Childminder in KentOfsted inspection, 7 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314741 Inspection date 07 April 2006 Inspector Vanessa Wood

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two young children in a house in Tonbridge. The whole of the house except for the main bedroom and the kitchen are used for childminding. The garden is not suitable for childminding at the moment. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. She can take and collect children from school. She attends local toddler groups.

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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 family have a dog and tortoises.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is generally suitably promoted. They enjoy a well maintained, clean and tidy environment with good arrangements to protect them from any risks associated with pets. They have regular access to vigorous outdoor play through outings to the park and soft play facilities, as the garden is too dangerous to be used at the moment. Children benefit from the provision of healthy snacks, such as fruit, because the childminder has a reasonable understanding of providing a balanced diet. She has a current first aid certificate and is able to deal with an accident in an emergency, however, she has not sought parental permission to seek emergency advice or treatment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children become increasingly aware of how to keep themselves safe because the childminder helps them understand the reasons for safety routines. She uses play to illustrate the importance of safety, for example when explaining to a child that the doll should have reins securely fitted to prevent her falling out of the pushchair. The childminder has a system in place to assess risks within the environment. However, she has not effectively addressed all identified hazards, compromising children's safety. For example, children have access to the stairs, wires from the television are not secure and a glass table, which is accessible to children, has not been made sufficiently safe. Children are not able to access the garden as this area is not suitable for them to do so. However, the childminder makes alternative provision for outdoor play. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

how to report concerns which promotes children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop their self esteem and confidence well because the childminder provides generally appropriate activities and consistent caring support. Children enjoy the closeness of sharing books with the childminder and children show a good understanding of story convention as they turn over the pages and retell the story. Children are confident and at ease in their play. However, there are times when children are not given independence to develop their imaginations and produce their own work. For example, the childminder is over helpful when children are making Easter cards and they are not given time to develop their own designs. The learning experience is too structured.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to understand and value each others' differences because the childminder provides resources which show positive images of the world. They settle quickly and happily into the welcoming environment as the childminder helps them to feel wanted and valued. Effective liaison with parents ensures that the childminder knows them well as individuals before they start. The childminder uses a variety of ways to exchange information with parents, for example through the detailed records she keeps and through daily conversations with parents. This enables her to work together with parents to better understand and meet the children's needs including any special needs. Children learn to treat each other with respect. They behave well and play together harmoniously because their needs are understood and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming, well organised environment that meets children's needs. They experience a well balanced day with times for indoor and outdoor play and for socialising with other children. The childminder understands that additional training will enhance the service she provides to children and their families and is committed to accessing further training. Most of the required documentation to support children's welfare is in place and is stored discreetly. However, some parental permissions are not in place. 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 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

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 parents provide written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop systems for identifying risks within the environment and ensure all hazards are sufficiently addressed • increase opportunities for children to develop their independence and imagination in play

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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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