Howick, Lisa

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY291648 Inspection date 10 May 2005 Inspector Sarah Morfett

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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 has been registered since 2004. She lives with her partner and two school aged children. They live in a house in Vigo Village, Nr Meopham, Kent. There are local shops, parks, schools and pre-schools within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a rabbit and goldfish. The childminder attends and runs a local carer and toddler group for local children.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities which promotes their health and well being. Each week they are taken on exciting walks in the local country park, which helps to keep them healthy and gives the children an awareness of keeping fit. Physical activities in the garden enables the children to develop good motor skills, for example playing on the swing and digging in the sand means that children start to learn how to control their bodies. The effective sickness policy in place ensures that children are kept safe from risk of infection. Children learn the importance of good hygiene by discussing why hand washing is important after toileting, playing in the garden, or handling animals. Younger children are able to develop a sense of being healthy as the childminder and older children lead by positive example. Children are able to help themselves to drinks as the childminder keeps their cups

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Helping children to be healthy

within reach, these are refilled regularly. Children are encouraged to eat healthily, fruit is always available. Children's dietary requirements are considered as the childminder keeps records of children's allergies and notes their likes and dislikes. Parents can provide packed lunches for their children. The children and the childminder eat together making eating a social and pleasant occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment where risks have been identified and minimised. This enables the children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children make independent choices from a range of stimulating activities which are displayed at their level and can be easily accessed. The toys are rotated regularly which ensures that children's interest is maintained. Younger children are well supported, with the childminders help they learn about rules, such as plug sockets at their level are made inaccessible therefore, children learn not to touch. Children are encouraged take an active role in the upkeep of their toys and equipment, by helping the childminder to clean the toys, this ensures that children have respect for the things they play with. The childminder has most of the procedures and documentation in place to ensure that the children's welfare is safeguarded, for example the childminder holds a

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

current first aid certificate. Children are kept safe from risk of harm and neglect as the childminder has a clear understanding of the Area Child Protection Committee procedures, which is included in a policy shared with parents and children. The childminder has considered emergency evacuation procedures, but has not written these down or shared them with parents and children.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very well settled at the childminders house they appear confident and make themselves at home quickly. Toys and resources are readily available and children show confidence in choosing from a stimulating range of experiences which promotes all areas of development, such as mark making and music. Children enjoy well planned activities. The childminder plans a different theme each week and activities can be spontaneous, such as taking letters to the post box instigates an afternoon playing post offices, children are able to explore everyday activities and the childminder is imaginative in extending these to provide the children with learning experiences that reflect real life. All children play purposefully, activities are adapted so all the minded children can participate. The childminder keeps a diary of activities that she has offered and how the children enjoyed them, this she shares with the parents. The childminder is able

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to evaluate activities that have worked well, this ensures that children experience a wide variety of opportunities. Younger children benefit from a close relationship with the childminder, she listens and responds to gestures and non-verbal communication helping children to become skilful communicators. Children are able to learn social skills such as sharing and building relationships as they attend local parent and toddler groups with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are provided with a meaningful range of activities and resources which promote a positive view of the world around them, for example puzzles and books increase children's awareness of diversity, and through play and discussion with the childminder they learn about different cultures. Activities offered to children are age appropriate and non-discriminatory. Dressing up clothes reflect different genders and all children can choose what to wear. All children are treated with equal concern. Children are valued as individuals. Their needs are met as their normal daily routine is shared with parents, by the childminder in the form of a contact book. Children behave very well with the childminder, her attitude towards behaviour management means that children are given good, clear boundaries in which to develop and grow. Younger children are supported very well by the childminder, this ensures that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children develop a strong sense of belonging which allows them to explore the world from a secure base. The childminder has a positive attitude towards including children with special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment.

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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 Children are confident and self assured. This means that they are able to initiate and extend their learning and play. Well thought out planning contributes to valuable experiences for children. Children make good progress in all areas of development. Policies and procedures developed by the childminder are used effectively and promote children's welfare, care and learning. These are shared with parents to ensure they are well informed of the care their children receive. The childminder has a positive attitude to updating her knowledge and understanding of children's development, overall the provision meets the needs of all the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the registration inspection the childminder agreed to ensure safety measures for her home and garden were in place. All safety measures are now in place, and the childminder carries out effective risk assessments to ensure that her home continues to meet all requirements and is a safe environment for children.

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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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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 an emergency evacuation procedure is developed and shared with parents and children

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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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