Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY335399 Unique Reference Number 29 August 2007 Inspection date Cilla Rachel Mullane 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 two children in a residential area of Herne Bay. The whole ground floor 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged under five years on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted. Children play in a hygienic environment. Babies play on a clean play mat on the floor, and toys which regularly go in their mouths are cleaned with antibacterial spray, or kept solely for that child's use. Nappy changing procedures are thorough, protecting both the child and the childminder from the spread of infection. She washes her hands and uses disposable gloves, and cleans both the changing mat and potty immediately after use. Children are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene from a young

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 age, as babies are taken to the bathroom for hand washing, for example, before eating, and use separate individual towels. Clear records are kept regarding children's health, for example, the accident record is well-maintained, with a body map completed to show the location of injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and toddlers have access to their drinks on the side, and the childminder reminds them to drink, so they are keeping their bodies hydrated. Children's parents provide their food, and the childminder monitors this to ensure that children receive a balanced diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy playing in the garden in good weather, when they are pushed on toddler-sized swings and can jump on the small trampoline. Older children can use the large trampoline. Regular trips to the park and beach enable children to use up energy in the fresh air, and use challenging slides and climbing frames.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminding environment is welcoming for young children. The childminder prepares the setting with toys and equipment which she knows the children will enjoy. Babies play on a play mat, with soft toys, musical toys, inset puzzles and baby books. Toddlers have free access to water and a ball pool. The safe garden is available in good weather.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe by the sensible use of safety precautions such as gates at the foot of the stairs and in the kitchen doorway. The house and garden are secure, so children cannot leave unattended. The childminder has a good emergency plan, so children would be left with a responsible person if necessary. She keeps children safe by following clear procedures such as strapping babies into the high chair, and checking on sleeping children at regular intervals. She is vigilant, for example, carefully supervising toddlers in the ball pool and anticipating dangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has attended basic child protection training at registration, but has not updated this, and her child protection policy does not reflect local guidelines. The childminder records injuries which children have sustained at home, which helps to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. Babies and toddlers show that they feel loved, secure and safe with the childminder when they frequently approach her for cuddles. She chats to them about what they are doing, and makes eye contact, for example, when children look at a book during nappy changing. She provides toys which she knows the children will enjoy. Toddlers love playing with balls in water, stirring with a wooden spoon, and being held in the water to kick their feet. They play happily in the ball pool, taking their favourite toys in with them. They jig along to nursery rhymes and musical toys. They explore their senses when making noise on a wooden instrument, and then feeling its texture. Musical toys are a favourite, children point to the 'on' button, asking the childminder to play 'twinkle twinkle' again and again. Young children are taken out often, meeting other children and adults at parent and toddler groups,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

choosing books from the library, and joining in messy play at the childminder group.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Small children are learning about their community and diversity in society when the are taken for outings locally, and meet a variety of people socially. The childminder provides for children's individual needs by getting to know their likes and dislikes, and discussing their routines with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes good behaviour by praising small children, and appreciating what they say and do. They therefore feel loved and valued. She interacts positively with the children, encouraging them kindly and supporting their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder understands her responsibility to work in partnership with parents. She therefore obtains parents' written permission for relevant aspects of their children's care, such as travelling in her car, and seeking emergency medical treatment. Children are therefore cared for according to parents wishes. She is sensitive to the feelings of parents, making sure that they feel involved in their children's care. She shares an information folder with parents, containing a statement of service, and basic policy statements. Although the childminder is familiar with current guidelines for recording complaints, and has prepared a form for parents should the need arise, they are not given Ofsted's telephone number as part of a complaint procedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides care.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the requirements of the National Standards, and her responsibility to provide a professional service for carers and their children. She is keen to develop her childminding service by gaining qualifications, and intends to undertake a childcare qualification, which directly benefits the children. The childminder organises her day so that she can spend time with minded children, playing with them and taking them out.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains all the required records for childminding. Parents are informed of her conditions of registration, because her childminding certificate is displayed prominently in the entrance hall. The record of attendance contains an accurate record of children's times of attendance, showing that she is working within the conditions of registration. Child record forms are clear and complete.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable - first inspection since 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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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 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): • ensure that child protection policy reflects local guidance • ensure that the complaints procedure reflects current guidance, and is shared with 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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