Childminder, Out-of school day care in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330446 Inspection date 27 June 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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two young children in Kings Hill, West Malling. The whole of the house, apart from the dining room and master bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five years and two school aged children. The childminder currently drives to the pre school to take and collect children. The family do not have any pets.

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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 good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promotes their health and wellbeing. They learn about personal hygiene through well organised and established routines. They know that they must wash their hands after using the bathroom and playing outdoors in order to remove germs and keep them well. They have access to wipes to independently clean their hands and faces. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder involves them in their food choices. She encourages children to try different foods such as mango, kiwi fruit and plums. The childminder provides children with well balanced meals to help establish a healthy eating pattern. All children's dietary requirements are recorded and their likes and dislikes are taken into consideration. Children enjoy sociable eating times, they sit at the table and discuss their morning with the childminder. Healthy drinks are readily

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Helping children to be healthy

available and they can ask for a drink at any time. Daily outdoor activities help the children to develop control of their bodies. For example, trips to the local park to use the large play equipment help children develop strong physical skills. Children also enjoy playing in the childminder's secure garden with balls, a small slide and small bikes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a spacious, well organised environment where risks have been identified and minimised. This means that they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. There is a good range of toys and equipment and the childminder puts a selection out every day. Children can access these safely and ask for any other toys that they want to play with. They are encouraged to tidy up when they have finished playing thus promoting safety and an awareness of other people's safety. Children's safety has been considered in the home as the childminder has taken steps to cover all plug sockets and make the home secure. There is an effective evacuation procedure in place in the event of an emergency. The childminder has clear procedures for outings. Children know why they need to stay close and hold hands and learn about the importance of crossing roads safely. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. There is a policy in place to inform parents of her practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and at ease with the childminder who knows them well and creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. They relate well to the childminder and to other children and are learning important social skills. They settle easily in her home, playing contentedly with the available resources and engaging in planned art and

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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 craft activities. However, they are not free to self select some toys and resources which limits their independence. Children develop an interest in books and enjoy stories read to them by the childminder. They are provided with good opportunities to use the computer where they concentrate for some time on completing jigsaws and printing off the picture. They are developing good control of the mouse.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected for their individuality. The childminder uses relevant information about the children's background to ensure that their needs are recognised and catered for. Children have access to an appropriate range of resources that reflect today's society, therefore developing a positive understanding of people's differences. Children are rewarded and praised for positive behaviour, thus enhancing their self-esteem and pride in the relationships they have with each other and with adults. Parents have access to a fully comprehensive statement about the childminder's service. Day books for each minded child are completed to ensure all information is shared to maintain the continuity of care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a welcoming, well organised environment that meets children's needs. Children experience a well balanced day with times for indoor and outdoor play, for socialising with other children and for rests. They receive good quality care and attention to ensure they are developing well and take part in suitable, planned activities. All the required documentation to support children's welfare is in place and stored securely. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • improve play opportunities for children by giving them more opportunities to be independent and make choices

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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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