Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290839 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Samantha Smith

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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 first registered 2004. She lives with her husband and daughter. They live in a house in the Chafford Hundred area with shops and parks within walking distance. The whole of the property is registered. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 3 children under 8 years and is currently minding 2 children under 5 years 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 takes and collect from school. She attends various toddler groups in the area and also the local library and parks. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from clear hygiene routines. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands before and after meals and after using the toilet. There are suitable procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection such as the childminder cleans the changing mat after every use and children are given coloured beakers. Meal and snack times are sociable, children sit together with the childminder. They are provided with a range of healthy snacks including bread, yogurt and a selection of fruit encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. They are encouraged to try and taste different foods and talk about their own likes and dislikes. While some parents currently provide lunch for their children, the childminder demonstrates a good awareness of healthy eating practices by encouraging the children to make healthy eating choices. Drinks are made freely available throughout

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Helping children to be healthy

the day. Children take part in physical activities that contribute to their good health. They take regular walks to the park and they have access to a fully enclosed garden. The childminder is aware of the need to keep appropriate records including records of accidents and medicines administered. The childminder keeps a first aid kit and she has attended up to date training.

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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 comfortable home which is safe. They can move freely and independently throughout the house and in the garden. Hazards inside the home that could pose a risk to children have been identified and made safe so that children are free from harm. The childminder ensures that children are kept safe when she takes them out of the home. She has fitted car and booster seats and she has the relevant consents to transport children in her car. Toys and equipment are in good condition and checked regularly by the childminder. The effective storage of the toys enables children to access them safely and

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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 independently. The childminder is well informed of child protection procedures contributing to the safety and welfare of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy, confident and settled in the childminder's home. They enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are happy and confidently choose toys and resources for themselves. They relate well to the childminder and each other. The childminder has sound knowledge of child development and she provides suitable activities for younger children, although she is not familiar with the Birth to three Matters framework. The childminder is extremely warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. The childminder has very good relationships with the children, she enjoys their company and knows them well. She spends a lot of time talking and playing with them. She offers very good support to the children in their play, providing an environment that allows children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and aware of acceptable boundaries in the childminder's home. They are confident in their environment and have well enforced routines and clear house rules. The childminder sensitively reinforces these at appropriate times and as a result children are starting to gain an appreciation of what is right and wrong. The childminder encourages all children to make independent choices. This can be seen in many aspects of the care children receive. For example children can choose the toys they want to play with and the fruit they want to eat. Children are constantly offered drinks and older children are encouraged to be independent in their hygiene routines. There are some toys and resources that reflect positive images and different cultures and as a result children recognise differences and similarities between themselves and others. Children's welfare is fully promoted through the childminder's recognition of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

importance of working in partnership with parents. She shares her policies and procedures and has daily discussions to ensure parents are kept informed about their children's development. Children's welfare is promoted in accordance with their parent's wishes.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is well organised to support children's play and the good storage of toys allows children to make independent choices. All the relevant documentation is in place and records and information about children are kept confidentially and securely. This effectively contributes to the health, safety and well being of the children. The childminder has completed her initial registration and first aid training, which contributes to the quality of care the children receive. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs for younger children, for example through the use of the Birth to three Matters Framework

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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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