. They begin to develop a positive view of the wider community when they use resources, such as books and dolls that reflect positive images of diversity, and when the childminder encourages them to be kind to other people. The childminder knows the children well, she is able to provide for them to ensure their needs are met. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. They talk to each other every day to exchange information, which helps children experience consistent care. It also means that parents are kept fully informed about their children's activities and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder keeps most of the records required to promote the health, safety and welfare of minded children. However, she is not familiar with recent revisions to the National Standards for Childminding, and has not yet established a system for keeping a record of complaints, which is now a legal requirement. Children benefit from being cared for in an environment where their needs are taken into account. Established routines ensure children know what they are doing during the day which adds to their confidence and security. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the needs of young children. Established routines ensure children know what they are doing during the day, which adds to their confidence and security. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations and set in place a procedure to keep a log of complaints • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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