Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342584 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2007 Inspection date Clare Stone 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 three school age children in Charing. All areas of the premises are used for childminding except for the older child’s bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. At the time of the inspection the childminder has five children on roll. School, pre-school, toddler group, shops and the park are within walking distance. The family have two pet dogs. The childminder holds the Diploma in Pre-School Practice qualification in childcare. 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 satisfactory. Children benefit from having healthy snacks throughout the day such as fruit, cheese and breadsticks. They also have access to drinks whenever they are thirsty. And for smaller children they have non spill beakers. This develops self help skills and independence. Parents provide their own meals if they wish and work in partnership with the childminder to cater for their children's dietary needs. Children learn about hygiene practices and how to incorporate these into their daily routine, such as washing their hands before mealtimes. The childminder does not mind children if they are unwell protecting all the children in her care from cross infection. Children have plenty of opportunity for outside play in the childminder's garden and trips to the local park. This encourages children to see exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and organised home, where risks of accidental injury are identified and minimised. Children play with a wide range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate toys and resources. These are organised and stored on low-level furniture to encourage independent access and freedom of choice. All resources are checked regularly and any broken items are thrown away. The childminder keeps children safe on outings by talking to the children about the dangers of the road and holding hands. Although, the childminder has some knowledge of child protection and possible signs of abuse. She is unsure of the correct procedures to follow if she has any concerns. This means children's welfare is not being promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They turn to the childminder for support and socialize well with their peers. This ensures children are making good progress through appropriate care and interaction. They have a good range of activities, such as messy play, reading and puzzles. Toys are easily accessible and the children make choices and follow their own interest. Children receive regular praise and encouragement building on their self-esteem. At the time of the inspection the children enjoyed such games as pretend cooking and being nurses. The childminder asks the children questions to help develop children's language and thought process.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected and treated as individuals, with their differences being celebrated. They develop a good understanding about other cultures and the wider world through talking about other countries and celebrating festivals. They have access to a range of resources which reflect

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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 social diversity, including dolls, play people and books. The childminder has a good understanding of working with children with learning difficulties and works closely with parents and outside agencies to ensure children's needs are met. They are aware of and benefit from boundaries and ground rules within the home. These and the appropriate and consistent behaviour management strategies help children learn right from wrong. Children are well cared for and settle well because the childminder gathers all relevant information from parents before the children are placed in her care. The children benefit from the childminder’s partnership with parents as she shares important information on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children feel comfortable with the childminder and her organised home, routines and resources. They are secure and confident in their play and benefit from the childminder's support and encouragement. All mandatory information is in place and the childminder stores her records accordingly. However, there are no written policies or procedures to make it clear to parents what the childminder's role and responsibilities are. The childminder holds a Diploma in Pre-school practice and is keen to improve her service by attending relevant child care courses. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides care.

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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 action in order to meet the National Standards. 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):

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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 • increase knowledge and understanding of possible signs of abuse and child protection procedures. • consider providing written policies and procedures for parents

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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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