Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY336698 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2007 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 husband and one adult son in Gillingham, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom two may stay overnight. The childminder walks or drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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. The home is kept clean and clutter free providing children with a pleasant environment for playing. Children have a close relationship with the childminder and are very comfortable and 'at home'.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection to promote the good health of children in her care. She does not care for children who are contagious preventing cross infection. Children wearing nappies are changed regularly to keep them comfortable. The childminder disposes of the nappy in a sealed bag, washes her hands and cleans the changing mat as soon as she finishes preventing the spread of germs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder understands the correct procedures and has the necessary record books available for administering medication safely. These procedures will ensure that parents are well informed and children are not given anything that is unsuitable. She holds a current first aid qualification; any accidents and any first aid that is administered whilst the children are in her care is recorded, parents sign the entry and this results in them being well informed about what has happened to their child. The childminder writes the names of children in accident records when two children are involved, this does not observe confidentiality.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat nutritious meals and the childminder ensures they drink regularly. Children eat sitting at the table and are learning good table manners. They wash their hands before they eat and are beginning to understand which foods are healthiest.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder selects toys and resources that are suitable for the age of the children attending. She generally uses downstairs to care for children; older children occasionally play upstairs, the childminder checks upon them regularly to ensure they are safe. Toys are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has undertaken a risk assessment and risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. Gates prevent children from entering areas that might be hazardous. The childminder carries out a visual check of the premises each day to maintain the safety standards. There is a written evacuation plan to be used in the event of an emergency; however, the key to the front door is not kept near the door. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are all on the premises to contribute to children’s safety in a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm and has procedures in place to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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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. She chats with them and pays them lots of attention, changing the toys to prevent them getting bored. She reflects what babies say, encouraging them to find their voice. The childminder has a copy of the framework Birth to three matters, and is becoming familiar with it. She understands how young children enjoy tactile experiences and provides them with activities that satisfy this, for example, play dough and salt dough. She likes to go to the beach and regularly takes children out. Children are given lots of praise developing their self esteem. Children enjoy plenty of fresh air; they regularly 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 has a satisfactory understanding of equality of opportunity and wishes to improve the resources that reflect diversity positively. Children are treated with respect and are made to feel good about themselves.

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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. The toilet facilities are upstairs and therefore, this may be a difficulty for severely disabled children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and kept amused. The childminder usually uses distraction as a diversion for the youngest children. She discusses discipline with parents and works in co-operation with them, for example, ensuring that the good manners they are taught at home are expected by her as well, to provide consistency of care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good relationship with parents, she exchanges information with them verbally discussing what their children have done and any progress their child has made. She will write a contact book if parents require this. This enables parents to have meaningful conversations with their children about what they have done and achieved.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder offers a flexible service, to accommodate parents different shift patterns. She is well organised and keeps all the documentation that relates to her childminding business together and confidentially. She keeps all the required records and obtains parental permission where necessary; consequently, parents are kept well informed.

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Organisation

The daily programme is flexible; children choose most mornings what they want to play with from a variety of age appropriate toys to keep them amused. In the afternoon the childminder undertakes more planned activities with the children. She chats with the children as they play encouraging their communication skills. The childminder takes advantage of good weather to

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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 take the children out in the local community. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Organisation

The registration certificate is displayed during childminding hours ensuring parents are clear about the conditions of registration.

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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): • consider confidentiality when recording accidents • after locking the front door ensure the key is kept nearby to enable a swift evacuation in an emeregency • increase the resources that reflect diversity positively

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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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