Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337369 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Melissa Tickner 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 of her three adult children in Tonbridge, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is registered for use for childminding and there is a fully enclosed section of the garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently caring for two children on a part time basis. The family has a dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to develop an appropriate awareness of being healthy. The childminder adopts positive practices such as use of antibacterial solution to clean nappy changing mats and seats used for young children and wet wipes are used for cleansing young children. Children rest and sleep in a cot or travel cot, however, bed linen is not always suitably used. Children are developing healthy eating habits as they enjoy home cooked meals and bottles and formula that are appropriately heated and tested. Children benefit from physical activity through outdoor

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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 play. The childminder also encourages very young children the opportunity to kick and stretch their legs, encouraging floor play. These aspects help promote positive enjoyment of physical activity. The childminder has the required first aid certificate and accident record enabling her to deal appropriately with accidents and incidents. However, the childminder has not obtained prior written permission to administer medication which is required. This means systems are not in line with legal requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a mostly safe home environment; however, currently there are some hazards accessible to children in the kitchen and low level glass is sited in the dining room. These aspects present a hazard to children. They have access to a satisfactory range of age appropriate toys, which are mostly brightly coloured plastic toys. The childminder promotes and maintains safety with children appropriately. For example, she supervises children closely and monitors them carefully when sleeping. Appropriate safety equipment is in place around the home such as stair gates, socket covers and fire guards. This helps to keep children safe whilst in her care. However, the childminder does not have systems to ensure that the dog is not left alone in the same room as sleeping children, which could compromise their safety. The childminder has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings. The

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a satisfactory awareness of child protection issues which helps her to safeguard children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Generally, children seem settled and content in the childminder's care. They relate well to her and play happily, chatting and babbling to the childminder, which she encourages. The childminder provides a suitable range of toys for the children, such as exploratory sensory toys that make noises and which are bright and colourful. Children enjoy playing with the brightly coloured plastic toys and explore the Jack in the box and musical caterpillar, the childminder joins in with the songs encouraging young children to take part. Children generally appear to be happy and confident. However, they have limited access to a range of natural materials and resources. No planning or framework is currently in place to enable young children make good progress in the childminder's care. The childminder is aware of the needs of children being cared for, and gives time for rests, meal times and feeds. The childminder supports them as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they play, talking with them and offering them cuddles, reassurance and interaction. This helps children to enjoy and achieve to a satisfactory standard throughout their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated and well cared for as individuals. Their needs are met and they are cared for appropriately. This helps them feel settled and well supported. They have access to a range of resources; however, none reflect the differences in society which means children are unable to begin to learn about diversity. Children are encouraged to behave well through the childminder's approach. She uses praise and offers encouragement as children are involved in their activities. For example, she praises children as they operate the Jack in the box toy correctly. The childminder encourages sharing and turn taking. As a result, children are beginning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to learn about good behaviour, and this helps contribute to building their self-esteem and confidence. There are appropriate methods used to work with parents. Parents are offered daily verbal feedback and brief records of children's activities are recorded in a daily contact book. This helps ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive information about their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder works from a suitable home environment, which meets children's needs appropriately. She has most documentation in place including a simple range of policies and procedures. However, medication has been administered without prior written permission or an appropriate record being kept. The childminder has completed the required introduction to childminding practice course and first aid course and has also attended one other workshop on behaviour management since she registered. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. 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.

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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 suitable bed linen is provided for children • obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children • ensure any hazards are made safe or inaccessible in the home • ensure the dog does not have unsupervised access to children when sleeping • consider planning for young children's developmental needs including offering them a range of natural resources

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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 • develop a range of resources to promote diversity

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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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