Hill, Kim

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY290019 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Lesley Anne Cannon

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She lives with her husband and their two children. They live on the outskirts of Maidstone. The property is located close to local amenities including the park, school, shops and pre-school. The childminder is currently registered for 4 children under the age of 4-years and is currently minding 1 child full time. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, upstairs only being used for bathroom facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for

p.2

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 outside play.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the importance of hygiene by washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. They are protected from infection as the childminder helps parents to be aware of infectious diseases and prevents cross infection by not taking children when they are sick. The childminder understands the need to provide children with a balanced diet. She works with the parents to decide if a cooked meal or snack meal is best, this helps children maintain regular meal times and a balanced diet. Currently children are not provided with a cooked meal. The childminder works with the parents of those children who have special dietary needs to enable the child to be given the correct diet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can access all of downstairs where many safety features are in place, giving children a secure environment where they can move around safely. Older children can access toys freely inside from low level shelves, giving them independence and confidence. The childminder also sets up a base for children in the lounge with age appropriate toys, giving them an area where they feel safe. The toys available are monitored and used on a rota to ensure the children are stimulated. The garden is enclosed and toys are checked when they are put out to help the children stay safe. Accidents and medication are well maintained and parents sign to confirm the relevant information is passed on, giving children continuity of care. When out walking, younger children use pushchairs or walking reins; this helps children feel secure. The childminder encourages children to learn basic road safety,

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

giving them information to help them understand the dangers of the road. The childminder is aware of how to report child protection concerns, however, the childminder has correctly identified that her knowledge of child protection issues is an area for further development, in order to ensure children are fully safe-guarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The organisation of the room enables children to move around independently; children can make choices about what to play with and they can access toys and equipment freely. Children approach the childminder for help and ask questions

p.3

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 about the activity, to which she responds appropriately. The childminder makes sure suitable toys are made available for the age and developmental stage of the children present on any one day; this helps children to experiment with a range of activities to promote skills in all areas of learning. The childminder makes available a range of creative activities that children participate in, giving them the opportunity to expand their imaginative and creative skills. They also have access to educational books. Outside, a range of garden toys are available, giving children the space to develop their physical skills, with sand and water in warmer weather to give them the opportunity to explore different senses.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are seen and treated as individuals. The childminder discusses daily routines with parents to help maintain continuity of care. Children learn social skills such as table manners and waiting to take turns, by sharing meal and snack times together at the table. Children learn how to interact with their peers, learning right from wrong, in the safe environment created by the childminder. The childminder works with parents if children struggle with their behaviour, to help give the children stability. Children have access to a limited range of resources that reflect equal opportunities, this restricts their understanding in this area. The childminder does not currently care for any children with special needs but is forward thinking as to how she would support the child and assist parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed the relevant training, and her good organisational skills mean the days are well managed, giving children flexibility within a structured day. All relevant documentation is kept up to date and available for inspection; emergency numbers are available if needed. She provides a service statement that gives parents an overview of the service she intends to offer, and how she will promote the welfare of the children in her care. Contracts are maintained with parents and reviewed regularly to help the childminder give continuity of care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 a range of recourses are available that reflect equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. • develop knowledge of child protection

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5