Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286064 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2006 Inspection date Lara Hickson Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 lives with her husband and two children, aged 10 years and 18 months, in a quiet residential road in Swanscombe. The home is close to all local amenities, including shops, parks, schools, toddler groups, a Leisure Centre and the library. There is off road parking and good public transport links, Swanscombe Station is within walking distance. Children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the family home and only use the first floor for sleeping purposes. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play activities. The childminder is able to collect from local schools and pre-schools. The family have two cats and a rabbit. The childminder has been registered since July 2004 and may care for a maximum of three children from zero to under eight years. There are currently two children on roll; neither were present during the inspection visit.

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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 satisfactory. Children's health and well being is likely to be promoted, because the childminder has good arrangements in place to protect the children's health and to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder explained that she encourages children to develop good hygiene practices, such as hand washing prior to meals, after playing in the garden and after using the toilet. Equipment is in place for the children to develop independent hygiene practices, for example an easy liquid soap dispenser and training step.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has all of the required documentation in place for the recording of accidents, medication and incidents. She is aware of the importance of obtaining parental consent to administer medication and to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. These practices ensure that children's health is protected. A first aid box is provided and the childminder has a valid first aid qualification and would be able to provide appropriate care in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a range of resources and equipment to encourage their physical skills, for example a swing, a bouncy castle, a play tunnel, and a variety of bats and balls. Activities outside the home setting are planned to encourage the children's large motor development, for example, regular trips to parks and walks in the local community, which provide children with daily opportunities to fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is aware of each child's individual dietary needs and requirements. The children are introduced to new tastes, for example, recently the children tried an unusual exotic fruit from Waitrose, which had tempted them whilst shopping. The childminder explained that children also enjoy participating in making meals or treats, for example making pizzas, cakes and biscuits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a safe, well maintained and well organised home setting which is bright, clean and welcoming. The childminder gives safety a high priority and she has effectively risk assessed her home, to minimise all potential risks to children and to ensure the children's safety and security. For example, cupboard locks are in place in the kitchen and safety gates are used effectively, to restrict access to areas such as the kitchen and the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the broad range of activities available which are clean, safe and checked regularly, to ensure their ongoing safety to children. The childminder purchases resources from reputable companies which deal specifically with children, for example Galt and Early Learning Centre, and all resources adhere to British Safety Standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is able to protect children in her care, because she understands her responsibilities regarding recording and reporting any concerns regarding child protection. She

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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 also demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the signs of abuse and neglect. However, the childminder does not have a copy of the local Child Protection procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Good arrival and collection procedures are in place, which protect the children. The childminder asks for prior warning of any changes regarding collection and said that she would use a password system as an additional safety measure, to protect the children being collected by an unauthorised person. The childminder ensures that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, due to appropriate supervision and rigorous security measures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can be evacuated safely from the premises in the event of the fire, due to the use of the effective fire safety procedures. The children are aware of the fire evacuation procedure, although there is no written policy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's individual ages and stages of development and provides activities that reflect these needs. Children benefit from the wide range of toys, resources, activities and games available. Resources are easily accessible, which encourages independence and choice. All resources are age and stage appropriate and provide appropriate challenges and interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder describes how she encourages the children to develop confidence and self esteem through praise and encouragement. She explained that she tries to encourage the children's efforts and achievements, particularly with new tasks. Through discussions with the childminder it was evident that she offers the children a varied routine, with a good range and balance of activities both in the home and outside, which promotes their all round development. The childminder has arranged a range of outings to extend the children's enjoyment and learning, for example trips to Mudshoot Farm, Danson Park, The Whitbread Hop Farm, Margate and the cinema.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder was not aware of the Birth to Three Matters framework and is planning to mind children under one year, following a variation to her numbers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder said that she endeavours to ensure that children are made aware of diversity and of the wider society. There is a range of different toys and resources depicting race, culture, gender and disability and the childminder demonstrates a positive approach towards non stereotypical play. Resources include books, puzzles, dolls from different cultures, small world people. When the older children learn about different religions at school, the childminder said that she does additional activities at home. For example, the children have made some Sikh sweets to celebrate a Sikh festival. The childminder uses the local library to supplement her own resources depicting diversity in society.

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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 childminder has appropriate arrangements in place for finding out and recording details about each child's individual needs and requirements. Information collected at the initial meeting with parents is recorded on child record forms. The childminder said that she discusses all aspects of a child's care at the beginning of all childminding arrangements. Discussion with the childminder suggests that children are very valued and respected as individuals. The childminder explains that all children are treated with equal care and concern, according to their individual needs, characters and stages of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has not minded a child with special needs. However, she explained that she would look at each child's individual needs and would take into account her physical environment and the level of support the child required. The childminder said that she would work in partnership with parents and other outside agencies, to ensure that a child's specific needs were met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a positive approach towards behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would deal with any behavioural issues involving minded children. The childminder said that she tries to use behaviour management strategies that are age and stage appropriate and according to the child's level of understanding. The childminder said that she uses clear explanations, discussion, time out to consider the effects behaviour has on others and distraction techniques mainly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder feels that it is important to develop a positive working partnership with parents, and encourages parents to discuss any concerns about her childminding care and service. However, the childminder does not have a written complaints procedure and has not received a copy of the addendum with recent revisions regarding complaints. The childminder feels that children benefit from the relationships the childminder and their parents have. The childminder said that she gives parents daily feedback, discussing the day’s events and any concerns. The childminder said that she arranges an individual settling in period for each new child, appropriate to their needs and their parents’ requirements. This enables new children to familiarise themselves with the childminding environment and other household members and minded children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall, evidence collected during the inspection demonstrates that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children are cared for by a childminder who has relevant checks and has completed the appropriate training to ensure her registration continues. The childminder has good arrangements in place to ensure that children are safe and secure. Their play and learning needs are met through the organisation of space and play resources. Children are able to choose from a range of resources which are easily accessible and promote independent selection and learning.

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Organisation

Generally, documentation is up to date, accurately recorded and kept securely. The childminder is aware of confidentiality in all areas of childminding. However, the childminder does not currently have a written complaints procedure and was not aware of the recent revisions regarding complaints or other changes outlined in the addendum.

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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

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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): • increase knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters Framework • update knowledge of the complaints procedure and other revisions outlined in the October 2005 addendum • obtain local Child Protection Procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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