Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY289158 Inspection date 12 May 2005 Inspector Jane Wakelen

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 partner and two children. They live in a house in Minster, Sheerness. Kent. The house is situated within walking distance of shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time

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 and is currently minding one child aged under one year on a shift pattern. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family have a dog, rabbit and a guinea pig.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has an understanding of healthy eating and hygiene procedures, which enables children to make nutritious choices and learn about keeping healthy. They have access to drinking water and a range of juices throughout the day. The childminder works with the parents to provide a healthy, varied menu ensuring children's likes and dislikes are taken into account, together with any food intolerance, therefore meeting children's dietary needs. Children are able to use the garden regularly using wheeled toys and climbing apparatus. They are taken on walks to the local beach and park, helping them stay healthy and learn about the importance of fresh air and exercise. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They gain an understanding of good hygiene and personal care, such as washing their hands, especially after caring for the pets and using the toilet. Children follow their own routines for sleep and rest.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks are identified and procedures put in place to minimise hazards. This ensures children are able to move around freely and independently. They use equipment, that meets safety standards, and is in good condition, to extend and develop their skills. The childminder has safety strategies in place for outings, such as emergency phone numbers and harnesses are fitted to buggies to ensure children's safety outside. This enables children to explore their environment, but ensures that they are protected from harm. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. She has limited knowledge of child protection procedures but has relevant contact numbers for her local social services offices. Children learn to care for animals, but learn about being safe through the childminder's simple explanations and safety features in place, such as the guard at

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the bottom of the stairs, to prevent the puppy entering the front room or going up the stairs.

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 Children settle easily into the childminder's home, and play contentedly with the available toys. Children have a choice of small world toys, books, puzzles and construction. Children make choices whether to play indoors or outdoors, using equipment suitable for their age and stage of development. They are beginning to learn about the world around them, playing out in the garden and going out for walks to the beach or the park. The childminder encourages the baby to join in activities developing the baby's social skills, such as singing with her and using lots of language and eye contact, but she is not yet using 'Birth to Three Matters' to extend her practice and some activities do not fully meet the needs of very young children to enable them to explore and discover new skills.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their creative skills and use their imagination in messy play, such as painting and sticking. They participate in cooking activities and practical activities to promote their language and mathematical skills. Parents are informed on a daily basis about their child's day through the use of a daily diary and discussion with the childminder which promotes continuity of care for the children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop their self-esteem and confidence through close interaction with the childminder and learn to develop relationships with adults and other children, through regular opportunities to socialize at parent and toddler groups. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's progress through informal discussions, which enable children to feel valued and gain a sense of belonging. Children build positive relationships with each other, learning to care and show concern for each other. They develop an awareness of their own needs and the needs of others. However, children have limited opportunities to respect cultural differences as there are few play resources or books reflecting cultural diversity. Children behave well and have an understanding of the expectations of the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. They develop their confidence, enabling them to make the childminder and others aware of their likes and dislikes, within the boundaries of the setting, within a safe environment. The childminder uses positive re-enforcement strategies to promote wanted behaviour.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming environment that meets children's needs. Children are protected from unvetted persons as the children are always in the sight of the childminder and are not left in anyone's care. The childminder intends to

p.4

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 further her knowledge by undertaking further training to enhance the service she provides to the children. Most required documentation is in place, is kept up-to-date and is stored in a small portable filing system. The childminder has written various short policies, but does not have a complaints procedure to inform parents of the policy in place. Children experience a variety of activities, but these do not always extend learning for the younger children. Overall, the needs of the range of children cared for are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration. Safety film has now been fitted on low level glass to make it safe for children.

p.5

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): • obtain information on the Birth to Three Matters framework to extend knowledge of activities for children under three years. • implement a complaints policy for parents to give them information of procedures. • ensure children have access to a range of equipment to reflect the diverse society that they live in. • obtain all necessary information regarding child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection Procedures.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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 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.6