Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232125 Unique Reference Number 30 April 2007 Inspection date Stephanie Graves 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her partner and three children aged 13, eight and three in Dartford, Kent. The whole of the 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 waiting to commence childminding after moving address. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children, she demonstrates a sound knowledge and understanding of how to promote good health issues. She describes how children would be encouraged to regularly wash their hands. She uses appropriate cleaning solutions to ensure toys and surfaces are clean. The childminder's home is tidy and hygienically clean. She describes the procedures in place, which help to ensure children are taken care of if they become ill or have an accident. For example, they do not attend with contagious ailments and accidents are recorded. Documentation, such as prior written consent to administer medication is in place, along with a written medical emergency policy, which parents are asked to sign. The childminder describes the opportunities provided, which help to promote children's physical development. They experience indoor and outdoor play experiences and they can sleep or rest

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Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion, the childminder illustrates her understanding of healthy eating and the need for children to have frequent drinks. She explains that parents usually provide meals for children under two years of age. Others are encouraged to choose from healthy options including cereal and fresh fruit for breakfast and main meals which include a variety of meat, fresh vegetables and rice dishes. The childminder works with parents to ensure children's dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates her methods for keeping children safe. For example, she explains her procedures to ensure effective supervision and how she would prevent them from leaving the premises unaccompanied. Through observation, it was evident that the childminder takes positive steps to prevent children from accessing areas not used for childminding. There is plenty of unobstructed space for children to move around and play in safety, although some trailing leads in the lounge area and an open drain in the garden have not yet been made safe. From discussion it is clear that the childminder checks her toys and resources frequently to ensure they are safe and appropriate for the children attending. She describes her methods for helping children to learn how to keep themselves safe. For example, she explains to them why it is important not to jump on the furniture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates various procedures for ensuring children's welfare and safety. For example, she has an emergency evacuation procedure, which would be practised with the children. She has a sound understanding of issues to safeguard children and what she would do in the event of a concern. However, the procedure has not been updated to reflect current local requirements.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Discussions with the childminder and recent photographic evidence show that she provides a good range of activities and experiences for children. These include physical opportunities, sand and water play, role play, books, construction, art and craft, games and mark making activities. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the developmental learning

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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 needs of children of all ages and describes the kinds of toys and experiences she feels are needed for babies and very young children. She has attended several courses including Birth to three matters training, to ensure the needs of any babies and young children she cares for in the future are met. The childminder describes techniques for promoting imaginative play and learning. For example, she gives details of how she would encourage art and craft activities and role play opportunities. She explains she would also take children on regular outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A range of documents which help to promote children's development are made available. These include written observation notes and daily reports, which help to monitor children's progress. The impact of the activities and experiences provided on the children’s development is not completely clear, as the childminder is not currently minding. However, the good range of evidence suggests that children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual needs would be promoted well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of equal opportunities and through discussion confirms that all children would be welcomed and treated according to their individual needs. She has a policy, which promotes equal chances for children and the importance of treating them with equal concern. Toys and resources promote positive images of diversity and a range is readily available. The childminder describes how she would take children on outings, for instance, to toddler groups to help them learn about themselves and others. She details her knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies, using examples of how she would approach different situations. She has attended a training course and explains how she would manage behaviour to try and gain positive outcomes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder believes she promotes an effective partnership with parents. She describes the documentation and records that are shared with them about their children. Contact notes would be in place and the childminder indicates that she would give feedback to parents daily. She explains how she takes positive steps to ensure they are kept informed of all relevant policies and procedures, although she is unsure about current requirements for dealing with complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. At the time of inspection, there were no minded children present. However, the childminder is very well qualified and has achieved accreditation status. The required documentation that promotes children's health, safety and wellbeing is in place, although the required procedures for safeguarding children and complaints have not yet been updated. The childminder has kept Ofsted informed of changes, such as moving address. The registration certificate is clearly displayed for parents and the required records are in place. These include daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for previous children. From discussion, the childminder clearly demonstrates how children would be supported to help them feel secure and confident. She is committed to improving the service she provides and keeping up-to-date with current practice requirements. She has a good understanding of her responsibility to

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Organisation

provide a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for the children. Evidence suggests that the needs of all children would be met.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder was left with one recommendation. This was to ensure documentation was reviewed to ensure that information is consistently well-recorded.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The recommendation has been addressed. The childminder reviewed the documentation in question to ensure it is well-maintained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has taken steps towards improving the service provided and ensuring children are safe and well-cared for at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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): • update the complaints procedure to current requirements and make this available to parents • cover garden drain, secure trailing leads and update knowledge and understanding of local procedures to safeguard children.

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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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