Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY282813 Inspection date 22 June 2005 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 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 lives with her husband and two sons, aged seven and two years. They live in an extended four bedroom house, in a quiet residential road in Bexley. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding purposes. The home setting is within walking distance of Bexley village and is within easy reach of parks, the library, pre-schools, toddler groups and has good transport links. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools. Minded children have access to a lounge, playroom, kitchen area for meals and art activities and a downstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 is registered to care for three children aged between one and eight. She currently cares for six-year-olds before and after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic home. Their health is fostered due to the childminder's clear policies and provision of documentation. As a result parents are aware of the childminder's procedure in excluding children if they are unwell minimising the spread of infection. Children are developing awareness of hygiene, they wash their hands after toileting or messy play and before tea. However their self help skills are not fully fostered as they do not always use flannels or wash their own faces. Children are very well nourished. They have access to water which they help themselves to and they are offered regular drinks, especially when the weather is very warm. Children really enjoy their food and their likes and dislikes are recognised by the childminder and alternatives are offered. The children enjoy a social tea time. They sit at the table in the kitchen and the childminder serves them the food. Once

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Helping children to be healthy

food is served the children eat well and general conversation takes place between them. Children are offered ice cream, or chocolate mousse for those who don't like ice cream and are offered a choice of toppings. Again, children miss out in developing their self help skills as the childminder serves the food rather than the children having the opportunity to serve themselves. Children are physically and emotionally healthy. They are happy to be with and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. They have opportunities for physical play and their emotional well being is fostered as children are listened to and engage in conversation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety is very well promoted. The home is safe, all risks are identified and minimised. Toys and equipment are safe to use, in excellent condition and stored where children can access them easily. The premises are kept safe and details are recorded about who will collect children. The childminder clearly thinks ahead to keep children safe. She is pro-active in risk assessing the environment, communicating with others to ensure safety, and thinking ahead to ensure she can still provide a good service for children whilst accommodating their needs. Children's safety awareness is well developed. They are protected in the sun and wear sun hats willingly. Children learn about fire safety and opportunities are provided for them to practice emergency evacuation procedures. Children take responsibility and help each other learn about safety. For example, a young child was

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

using a tennis bat inappropriately and another child informed him that what he was

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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 doing could hurt somebody. She tried to remove the bat, showing maturity and a caring attitude towards others. If and when accidents happen, children are given medical attention as the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and is aware of the procedures to follow. Children's well being is well fostered due to the childminder's excellent knowledge and awareness of child protection and the procedures to follow. She is aware of her responsibilities as are parents. She has a well written policy outlining her responsibilities. She has and is familiar with the boroughs guidelines which are available for all parents. Children are treated with respect and as a result are confident.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have the opportunity to self select toys. There is a large, exciting selection set out in the playroom, or children choose to play in the safe garden with the large physical play equipment such as bats, balls, play house, boat, climbing equipment and hoop games. The childminder recognises the need for children to play and relax after the structure of the school day and as a result children are happy and enjoy their time at the childminder's home. Children make the most of their time as the childminder provides time for them to explore and play by themselves while she prepares tea or talks with parents, however children are sometimes over excited which leads to squabbling, which is quickly resolved by the children or the childminder. The childminder minimises excitement by providing quieter activities such as drawing, as a result children are calm. On the whole, children relate well to each other, they play co-operatively taking

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

turns such as throwing the hoops onto pegs or playing in the tent. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the home which enables them to find their own space if they wish to. Children relate well to the childminder and she interacts with children as time allows. Children enjoy playing the hoop game with her and she uses the opportunity to develop their understanding of number by asking who has scored the highest or asking children to identify the numbers. Children have the opportunity to play imaginatively and the childminder supports and extends their play. For example, when children are playing in the boat they are asked where they want to go, informed that boats are named and the children are encouraged to think of a name. Play is developed further when children are asked to look out for and chase the shark away.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved treating the home and resources with respect. Children have equal access to the provisions on offer. The toys challenge gender stereotypes and reflect positive images of people from different cultures. Toys are adapted to suit

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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 the age and stage of children's development ensuring individual needs are met. In the main, children relate well to each other and the childminder further promotes a respectful attitude by talking with the children and showing them respect. The children are friendly and confident in talking to others, they use their manners without being reminded. The childminder has no direct experience of caring for a child with special needs, but would discuss any concerns with parents and has a special educational needs policy. Children benefit from the childminder's calm and caring attitude and as a result, enjoy being with her. Children make enthusiastic comments about why they enjoy their time with the childminder and said they enjoy having lots of toys to play with. Children further benefit from the childminder's regular communication with the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents and the records kept. This ensures children's individual needs are met and parents are informed about how their children have been during the day. Parents are happy with the service provided and feel well informed. They receive an information pack when the child first starts which includes all the childminder's policies, sample menus and the childminder's professional details.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have access to a play room which is well resourced and set out so children can reach equipment easily. The resources are suitable and exciting for children. There is ample provision for children to choose from, promoting learning in all areas of development. Space in the home allows children to play and relax comfortably in pleasant surroundings. Children are cared for before and after school. The childminder plans her day well using the time children are at school to think about what food to offer and preparing it. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment in completing the required level of training and reading regular correspondence from the National Childminding Association. She has information and documentation including the Disability Discrimination Act, Foundation Stages and Birth to three matters which she familiarises herself with to further benefit children.

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Organisation

Children and parents enjoy consistent and safe care as the childminder has taken the time to devise written policies, keep all regulatory documentation, ensures ratios are met at all times and maintains insurance.

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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 There are no complaints to report on.

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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): • provide opportunities for children to develop independence in self help and care skills

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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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