Green, Joy Helena

Inspection report for early years provision

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160440 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2007 Inspection date Hazel Stuart-Buddery 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 good. 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 has been registered since August 2001. She lives with her husband and their own three children, in Ashford Common close to some local amenities and within a short drive of schools, parks and Ashford town centre. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the property with access to an upstairs room for sleeping babies. There is a securely enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the childminder makes use of local play venues. The childminder may care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under eight years and one child over eight years. The childminder has a cat and a cadged rabbit in the garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of an accredited childminding network and the National Child Minding Association.

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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 good. Good daily routines and explanation from the childminder help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of passing on germs. Children play in a clean and well maintained environment. There are effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection as children use disposable wipes after messy play and have individual towels. Children receive appropriate care if there is an accident as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. All documentation is in place, this means that children are cared for in accordance to parents' wishes. Children have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills. Some children talk about how they enjoy going to the park where they meet their friends and run around.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy, nutritious meals provided by the childminder. Dietary needs and allergies are discussed with the parents, however, this has not been recorded on current record forms. Children have independent access to water throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised and accessible environment. This allows them to move around freely and safely. They have easy and safe access to a range of resources and activities that are well maintained and age appropriate. Children play in a safe and secure environment because hazards around the home are minimized. For example, the front door is always locked and children are unable to leave unattended. The childminder has not obtained permission written from parents for the children to use large play equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from the risk of fire. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place. The childminder ensures that the fire drill is practised every couple of months to ensure all children know how to get out quickly should they need to do so. Children's welfare and safety is promoted. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues and of the procedures to follow and has completed several workshops and courses. A written policy informs parents of the childminder's responsibility with regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a worthwhile range of activities and toys that are appropriate to their stage of development. Children play with enthusiasm and are engaged in purposeful play. The children sit with the childminder at the table and enjoy exploring play dough. They confidently roll the dough and manipulate it in their hands to make round shapes. Some children like to make monsters, they use plastic hands, feet and eyes to finish the monster. Children demonstrate sustained interest and concentration in this activity and enjoy using different tools to make shapes and describe the long wiggly shape as 'Spaghetti'. Children are encouraged to use their own imagination. They enjoy using the doctors set along with the happy/sad dolls and confidently explain that the doll is unwell which is why she has a sad face. The children use a stethoscope to listen to the dolls tummy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and prescribe medication to make her better. Then, with a big smile on their faces, turn the

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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 doll around to show the happy face and report that the doll is better, which is why she is smiling. The childminder interacts well with the children and takes her turn at pretending to be unwell.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children. She is committed to providing a good range of opportunities for the children and completes an activity plan that incorporates different themes. Children make good progress in their learning and show high levels of self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. A good range of resources that reflect diversity, such as wheel chairs, happy/sad dolls, books and topic work covering different festivals help children have a balanced view of the world. Children benefit from the childminder's clear guidelines for behaviour. They receive lots of praise and encouragement and are safe and secure in a loving environment. Children play well together and are polite and courteous.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive relationship with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. A full set of comprehensive policies and procedures are shared effectively with parents. All required consent is in place, however, written consent for children to use the trampoline has not been obtained. Parents are given opportunities to comment on the care of their children, all of which are positive. Parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress and achievements with a written daily diary.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children make good progress in a child friendly and caring environment. They are happy, relaxed and benefit from a well-organised home. Children receive good levels of help and support while being encouraged to be independent. Children confidently communicate with the childminder and good relationships are fostered.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to improving her practice and attends courses and workshops on a regular basis to enhance her knowledge and understanding. All documentation is well maintained, although some record forms lack detail in some areas. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and is aware of the October 2005 changes to the regulations. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that the fire blanket is appropriately fixed to a suitable surface and update knowledge of current child protection referral procedures. The childminder has fixed the fire blanket appropriately in the kitchen and has completed workshops and courses on child protection. These improvement ensure that the welfare and care of the children is promoted.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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 then 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 good. 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): • ensure all allergies and medical conditions are recorded on children's record forms • obtain written consent from parents to confirm that their children may use the trampoline.

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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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