Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY399178 Inspection date 12/01/2011 Inspector Justine George

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2009. She lives in a three bedroom terrace house with garden, close to Deptford and Greenwich in South East London. She lives at the property with her two adult daughters, one of whom works as her assistant. Her two-year-old granddaughter also lives at the premises. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for four children under eight years old of whom, two may be in the early years age group and of these, one may be under one year. When working with an assistant the childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years old, of whom four may be in the early years age group, with one aged under one year. She currently cares for 11 month old full-time, a two-year-old for three days a week, and a five year old after school.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time in the childminder's home playing with the good range of toys available. Children have developed positive and caring relationships with the childminder, nurturing their emotional well-being. The childminder is committed to maintaining continuous improvement. This is achieved through attending training courses and reading relevant materials to ensure her knowledge reflects current practice. Most of the required documentation is in place. However, the childminder has not obtained prior written parental consent to administer medication and children have been left alone with her assistant without written parental permission, which is a breach of welfare requirements.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and welfare) 11/02/2011

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further?

 ensure children are not left alone with an assistant unless written permission is obtained from parents (Documentation). 11/02/2011

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 make full use of risk assessments to identify and eliminate all the hazards children may come into contact with, for example, ensure the front door is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 free from obstruction, reduce the risk of choking hazards by minimising children's access to small items and the light pull and make sprays in the bathroom inaccessible to children  improve the hygiene of food preparation areas by wiping away food spillages and splashes.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is suitably promoted in the setting. All adults in the home have had the required checks carried out to ensure their suitability. Children are protecting from unfamiliar adults as the childminder is aware of who collects children. The childminder has registered her daughter as her assistant and this ensures the good supervision of children during busy times such as the preparation of meals. However, minded children have been left alone with her assistant without written permission from parents, which is a breach of welfare requirements. In the event of any accidents, children receive good care as the childminder has kept her first aid knowledge up-to-date. Accidents are recorded and parents are informed. In the main, the home is safe and secure and risk assessments identify and eliminate most hazards. However, the front door is obstructed with shoes and a pram. Therefore, if children have to vacate the

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the early years provision

premises in an emergency, this will impact on their safety. Furthermore, the risk assessment does not identify all the risks to children. For example, the sprays in the toilet area are accessible to children and small items such as pen lids and the light pull in the toilet area, poses a choking hazard. The childminder has good knowledge of safeguarding child protection issues. She is aware of the areas of abuse and the possible signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is at risk. To ensure vulnerable children are protected, the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in sharing any concerns with the appropriate organisations.

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the early years provision

The childminder's approach to partnership work is positive. She shares her written policies and procedures with parents to ensure they are well informed of her responsibilities in caring for children. The childminder seeks good information from parents about children stage of development, routines and health needs, fostering equality and diversity. Most of the required documentation is in place to ensure children are cared for in line with parent's wishes. However, prior written parental consent to administer medication is not obtained, which is a breach of welfare requirements. Parents are well informed of their child's wellbeing through daily verbal communication and the use of contact books which also provides details about children's learning and progress. The childminder is aware of the importance of working with all those involved in the care of children should they attend other settings or if they receive support from other professionals. This promotes

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the early years provision

continuity and consistency of care for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to maintaining continuous improvement whereby she reflects on her service to ensure the needs of children are met. She keeps her knowledge up-to-date and has attended a safeguarding child protection course. Written policies, procedures and record keeping systems have been implemented to set the pace for a professional service. In addition, planning and various This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 observational assessments methods are also being used to monitor and track the progress children make. All of which are likely to have a positive outcome for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure in the setting as they have developed positive relationships with the childminder. Through a settling-in period, children familiarise with the new surrounding safe in the knowledge that parents are close by. The childminder seeks good information from parents about children's stage of development, their needs, and routines. As a result, the childminder meets the needs of children well, recognising their little personality traits which indicate their various needs. Furthermore, the childminder is able to plan experiences which enables children to develop their skills. For example, very young children develop independence and large motor skills. The ample space available allows them to roam around in the baby walker, and they explore the indoor climbing frame, crawling up the slide and through openings with the support of an adult. Children show a strong sense of belonging in the setting. They show confidence in sharing

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and outcomes for children

their range of emotions which are responded to, fostering children's sense of security. In the event of any emotional outbursts, the childminder uses good behaviour techniques of talking with children, offering choice and using distraction to overcome any tearfulness. The childminder also liaises with parents to share methods, ensuring consistency.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They play with a wide range of toys and experience different activities to stimulate interests and to practice their skills. Children enjoy mark making. They have paper and choose what colour pen they would like to use. They are developing early writing skills holding the pen correctly to make marks which they are beginning to assign meaning to. Thus, children develop awareness that print conveys meaning. Children enjoy many electronic toys where they press buttons to trigger lights and sounds. They develop their knowledge of letter sounds, pressing a letter listening and copying the sound it produces. As a result, children are learning skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing respectful attitudes using their good manners of greetings and saying 'yes please', without prompting. Very young children develop caring attitudes through doll play, offering it a toy, albeit a little heavy handed! The childminder takes the opportunity to talk about how to care for the doll, introducing more of a gentle approach. Children also enjoy acting out real life experiences where they copy the childminder who is preparing lunch. They get their own cutlery and fill it with pretend food or toys, offering it to others!

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and outcomes for children

Children access toys independently making their own decisions and developing their play ideas. As a result gender stereotyping is minimised. Children learn about the diverse society in which we live through visits within the community and through the use of equipment that depicts positive images of culture and varying needs. The childminder is aware of children's individual needs through discussion This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with parents and through observation. The latter identifies what children can do and where they are at in their stage of development. This enables the childminder to plan experiences suited to the needs of children, thus providing opportunities for them to progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children health is suitably promoted. They are well rested as the childminder is aware of sleep routines and quieter activities are offered to encourage rest. Active children enjoy periods of outdoor play and use the garden and range of outdoor equipment to encourage physical activity. Children also use local parks and various groups. Children are well hydrated and enjoy a range of snacks which are healthy and nutritious. In the main, the home is clean, although the kitchen area has food splashes on the cooker and surrounding cupboards which have not been removed to ensure good hygiene. The spread of infection is suitably minimised through hygienic nappy changing routines, hand-washing and the exclusion of children if unwell. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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