Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY297738 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Margaret, Ann Sandfield

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner in Godington Park, Ashford. The whole of the house with the exception of the main bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children from five months to eleven part time, including out of school hours. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a cat.

p.2

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 The childminder supports one child who has English as an additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of activities that promotes their health and wellbeing. They have regular opportunities for outdoor activities in the garden, where there is a variety of toys and equipment both small and large. The children also visit a park where they use the fixed equipment and play football, which improves their physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are given clear messages about why they must wash their hands after playing with the sand, stroking the cat, before eating and after using the toilet and do so independently. This reduces the risk of cross contamination and helps children to remain healthy. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and confidently help themselves to their cups of drinks when they are thirsty. The minder takes account of the wishes of parents and children’s choices when providing liquid refreshments and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

nutritious snacks, that appeal to the children and meets their dietary needs. The childminder does not prepare or provide main meals.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a comfortable and welcoming environment, where all risks indoors and have been addressed, which ensures children are safe and well cared for. The childminder takes opportunities to advise them on safety issues and as a result children start to learn to take responsibility for their own safety during play. However, although the garden is secure, the pond is not fully covered and therefore presents a risk to children playing outside. Children use appropriate car seats that ensure their safety whilst travelling. Children move around safely, freely, confidently and independently. They have ready access to a wide range of toys and resources that are appropriate for their age and meet their developmental needs. Children help themselves to toys and resources of their choice. The childminder has all the required documents in place to ensure children's welfare

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures.

p.3

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 The provision is good. Children are happy, involved, relaxed, considerate of each other and play together enthusiastically. They confidently choose from an extensive range of toys and resources, which promotes their independence well. They enjoy chatting together, playing games both indoors and outdoors e.g. making badges, playing with the game cube, in the large sand tray and performing cart wheels. Children spend their time purposefully throughout the inspection visit and confidently initiate and extend their own play and learning. They thoroughly enjoy exploring a wide variety of activities, which contribute to their learning and development in all areas. The minder has a very good understanding about appropriate types of activities and when to offer additional support for under 3's through her experiences as a nanny

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and special needs assistant. She enables older children to set their own limits and provides support when its wanted. The older children are confident, friendly and at ease. They develop close, relationships with the childminder and with each other and talk politely to both familiar and unfamiliar adults.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and as a result they learn to value themselves and each other. They learn about their local community when they walk to places of interest such as a local wood and parks. Children choose confidently from a wide variety of toys and resources. They learn to do things for themselves within a safe, supportive atmosphere. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children show care and concern for each other and play together, most of the time harmoniously. They learn to share and take turns, practice physical skills and have many opportunities for role play. They respond to the childminder's realistic expectations and positive behaviour management techniques with the occasional need for the childminder to remind children of the rules e.g. play together nicely, share and take turns.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder follows children's general routines that enables their needs to be met in accordance with their parent's wishes and the routines that they normally experience in their own home. As a result children are generally happy and settled. The childminder understands when to contact parents if a child becomes unsettled for any period of time, seeking advice on how best to meet the children's needs in these circumstances. Babies and young children respond well to both the childminder and to the older children who play with them caringly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the training and experience the childminder has gained caring for children during the course of her work as a special needs assistant and nanny,

p.4

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 which impacts positively on her management of the children in her care The childminder is familiar with much of the information contained in the National Standards and guidance. She has all the relevant documentation in place to ensure children's health and wellbeing is met. As a result children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment, where children receive good quality care and attention to ensure they are developing and learning well. The provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 register of attendance is recorded in suitable format • Ensure the pond does not pose a risk to children. • Ensure all medication records contain parent's signature

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5