Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340941 Unique Reference Number 29 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 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 children aged two and four in Gillingham, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding three children, one full time and the others part time. The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. She 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. The childminder nurtures the children's emotional development; they enjoy a close relationship with the childminder in a warm, caring environment helping them feel secure. The home is clean and child friendly enabling children to move around easily and safely.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes steps to prevent the spread of infection. Her written service statement makes it clear to parents that she does not care for children who are contagious ensuring other children are not at risk of cross-infection. Children who become poorly whilst they are with her are made comfortable until they can be collected. Good hand washing procedures are in place; children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good procedures in place about the administration of medication to ensure parents are well informed and children are not given anything that is unsuitable.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder holds a current first aid qualification; she is able to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident or emergency. She records any accidents and any first aid that is administered whilst the children are in her care. This results in parents being well informed about what has happened to their child.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat nutritious meals and drinks are always available. They are beginning to understand which foods are healthiest.

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Helping children to be healthy

They often walk out in the fresh air, play in the garden or go to the park. The garden play equipment is interesting and consequently the children exercise whilst they play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well organised environment where they can access the toys easily and safely. Toys and resources are carefully selected to ensure they are suitable and these are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Items with small parts are not accessible to babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A risk assessment of the house has been carried out and necessary safety equipment is in place. Stair gates, socket covers and the safe storage of medicines all contribute to children's safety. There is a written evacuation plan to be used in the event of an emergency. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are all on the premises to aid 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 role in the protection of children, helping her safeguard children from harm. She understands the signs and symptoms of abuse and has procedures in place to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. Her role in the protection of children is documented in her service statement and she discusses this with parents when they first place 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 good. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and the importance of providing age appropriate activities, therefore children have opportunities to learn whilst they are playing and enjoying themselves. A favourite game is to stick post it notes on different objects, matching the words on the notes with different household items. Even though the children are young they are learning which letter words begin with and know other words that start with the same letter. This is helping them learn to read and become familiar with letter sounds. There is lots of equipment that encourage children to use their imaginations. The children and the childminder have many interesting conversations whilst they role play, she extends their knowledge and encourages them to think. Children's creativity is encouraged; they love to make cards for members of their family. The childminder is very fair about how she shares her attention between

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the children; she is warm and cuddles them when they look for reassurance. Each child gets some individual attention; she listens to them carefully, promoting their self esteem. The children all get along well, they share, take turns and play happily together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder borrows books from the library that reflect diversity positively and intends to use the toy library; she has not yet managed to purchase resources that children can access all the time that promote equality of opportunity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of caring for children with physical disabilities; she has a positive and willing attitude. The childminder discusses each child's individual needs with parents and takes account of any special needs they have to ensure the child receives an appropriate service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement and some basic ground rules that are consistently maintained by the childminder. The childminder adopts appropriate strategies, according to the age and stage of development, to help children understand right from wrong. For example, she distracts young children, intervenes calmly when necessary, gives good explanations, and is a good role model. She uses positive language and expresses to the children when they have been good so they understand which behaviour to repeat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents, she writes daily in a contact book detailing what children have done and any progress their child has made. She has comprehensive policy documents ensuring parents are clear about the service she provides. She ensures that she obtains written parental permission where relevant. In addition to the contact book the childminder is exploring how she might provide parents with a permanent record of their child's development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The registration certificate is displayed during childminding hours ensuring parents are clear about the conditions of registration. All adults in the household have Criminal Records Bureau checks and these are available for parents to see.

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Organisation

There is a routine to the day that the children are familiar with, helping them to feel secure. The routine affords the children opportunities to participate in a range of interesting and stimulating activities both inside and outdoors. Children receive individual attention at times throughout the day to meet their individual needs and help them feel comfortable.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the importance of confidentiality and a good working relationship with parents. Parents provide detailed information about their child to ensure the childminder can provide an appropriate service. They provide telephone numbers for emergency contact. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder is very well organised. All of the required consent forms and mandatory documentation are in place and kept confidentially. There are comprehensive written policies and procedures and she prepares documents to cover most eventualities. The childminder understands she has a duty to inform the registering body of any changes to her circumstances that might affect the welfare of the children.

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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 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):

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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 • continue exploring how you can provide parents with a permanent record of their children's development • provide more 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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