Childminder in KentOfsted inspection, 7 Jun 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318057 Inspection date 07 June 2006 Inspector Joanne Wade Barnett

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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 school age children in Hadlow, near to Tonbridge, in Kent. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both on a part-time basis.

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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 has a small dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder follows satisfactory hygiene practice whereby daily routines and explanations help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before meals reduces the risk of passing on germs. Children have their own drinking cups which is offered at meals and snack times helping children to keep their bodies hydrated. Children's dietary needs and preferences are catered for, because the childminder maintains details of dietary requirements and preferences. Meals and snacks are generally balanced and nutritious, contributing to children’s health. The childminder organises outings to the park and in the local community, where there is large play equipment, which gives children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills and contribute to their health and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure. As a result, children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised. Toys are in good condition because the childminder checks them regularly. Toys and resources are stored in large plastic storage units, which are generally organised and easy for younger children to reach safely; as a result, children do make effective use of the whole range of available resources. There are effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children contributing to their safety. Sleeping arrangements for babies, take account of individual routines and each child has their own linen for their daytime rest. Regular checks ensure children are monitored for safety as they sleep. Smoke alarms are in place and the fire blanket in the kitchen ensures the childminder is alerted promptly in the event of a fire. In addition, a fire evacuation plan has been considered and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

documented fully, contributing to children’s safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate, there is an easily accessible first aid kit and she has a sound knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and generally settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured plastic toys that the childminder provides. Together they explore building a train track and work out the different ways to interlock the pieces. Regular visits out into the community help children learn about the environment, for example trips to the shops and park. The childminder endeavours to share her time fairly amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures all children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. As a result, younger children are beginning to make independent choices

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and develop their concentration, as they play alongside one another. Opportunities for the younger children to fully explore with their senses are not yet fully established, because resources that reflect the natural world are not freely available. However, the childminder intends to access and consider implementing the Birth to three matters framework in the future to further promote babies and children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children and babies are settled and enjoy a consistent routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is generally good. However, strategies for managing unwanted behaviour are not always appropriate, for example, on occasions; children are required to sit on the stairs where they are excluded from the other children. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder endeavours to implement individual routines and share her time amongst the children. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. There is a small range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society; consequently, children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

receive some opportunities to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions. Although, the childminder has not yet cared for children with special need and disabilities she demonstrates a strong commitment to provide an inclusive service. A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships. Effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children and formal contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided.

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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 The organisation is good. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The organisation of the setting is good and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The childminder’s flexible approach enables her to provide a service tailored to the different work patterns and needs of families within the community. The certificate of registration is not displayed, however the attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with the conditions of her registration. The routine is organised to include quiet times, active times and meal times. As a result, children are secure in the childminder’s care. All of the required documentation for the safe and efficient management of the setting and for the welfare and care of children is maintained correctly.

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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): • continue to monitor improvements in the garden and clearing dogs faeces before children use the garden • further develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and expand on existing resources

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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 • ensure certificate is displayed at all times

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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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