Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY268754 Inspection date 12 May 2005 Inspector Clare Stone

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The Childminder has been registered since 2004. She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. The registration does not include overnight care. The childminder lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in a detached house in a village, outside of the Ashford area. There are schools, pre-schools and toddler groups nearby.

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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 whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. And there is a safe garden for outside play. The family have a golden retriever, horses and chickens The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children benefit from having healthy snacks throughout the day, and can help themselves to drinks whenever they are thirsty. Children bring their own packed lunch and the childminder is aware of the children's dietary needs. Sometimes the children have the opportunity to help plant and pick vegetables from the garden for snack time. To ensure health and hygiene the children wash their hands regularly and childminder reinforces why it important to do this. Throughout the day the children can rest or sleep on the settee or a pushchair whichever the children prefer. During the visit the children were settled and happy allowing them to express themselves in a warm, caring environment. Children enjoy regular physical activities and go on trips to the park and lake to feed the ducks. childminder also holds a current First aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the childminder's regular risk assessments. The childminder is proactive in child protection issues by attending extra training and is aware of the correct procedures to follow. This can safeguard the children in her care from possible harm. Children have a sufficient range of resources to play with, allowing them to make their own choices. The resources were in a clean and well maintained condition. However, the way in which the toys were presented to the children was not inviting. The childminder provides the children with plenty of room in which to play and express themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children can choose freely from the resources available. This promotes independence and allows children to follow their own interests. However, with a lack of planning the children do not benefit from having their play extended and meet new challenges. There is also no record of the children's current achievements and how to move their development forward. The children are confident with their relationship

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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 with the childminder and played happily together, also having a cuddle when feeling unsure. The children were engaged in activities such as reading, puzzles, drawing and imaginative toys. These resources were age appropriate and held the children's interest for a long time. The childminder has a supportive attitude to being outside and recognises the benefits this has for the children, and incorporates outside play into her daily routine. Throughout the day children were often praised, building on their self-esteem and helping them become confident.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a limited range of resources that promote awareness of diversity and the consideration of others, however children that attend are valued and respected as individuals. Children's behaviour is good and the childminder keeps parent's undated with any behaviour issues. The childminder feels it important to work as a team with parent's so the children's well-being is a priority. Although there are no children on role with special needs the childminder is but is forward thinking in how she can support and assist parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. The childminder has an inadequate understanding of the National Standards. Most of the essential records have not been kept such as the attendance register and accident book. The childminder has a medical record book but this has not been needed as yet. These records are paramount in order to promote the welfare and safety of children in the childminder's care. And as a result, parent's are not aware of written accident's and the attendance of children. The childminder does have written policies which she shares with parent's before they start. This means that, overall, the needs of all children who attend are not met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is a first inspection.

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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

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 quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet 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, the registered person must take the following actions: • ensure all regulation documentation is used and maintained These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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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

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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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