Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300431 Inspection date 15 July 2005 Inspector Claire, Alexandra Parnell

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her partner and three children in Tonbridge. The whole house is used for childminding, including a garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a full-time and part-time basis. The childminder has access to local parks, shops and schools. The childminder supports children with special educational needs. She is a member

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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 of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well. The childminder encourages good hygiene practice throughout the day, explaining in basic terminology the importance for routine washing and toileting. Children develop independent skills in visiting the toilet and washing hands for a purpose. Children are protected effectively from the sun and are given clear guidance to develop their own understanding of sun protection. Children are protected from illness and infection by effective cleaning procedures for changing facilities and potties. The childminder has a clear understanding of procedures to record accidents and medication administration to ensure children's well-being and health is monitored. Children's healthy eating and drinking is promoted well. They are offered a range of healthy options to eat and drink whilst at the provision. Their specific dietary requirements are catered for efficiently. The childminder liaises with parents to

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure new tastes and foods are monitored closely for children's reactions. Children help themselves to drinks independently, and support is given to younger children to ensure they have adequate supplies of fresh drinks. Children participate in rigorous physical play both indoors and outdoors. The childminder supports and encourages children of all ages to develop new skills to enhance their feeling of well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from equipment and resources that are regularly checked and cleaned. Children independently choose what activity they want to play with from accessible storage. Older children can choose where in the house activities can be played with, where as younger children are more closely supervised until they have a clearer understanding of their own safety. The areas of the house are regularly assessed for safety, although the children do have access to equipment that may be a potential hazard. All exits are inaccessible to the children to ensure their security. Each child's safety is monitored closely to assess their understanding and capabilities. The garden does not presently have a secure access but the childminder has recognised this through ongoing work being carried out. Children are closely supervised in the garden due to the development of the outside area. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has safety procedures in place for outings and children are reminded of safety when walking alongside and crossing roads to ensure their safety is paramount when outside the premises. Younger children have appropriate equipment that is checked for safety, according to their needs such as travel cots and pushchairs.

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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 The childminder is aware of the appropriate procedures to protect children from harm. Written information is available to parents to make them aware of her responsibility. However, the childminder does not have access to local contact numbers to ensure that procedures are carried out effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of child development, particularly the younger ones, encouraging children to fully participate, either in solitary or parallel play. Children are engaged and occupied, developing an understanding of the involvement in group activities. Children's own routines are followed to give continuity from home and ease the settling-in process. Children respond to each other by using gestures and finding their voice, increasing their confidence to communicate with each other. They are developing their imaginations by using a good range of suitable and age appropriate activities and resources. The childminder gives the children subtle but enthusiastic support to increase their confidence in new skills and use of new equipment. Children confidently represent dance through background music, enhanced by the childminder's recognition and enthusiasm. The children access the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources independently, then with positive interaction and the use of information gained from parents, to establish children's levels of development on settling, the childminder extends their play and development further. The childminder shares the children's achievements with the parents to enhance children's opportunities of development even further. Children's understanding of the outside world is encouraged by regular trips within the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are promoted well. Children's own routine's are recognised and implemented effectively to allow children to feel at ease and settle quickly into the childminder's care. The childminder responds positively to children's differences, promoting positive images within resources, discussing these openly with the children and answering questions honestly, in order to understand and celebrate their differences. The childminder understands the impact of caring for children with special needs and assesses whether she is able to offer suitable and appropriate care. Children's positive behaviour is recognised and encouraged developing children's understanding of right and wrong and enhancing their sense of pride and self-esteem. Children learn about making relationships with each other and adults, building trust and reassurance with cuddles and hugs from their peers and the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder. Children develop respect for each other and for the resources offered to them. They are encouraged to share and take turns with the childminder's and their own toys, developing a sense of self and an acknowledgement for others. Children benefit from the good relationships and trust that the parents have with the

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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 childminder. The childminder shares information about her service positively and professionally, clearly emphasising her intention to offer a personal service for their child. Regular information is gained by the childminder from the parents to ensure continuity of care is offered between home and the setting.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a warm, clean and inviting environment due to the childminder's organisation of her home. They feel at ease and at home, confidently using equipment and space available to them, extending their play and initiating their own learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the care and welfare of the children. Most documentation is complete, confidential and secure, although attendance of visitors who may be unvetted are not recorded. The childminder does ensures children are protected from un-vetted persons through effective procedures. Emergency care situations are well thought out to ensure children's needs are met and continuity of care is offered, reassuring parents when situations arise. The childminder wants to develop her professional understanding of children's development, particularly those under three years, to enhance the service

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Organisation

offered to all children. Overall, the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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 • update child protection information with local support contact numbers. • ensure any potential hazards are assessed and action is taken appropriately to protect children from harm. • record all visitor's attendance.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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