Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY334719 Unique Reference Number 10 October 2006 Inspection date Virginia Cooper Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 satisfactory. 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 partner and two children in Gillingham, Kent. One of her children is in full time school and the other is pre-school age. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and children may sleep upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local childminding group. The family has a dog who is used to children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from a warm, caring environment helping them feel emotionally secure. Babies are secure in the knowledge that, if they are tired or hungry, their needs are met promptly. When they look to the childminder for support they are always rewarded with a smile or a cuddle, helping them gain confidence. They bring comforters from home helping them feel secure.

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Helping children to be healthy

The home is clean and clutter free, providing children with a pleasant environment. The childminder takes precautions to help prevent the spread of infection. For example, the high chair tray is cleaned with anti-bacterial spray, the childminder washes her hands before preparing food and the children's hands are wiped before they eat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a written service statement that makes it clear to parents that she does not care for children who are contagious, ensuring other children are not at risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has never given a child medicine, but has written blanket permission to administer medication. She does not, however, have written permission to access emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children bring a packed lunch and the childminder provides healthy snacks, for example fresh fruit. Cooked meals that are nutritionally balanced can be provided by the childminder if parents prefer. Children always have access to drinks; they recognise their own cups and these are re-filled regularly, to prevent them being thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder regularly carries out a risk assessment of the premises. The potential hazards and risks are identified and safety equipment is in place to prevent accidents. She carries out a visual check of the premises each day to maintain the safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a fair range of age appropriate toys available, they are easily accessible and children choose what they want to play with. Most toys are manufactured, colourful and made of plastic, therefore, children's access to natural materials is limited. Toys are safe, clean and well maintained, enabling children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of child protection and knows what to do and whom to contact, should she have concerns about any child's well-being. She explains to parents her responsibility to protect children and they understand why she records existing injuries.

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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 satisfactory. Babies receive consistent care and are happy and attached to the childminder. Babies just learning to walk are given lots of encouragement when they are keen to practice this new skill. They gain confidence as they walk holding on first with two hands, then with one. They manage to cruise around the furniture and are brave enough to walk short distances without holding on. They squeal with excitement and the childminder celebrates their success by clapping hands and telling them how clever they are. This praise promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They love to sing rhymes together, play boo and tickling games. The childminder reflects what babies say, encouraging them to find their voice. Children's fascination with making things work is encouraged as they play with a torch. Children have the opportunity to socialise with other children when they meet up with other registered childminders, enabling them to mix and learn how to take turns. The childminder has heard of the framework Birth to three matters, but is not familiar with it. Further familiarisation will help her provide an even richer environment for the youngest children. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air; they regularly play in the garden and visit the park ensuring they get plenty of exercise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder records children’s specific needs, enabling her to provide a personalised service that takes account of children's individuality. There is a limited range of resources that reflect a positive view of diversity; however, all children are treated with equal regard promoting their sense of self worth.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a willing attitude about caring for children with special needs. She will accept children as long as she is able to provide an appropriate service that meets their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and kept amused. Children respond to the positive praise and encouragement that is given, helping them understand the difference between right and wrong. The children who attend are very young and therefore, the childminder only has to use distraction to divert them from undesirable behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder keeps parents informed, she writes in a contact book and exchanges information with them, verbally discussing what their children have done and any progress their child has made. She takes photos and shares these with parents, providing them with a permanent memory of their early years.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There is a flexible routine to the day, allowing children to choose freely what they want to play with from a variety of age appropriate toys. The childminder gives them lots of attention and becomes involved in the children's games. They are taken out to the park and to play with other children to expand their knowledge and experience.

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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 All the documentation that relates to the safe and effective management of the setting and for the welfare and care of the children is organised and stored confidentially. The childminder keeps all the required records that relate to the children and obtains parental permission where necessary; consequently, parents are kept informed. The written statement of service, the displayed certificates of registration, first aid and childcare qualifications enables parents to confirm details of the childminder’s registration and experience.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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 satisfactory. 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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of promoting babies and young children's overall development; for example by the use of Birth to three matters • obtain written permission to access emergency medical advice or treatment in an emergency

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The quality and standards of the care

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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