Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298611 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Vanessa Wood

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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 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her four school aged children in a house in Tunbridge Wells, close to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is currently minding five children for after school care. The family have two hamsters.

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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's health is promoted very well by children being able to enjoy a well maintained, clean and tidy environment. They have regular access to vigorous outdoor play both in the well arranged garden with large trampoline and multiple swings and on outings to the park. Children also have the advantage of walking to and from school to promote their wellbeing. The childminder understands the importance of providing a balanced diet and children benefit from having a healthy meal in the evening. Children learn good personal hygiene practices through everyday routines for hand washing. The premises are suitably clean and tidy and the childminder carefully manages and records minor accidents to promote children's health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children become aware of how to keep themselves safe because the childminder helps them understand the reason for safety routines particularly when walking to and from school. She uses everyday situations well, for example by discussing how to cross roads safely. Clear boundaries are established within the home and garden to promote children's safety, for example by ensuring children always ask permission to use the large trampoline and not running in the home. The childminder has completed a risk assessment of the home and garden for the school age group of children she minds to ensure their safety. However, she has failed to identify two hazards in the garden to ensure children's safety is fully met in these areas. The childminder has an acceptable understanding of child protection issues and how to report concerns which promote children's wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. School aged children enjoy a range of activities including board games, puzzles and physical play as there is a large garden with plenty of outside play equipment. The childminder supports their play well by providing play equipment which is age appropriate and accessible so that children have the independence to chose what they want to do. This develops their self esteem and confidence as children contribute with their own suggestions and decide what they want to do. Equipment such as the multiple swings promotes cooperative play and children share toys harmoniously.

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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 The childminder's concern for and involvement with the children and what they do fosters warm relationships within the setting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn to understand and value each other's differences because the childminder respects and values them as individuals. They discuss what they would like to do and the childminder helps them reach agreement taking each other's preferences into consideration. However, children have limited opportunities to learn to understand and respect differences as there are few play resources or books reflecting the cultural diversity of modern Britain. The childminder helps children settle and feel at home because she creates good relationships with their parents, working flexibly to meet their needs. All children's needs are discussed with parents in order to support their welfare. The childminder manages behaviour well and as a result children's behaviour is good.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a welcoming, organised environment that meets children's needs. All required documentation is in place and is stored discreetly. Documents are completed in consultation with parents to ensure children's individual needs are met. The childminder understands and keeps to the condition of her registration to ensure children's safety and welfare are maintained. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • Provide suitable resources to promote equality of opportunity in the home. • Complete a risk assessment of the home to ensure all identified hazards are made safe.

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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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