Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY321425 Unique Reference Number 18 January 2007 Inspection date Tracy Larnach 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 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her daughter, aged 12, in Whitstable, Kent. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The toilet is located upstairs. Upstairs may also be used for sleeping.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 good. Children are cared for in a clean home where the toys and equipment are well maintained. A sick child policy, a current first aid certificate and permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment all help the childminder to act in the children's best interest should they have an accident or become ill. In addition, accident and medicine records are maintained appropriately. Children are taught to wash their hands regularly; for example, after using the toilet, before meals and after feeding the tortoise. There is liquid soap and individual towels so that children do not share towels to help prevent the spread of infection. Children have regular opportunities to participate in activities for their physical well-being. There is a garden and outdoor toys available; alternatively, children are taken on outings. They enjoy visits to local parks, watching rabbits on the downs and visiting the local library. The childminder ensures

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Helping children to be healthy

children have opportunities to benefit from fresh air regardless of the weather; for example, she has purchased Wellington boots so that they can delight in splashing in puddles when they are out.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder or parents provide the food. The childminder promotes a healthy diet in her home and speaks with the parents about providing healthy food and drink. This in turn, helps the children to learn about making healthy choices. As a result, children are well-nourished. However, the childminder has not yet developed a healthy eating policy to further promote this. Children can access drinks when they are thirsty as water is readily available at all times. The childminder reminds them to have a drink to ensure they remain hydrated. Children's individual schedules are respected by the childminder, this means that children can sleep or eat when they wish which contributes to their physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has undertaken an informal risk assessment in her home and has all the necessary safety measures in place. As a result, the premises are safe and secure for the children cared for. The toys are safe, clean and well maintained, enabling children to play safely. Children learn about safety during the daily routine; for example, the childminder talks to them about playing with the toys appropriately, fire evacuation and road safety. She has effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children and a policy which explains to parents what happens if children are uncollected. She is aware of the recommendations for sleeping babies so they are put down to sleep appropriately. She has a good knowledge of child protection to ensure children are safeguarded should she suspect abuse.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is an evacuation plan, smoke alarms and a fire blanket to contribute to the children’s safety should there be a fire. The children have practised evacuation with the childminder and she regularly checks the smoke alarms so they are familiar with the sound. As a result, they are able to explain what they must do if there is a fire. However, the childminder does not kept records as evidence of safety checks and evacuations. The childminder has parental permissions for transporting children in a vehicle, to take them on outings, for sunscreen and photographs.

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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 A procedure for outings is in place to ensure the childminder has all necessary information and equipment when she goes out.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy in the childminder's care. She ensures there is a variety of toys available for them to select from, this promotes their independence. In addition, children's independence is promoted as the childminder encourages them to help with simple tasks; for example, recycling, putting the toys away and pairing the socks from the washing. The childminder is led by the children in her care and observes them carefully. She ensures they are successful to build their confidence and stimulated by appropriately challenging them. She is aware of the Birth to three matters framework and intends to use it to help promote positive outcomes when caring for younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children become engaged in their play as they explore the toys and equipment around them. They use their imaginations as they play; for example, a remote control car became an alarm clock, whirring as the button was pressed to wake the childminder from her sleep. Children's mathematical thinking and problem solving skills are fostered as they play with small manipulative toys such as threading beads. The childminder asks questions; for example, how many if one more is added and they talk together about how long the finished product is, measuring it against the children's heights. Children enjoy books and listen attentively to stories. They learn how a books work. Stories and visits to the library helps them to develop an appreciations and love of books. The childminder talks to the children, modelling good language and asking open ended questions to make them think. Displayed art work shows that children are able to be creative. All children's work is valued and displayed. In addition, the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder takes photographs of the children's hard work, making them feel valued as they smile proudly for the camera.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled in the childminder's care. This is because she has a settling in procedure that includes short visits and meetings outside the home; for example, in the park. Children enjoy the childminder's company and readily approach her to play. The childminder has set boundaries that the children understand. As a result, they are very well behaved in her care. Positive behaviour is encouraged with lots of praise, this promotes the children's self esteem. In addition, there is a behaviour policy that is shared with parents. Children learn about the local community as they visit places of interest, for example, the library and to see the horses in nearby fields. She teaches the children about caring for the environment as they learn about recycling, helping to sort out which items go into which bags.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Resources reflect positive images of different cultures to help children develop knowledge and understanding of the world. The childminder is a positive role model and children are taught to have positive images of differences through discussion. This means they become accepting of each other regardless of differences. Children's record forms detail religion and any special

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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 requirements to enable the childminder to cater for their individual needs. The childminder has established close relationships with the parents. She talks to them daily and provides a daily diary. This details their children's day and contributes to providing continuity of care. There are policies that inform parents of the childminder's service and parental permissions have been sought. Contracts are in place outlining business details to ensure that the childminder is providing the care parents wish. There is a complaints policy in line with current legislation. This means that parents can be secure that any complaint will be investigated appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She makes good use of the space so that children are able to move freely and safely in her home. Children feel at home and are confident to play. The daily routine is organised to include meals, outings, quiet and busy periods. All the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and for the welfare and care of children is maintained and stored securely. A confidentiality policy is in place. The attendance register is kept accurately and shows that the childminder complies with conditions of numbers. The childminder has produced a range of policies that she shares with parents. The certificate of registration is displayed for the parents' information. The childminder has a current check to show she is suitable to be around children. She keeps a visitors book which details all visitors to the property. She has her paperwork

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Organisation

organised which includes her public liability insurance. The childminder has evaluated her practice and is aware of the areas she would like to enhance; for example, increasing the range of dressing up clothes. She is proactive and when faced with new things will research; for example, on the internet.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 a food policy and share with the parents • develop records to show safety checks and evacuations.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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