Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY339813 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2007 Inspection date Vanessa Wood 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 husband and two of her four adult children in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The ground and first floor are registered for use for childminding and the garden is not currently registered. Local parks are visited as an alternative.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding four children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two dogs. 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 thrive and stay healthy because the childminder follows highly effective procedures which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are very familiar with simple good hygiene routines such as washing hands before meals. They are provided with individual towels and flannels to prevent the spread of infection and the childminder follows very good practice when changing nappies. Children benefit from very healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which are prepared by the childminder. They are encouraged to help to prepare simple food such as baking scones for tea. The childminder ensures children have a balanced meal and that fruit is always available. Meals are a social time when children and the childminder sit together to encourage positive social interaction. Children are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the day and enjoy a range of fresh fruit, vegetables and finger foods at snack

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Helping children to be healthy

time. Children enjoy a range of activities which develop their physical skills. Although the garden is currently not registered, children are taken out for regular visits to several local parks. The childminder has identified these as being safe for children and with play areas suitable for their age and stage of development and which provide a variety of interesting activities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment where any risks are identified and minimised. This is because the childminder is extremely vigilant and carries out a visual risk assessment every day to ensure all hazards have been made safe. For example, stair gates are in place to prevent children entering certain areas unsupervised, safety film has been fitted to low level glass and the house has been made secure. This ensures children can move around safely and with some independence. The childminder has a high regard for children's safety and ensures all equipment is appropriate for the stage of children's development. It is regularly monitored to ensure it is safe, well maintained and appropriate. Relevant safety information is consulted when purchasing new equipment such as car seats to ensure it meets safety regulations. All children are taught how to keep themselves safe when outdoors and how to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

cross the road safely. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection policies and procedures and understands her role in child protection. She has a child protection policy that supports her practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children are made very welcome and enjoy their time with the childminder. Each child is valued and included in every aspect of the daily routine. Activities are meaningful, stimulating and fun and help to develop their curiosity, creativity and imagination. All activities are adapted to meet the individual needs of each child. As a result the children are very happy and content in the childminder's care. There is a good balance between child initiated and adult led activities and children have choices in their play which ensures that they are interested in what they do.

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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 For example, children participate enthusiastically in activities such as playing with dough, dressing up and pretend play. Children sit comfortably with the childminder as she reads them books, pausing whilst they look at the pictures and discussing the story. Children's development is enhanced by the good quality of the childminder's interaction. Children are listened to and their communication skills are promoted very well as the childminder responds to their questions.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and cared for according to their individual needs. Children's individual routines are adhered to and discussed with parents to ensure consistency of care. The childminder knows the children well and strives to help them meet their full potential. Children benefit from a number of positive images and resources which help them value and understand people from different cultures. Children are well behaved because the childminder takes every opportunity to reinforce good behaviour. She is a good role model and ensures that children are fully involved in interesting activities all the time. As a result children respond very well to guidance and instruction from the childminder. A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to children's well-being. Parents are given very good information in the form of a service statement, policies and procedures. This ensures parents are made to feel welcome

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and understand the childminder's good practice from the beginning. All information is shared with parents so that parents are kept up to date with their children's activities during the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children benefit from an extremely well organised environment and clear and comprehensive policies. As a result children are kept safe and the childminder provides consistency of care. The childminder is experienced in caring for children and has a child care qualification. This enables her to provide a high standard of care. She organises her paperwork effectively to ensure it is confidential, but is easily available if needed. All the required documentation is in place to ensure children's well-being is safeguarded

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it 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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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 written plans to show how activities promote the next steps in children's learning

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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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