Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342997 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2007 Inspection date Lynn Denise Smith 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 15 and 11 years in Rowhedge. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is considered by the childminder as she follows procedures for keeping her home free from germs and hazards. Children are encouraged to learn about good hygiene practices such as hand washing before eating meals and after using the toilet. Children who

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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 are unwell or have accidents in the childminder's care are comforted and their illness or injuries are dealt with appropriately by the childminder using her recently gained first aid knowledge. Parents have not yet provided written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy snacks and meals whilst in the childminder's care which are planned in accordance with their parents' wishes. They have access to fresh fruit and vegetables and are provided with regular drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to experience fresh air on a daily basis when they play in the park and go for walks in the local area. They walk to and from the local school each day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a clean and organised house. They move freely around the lounge and kitchen/dining room. Access to the first floor bathroom is with the childminder's supervision. Children safely access a small range of toys and play equipment which is presented on the lounge floor in a storage box. Children play with clean toys as the childminder washes them on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe within the childminder's home as she carries out regular safety checks such as testing the smoke alarms, ensuring that stairgates are in place at the bottom of the stairs and across the garden doorway and moving any hazardous items out of the reach of children. Children are developing an understanding about road safety when they discuss with the childminder a safe and appropriate place to cross the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from potential harm as the childminder demonstrates a clear understanding about her responsibilities with regards to protecting children. The minded children are always in her care and she supervises them at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a range of play and learning experiences during their time with the childminder, however, their opportunities are limited as the selection of toys on offer to them is sparse and does not offer challenging and stimulating play facilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to go for regular walks in the local area, to feed the swans and ducks on the river and to explore their environment. They have fun when they go shopping with the childminder. They inform her what is on the shopping list and give the money to the sales assistant. Children learn how to share, cooperate and socialise when they attend the local toddler group with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy looking at books with the childminder, she reads stories and provides opportunities for the children to retell their favourite stories and name objects and characters in the books. Children like drawing and colouring, however, they have not yet had opportunities to explore more creative play such as painting, dough and sticking.

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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. Children's individual needs and home backgrounds are made known to the childminder when she meets with the parents before she commences caring for their children. They discuss the children's likes and dislikes and agree a policy on how the childminder will care for the minded children. Children have very limited opportunities to develop their knowledge of other people's cultures, religions and differing needs as they have few resources which reflect equal opportunities and diversity. They do not participate in celebrating festivals or special occasions to help extend their learning. Children with additional needs are supported by the childminder working closely with the parents to establish an understanding of their requirements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is managed by the childminder offering the children praise and positive encouragement. Their attention is distracted and the childminder uses clear explanations to inform them of the boundaries and 'house rules'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder and parents have built up an open and honest relationship. They talk at the end of each day and share information about how their child has been. Ongoing communication between the parents and childminder enables the childminder to keep abreast of changes in the children's lives and to review and update their written information.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who has recently become registered. She has completed the requirement to obtain a first aid qualification, but has not been able to complete an approved childminder registration course within six months of being registered. Children are always in the supervision of the childminder who has been vetted and cleared to work with children, they are never left alone with visitors who have not been checked.

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Organisation

Children are provided with individual care and attention by the childminder who plans their day around the school runs. They are offered both quiet and active times during the day and the daily activities are organised around the children's feeding and sleep routines.

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Organisation

Relevant records and documentation are in place to support the childminder's practices. Children's details are regularly updated to ensure that the childminder has a clear and accurate record of emergency contact numbers and information about the children's needs.

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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): • inform Ofsted when the introduction to childminding course has been completed • provide children with a suitable range of toys and play activities to provide stimulating experiences • ensure children have regular access to toys and resources which reflect diversity and equal opportunities • obtain the parent's written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment.

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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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