Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY337336 Unique Reference Number 27 March 2007 Inspection date Susan Jennifer Scott Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children of primary school age in Burham, near Rochester, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. She currently cares for two children on a part time basis. No overnight care is provided. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are offered healthy choices of food and drink at regular times during the day. Their dietary needs and preferences are discussed so that the childminder can ensure they receive foods they enjoy such as, cheese on toast and fresh fruit or vegetables for snacks. This supports their understanding of healthily eating.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

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 enjoy opportunities for vigorous exercise when they use the balls and large toys in the garden. They also experience opportunities to participate in play at the local play area and benefit from regularly walking to school in the fresh air. This helps children to understand the importance of keeping healthy through exercise and play.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children learn good habits for their personal care such as toileting and washing hands. They experience consistent routines such as washing their hands before eating food and after messy play. Children's health is protected through good procedures for food hygiene.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is prepared to seek emergency treatment if this is needed and has written permission to do so. She holds a current first aid certificate and is therefore able to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a secure environment with a good variety of toys and resources available for them to access. This encourages them to feel settled in the home and they are made to feel welcome through being able to freely choose from a selection of toys and resources which are organised and ready for use.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access an attractive and interesting range of equipment and resources including suitable small stools and a low breakfast bar. Children's play is promoted and their interest maintained as the childminder varies what is available and provides very good support to enable them to use stimulating resources.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe in the home and the childminder encourages them to develop a sense of their own safety through using discussions, stories and posters. The childminder has formulated a clear emergency evacuation procedure to ensure children can be evacuated to safety should an emergency arise. Children are protected by the precautions taken to prevent accidents and the risk assessments maintained by the childminder. The children are made aware of their own safety if they are old enough to understand, as the childminder teaches them about the dangers of traffic when they are out.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and sources of advice, therefore safeguarding children's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children who attend the setting are confident and secure. They develop good levels of self esteem and have a warm and relaxed relationship with the childminder. They access a variety of rooms and space both inside and outside in the garden where they are able to play. They also enjoy good opportunities to visit play facilities in the local community.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing with the attractive resources and toys which are interesting and varied to provide different experiences. They are encouraged to build on their intellectual and emotional skills by sharing their experiences with the childminder who encourages them through participation and develops their play well.

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 The childminder has a good understanding of young children's development and plans how to build on their learning effectively. For example, she successfully encourages children to count out beads when making a craft item to support their understanding. As a result, children enjoy a range of experiences that are well suited to their stage of development.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the childminder's good support to enable them to experience interesting and stimulating activities such as junk modelling and cooking. They have good opportunities to develop their confidence and skills in the childminder's care; for example, children enjoy making cornflake cakes. They are encouraged to participate in varied activities which are flexibly planned, such as use of the play dough. These successfully develop their understanding, for instance, when they learn to complete construction designs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to understand and respect differences through sensitive discussions with the childminder. However, there are limited resources that reflect positive images to enable them to develop a balanced view of society. Their individual needs and background are valued and respected by the childminder who uses her knowledge of each child to guide her care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with any learning difficulties or disabilities would be assessed and liaison with parents used to ensure children are given the right care to meet their needs. Children are well stimulated and experience recognition for their achievements. This enables them to concentrate on activities and boosts their self esteem. Appropriate strategies, according to their age and stage of development, help children understand right and wrong and the clear explanations used by the childminder ensures they know how to behave appropriately.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are encouraged to exchange information with the childminder to ensure continuity of care is offered between their home and the setting. The childminder discusses information about the children's experiences and routines during the day when parent's collect them, or parents can access written information about the activities during the day. Parents access a range of well written information to inform them of the childcare practice and support their understanding of the service; for instance, the emergency plans and a number of policies are shared.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder ensures that children are protected from un-vetted persons through her clear procedures. She keeps herself informed of current childcare through contact with other local childminders.

p.4

Organisation

Children benefit from the good organisation of the childminding service. They enjoy using a good range of resources which promote their development successfully. They receive very good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The environment is carefully managed to ensure the safety and effective supervision of the children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure the documentation is up to date and she has the required procedures in place. However, she does not have a copy of recent revisions to the guidance to the National Standards although she is aware of these changes. Records are kept secure and confidential. Parents are kept informed of children's development and this

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 is supported by the childminder's good understanding of the children's needs. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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 good. 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): • provide resources that reflect anti-discriminatory practice and increase knowledge of this subject • obtain a copy of recent revisions to the guidance to the National Standards so that understanding on complaints is clear

p.5

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

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