Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343938 Unique Reference Number 26 June 2007 Inspection date Beryl Witheridge 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 two children aged under eight years in Dartford, Kent. The whole ground floor 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding five children, four of whom are part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a cat, a dog and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about good health issues. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands before they eat food, after going to the toilet or after stroking the pets. The children share the family towel to dry their hands which could become a source of cross infection. Surfaces are kept clean with the use of Milton and Dettox. The pet cat eats outside

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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 away from the children and the dog is fed after the children go home. Children with infectious illnesses do not attend which helps to prevent the illness spreading. The childminder records accidents in the accident book, which parents sign but must ensure that medication is also recorded in the same way. Children have opportunities to be active as they play in the garden with a range of resources such as swings, slide, climbing frame, bikes, scooters and balls. They also have opportunities to rest and play in comfortable surroundings.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children know that drinks of water, squash, juice and sometimes milk are readily available. They are encouraged to eat healthy foods. The childminder provides choices for breakfast such as cereal, toast and yoghurt; lunch is a choice of sandwiches, breadsticks and dips and yoghurt; evening meals consist of healthy home cooked food using fresh ingredients, the childminder encourages the children to try vegetables and fruit, including organic options. Snacks of fresh fruit are available throughout the day. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play, learn and have fun in safe, secure surroundings. They benefit from having a large playroom specifically for their sole use, which is in the garden allowing them free access to toys and equipment. They are also able to play inside the house bringing in toys from the playroom. The childminder ensures the home is secure and external doors are locked to prevent children leaving the house on their own. Children are supervised at all times and they have plenty of unobstructed space to move around, play and enjoy themselves. Toys and equipment are checked weekly and are cleaned with Milton; they appear safe and suitable for the age ranges cared for. Equipment, such as smoke detectors, in both the house and the playroom, and a fire blanket helps to keep children safe. Children are starting to understand the importance of how to keep themselves safe; the childminder explains why certain procedures are necessary such

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

as older children holding the buggy as they walk to school to help avoid accidental injury. Arrival and departure procedures ensure that the children are safely collected and there are contingency plans in place should someone other than a parent needs to collect a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are often taken on outings and the childminder has ground rules in place to ensure their safety while away from the home. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and has looked at the Safeguarding children procedures during her childminder training course. The emergency evacuation procedures have been thought through by the childminder but she has not practised them with the children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder and have a close comfortable relationship. They are able to freely access a range of toys and equipment when playing in the playroom where everything is at child height. If they are playing in the house then boxes of appropriate toys are brought in providing choice from the range available. The children are introduced to a wide variety of activities and opportunities. The childminder likes nothing better than just laying out a long piece of lining paper in the garden and letting the children paint and design. All children have their own library ticket and take part in regular trips to the library. They are involved in cookery and make cakes and their own pizzas with their own choice of toppings. They also have opportunities to play with dolls, pushchairs, cars, construction, books and some

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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 appropriate television programmes or DVDs. Children are able to enjoy social activities such as trips to the park with other childminders, going to a soft play area, parent and toddler group and music time at the library. Outdoor experiences are promoted with a wide range of resources available, all of which are age appropriate and encourage the children's physical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of child development and provides the children with a range of activities which help to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual skills. Children play well together and even the youngest children learn to share and take turns with toys and resources. The children show a high level of wellbeing and involvement, they are supported, reassured and encouraged by the childminder at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the childminder’s home and all are treated according to their individual needs. Their own specific needs are discussed with their parents and the childminder ensures that all children are included in all experiences and opportunities. Children show how comfortable they are within the home and demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. Children interact well with the childminder and her family. Toys and resources provide some positive images of diversity but these are limited. The childminder plans and provides activities relating to various festivals, such as, Chinese New Year, Diwali and Christmas. This enables children to learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others. Children take part in a lot of outings in their local area which helps them to learn about their own environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They know what the expected behavioural boundaries are because the childminder has talked to them about these and she is a good role model. She encourages good manners and praises children regularly and to reinforce good behaviour. Rewards are also used such as the occasional sweet or being allowed to choose a favourite DVD. Children's confidence and self esteem are promoted. The strategies used are appropriate for the age and understanding of the individual children. Children benefit from continuity of care, because of the good working relationship between the childminder and the parents. The childminder talks to the parents daily about their children and contact books are used to keep parents informed of their child's progress and development, as well as planned outings and events. The childminder talks to the parents about her procedures and routines but has no written policies to share with

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable, exciting, child orientated environment. They feel settled and at home with the childminder who uses her knowledge and experience in childcare to provide children with lots of interesting opportunities in secure surroundings. All the required documentation and records are in place, including the daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for children. The registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents to see and the necessary records are all stored confidentially and are readily available for inspection. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted by the childminder who is pro-active in her work and in her attitude towards the children in her care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the 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 complaint 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): • ensure hygiene routines prevent cross infection • ensure all accidents and medication are recorded in the accident/medication book and this is signed by parents • practise the emergency evacuation procedures with the children so that they know how to keep themselves safe in an emergency • extend the resources which provide positive images of the diversity of society

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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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