Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346175 Unique Reference Number 26 April 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 in Gravesend, 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding six children, most of whom are part time. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a house rabbit as a pet.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about good health routines, they are encouraged to wash their hands before they eat food, after going to the toilet or playing with the rabbit; older children use soap and share the family towel whereas younger children are cleaned with wet wipes. The childminder uses antibacterial spray to ensure that worktops and toilets are clean. Children

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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 with contagious illnesses do not attend. This helps to prevent cross infection between the children. The childminder promotes children's health needs by keeping the required accident and medication records. Children enjoy opportunities to be active as they play in the garden and through planned activities such as swimming and football. Younger children are able to rest when they need to; they are able to stick to their own routines and have their own cots to sleep in.

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Helping children to be healthy

The parents of the younger children bring their food which ensures that their dietary requirements are being acknowledged. Snacks are provided for the older children who attend after school. These snacks include waffles, toast, sandwiches or chocolate which are not always healthy options for the children. The childminder does try to encourage them to eat fruit but this is not their favourite. Children's allergies are recorded and the childminder works with parents to ensure that these are respected. Children know that drinks of water are readily available and younger children also bring their own squash.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play and learn within safe and secure boundaries. Stair gates are used around the house to make it safe for the children and the front door has a high bolt to prevent children leaving the home unaccompanied. Children are supervised at all times and they have plenty of space to move around freely and enjoy their play. Toys and equipment are checked as they are used and appear safe and appropriate for the children cared for. Equipment such as smoke detectors, which were fitted by the fire brigade, and a fire blanket helps to keep children safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are starting to learn about keeping themselves safe through the emergency evacuation procedures which the childminder has talked to them about but has not practised with them. Children's safety is considered at all times such as the arrival and departure procedures and the plans put in place when someone other than the parent collects the child. And also when out of the house through the use of appropriate car seats which are provided by the childminder with agreement from the parents. Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's sound understanding of safeguarding children issues, she knows what to do and who to contact if she has concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children arrive happily at the childminder's home. They come in confidently and go straight to the toys they want to play with. They enjoy their time playing, singing nursery rhymes and action songs and talking with the childminder; they especially enjoy sitting on her lap, looking at books and listening to the stories. Younger children are able to freely access a range of toys and equipment downstairs. Older children are able to self select from their toys, which are stored in the nursery upstairs, and then bring the toys downstairs to play with. Toys and resources include musical toys, dolls, trains, art and craft materials, books, games and role play resources. Outdoor experiences are promoted with a range of resources available; children have a section of the garden where they are growing tomatoes and runner beans, they have to remember to water them and are having a race to see whose grows the fastest. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

understands the developing needs of the children she is caring for. She has not received the Birth to three matters framework but plans to obtain a copy.

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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 Children play purposefully and use their imaginations well. The childminder plans activities in advance during the school holidays to ensure that the older children have a day for themselves when they are able to take part in activities such as football, swimming, trips to the cinema and visits to the park. Written permission for outings such as these has not been obtained from the parents. Children have plenty of opportunities to play, learn and enjoy themselves.

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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 with equal concern. All their individual needs are addressed and the childminder ensures that all children are included in all activities and opportunities. Children show a strong sense of belonging as they make themselves at home, choose their activities and interact happily with the childminder. Toys and resources do not provide positive images of diversity and the childminder is aware that this is an area which requires improvement. The childminder talks to the children about different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. This helps children to learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved. They have written house rules which they were involved in setting. They understand the expected behavioural boundaries because the childminder is a good role model. She praises children regularly, which helps to promote their confidence and self esteem. Positive strategies help to promote the children's behaviour and the use of rewards such as stickers or playing with a special toy reinforce these. Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder has a close relationship with the parents and talks to them on a daily basis as well as providing them with a copy of all her written policies.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable in a welcoming, happy environment. They feel settled and at ease with the childminder who enjoys their company. The required documentation and records are in place, including daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for children. The registration certificate is clearly displayed and records are all stored confidentially and are readily available for inspection. The childminder has a positive attitude towards ensuring she meets the needs of the children in her care. Children's welfare, care and learning are supported with the range of written policies and procedures, which all parents have a copy of. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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): • consider healthy food options for the children's snacks and meals • practise the emergency evacuation procedures with the children so they know how to proctect themselves in an emergency • ensure individual permission is obtained from parents for specific trips during the school holidays • improve the range of 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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