Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY309180 Unique Reference Number 04 September 2007 Inspection date Susan Jennifer Scott 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 2005. She lives with her husband and two children one of whom is under five years. They live in the village of Detling, on the outskirts of Maidstone in Kent. The whole 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 under eight at any one time. She currently cares for two children on a part time basis. No overnight care is provided. The childminder drives to nearby schools to take and collect children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their personal care and are encouraged to develop an appropriate understanding of personal hygiene through routines such as using named cups. Children's accidents and information about their health is documented satisfactorily to meet their individual

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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 health needs. Children's health is protected through good procedures and information concerning food hygiene.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is prepared to seek emergency treatment if this is needed but does not have written permission to seek do so. She holds a current first aid certificate and is therefore able to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident, although she has not received training to administer specialist medication such as a nebuliser.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have healthy choices of foods and drinks at regular times during the day. Their dietary needs are noted for reference and are regularly updated. Children are encouraged to try new tastes such as stews and hot pots, through discussions. This promotes their understanding and builds their confidence to eat healthily.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical needs are met through regular opportunities to play outside using local amenities such as play areas and parks where they can used fixed apparatus. This helps children to understand the importance of exercise and healthy routines.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a secure and safe environment where they have a choice of areas to freely use safe and suitable toys, resources and equipment. Children are made to feel welcome in the home as they can choose from a range of resources and toys which are provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access an appropriate range of furniture, equipment and toys which are used to create a suitable environment for their play and development. Toys and resources are rotated and varied to interest children. Children's safety is supported through the use of safe, regularly checked and cleaned equipment and resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are encouraged to develop a sense of their own safety and the safety of others. For example, the childminder has completed an informal risk assessment of the building work on her home and measures have been taken to ensure children cannot access any areas that are unsuitable. They benefit from the precautions taken to prevent accidents; for example, there are cupboard locks in the kitchen to prevent access to any dangerous substances.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and they are protected from harm as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. As a foster carer she has completed training in and dealt with a variety of matters affecting the welfare of children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy using a variety of outdoor play equipment in the garden, and the childminder has provided a safety net for the trampoline, but has not yet checked the conditions of her insurance policy. Children experience clear procedures for road safety and when on outings. For instance, the childminder ensures she has business insurance for her car and uses appropriate seat restraints according to the ages and sizes of the children being transported.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have opportunities to develop their confidence and independence in the childminder's care. They are encouraged to participate in varied activities which are planned and provided.

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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 These include learning to socialise when they visit groups such as the local parent and toddler group. They also learn to play in harmony with other children and to share toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to build on their intellectual skills and emotional skills by sharing their experiences from school and their ideas for play. Children enjoy playing with the attractive resources and toys which are suitable for their use and varied to provide different experiences. They have easy access to a variety of art and craft resources and can help themselves to construction sets or imaginative toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is monitored and achievements and concerns are fed back to the parents on a regular basis. The older children enjoy the challenge of colouring pictures for impromptu competitions and completing word searches. Children benefit from using the outside environment on a regular basis. The older children develop their physical skills by using the trampoline and playing football.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs and background are positively valued and respected by the childminder who uses her knowledge of each child to guide her care. Children access an adequate selection of resources that reflect positive images, to support them in developing a balanced view of society. However, there are no toys for children to extend their understanding of disabilities and help them appreciate differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties or disabilities although she is happy to do this. She would provide a positive and sensitive level of care. Children's needs are carefully assessed, and information gained from their parents to ensure all children are given the right care to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive praise and encouragement for positive behaviour. Clear strategies are in place for children to learn about right and wrong in a way that promotes their welfare and development. For example, children are encouraged to apologise if they do anything unkind. Children build their self esteem through the recognition of their positive behaviour and encouragement to learn good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder provides parents with verbal information or a contact book about the younger children's experiences and routines during the day. Parents benefit from a written service statement which informs them of policies and procedures for the childcare practice. Parents exchange verbal information with the childminder to ensure continuity of care is offered between home and the setting. However, there is no written consent to take children out or transport them to ensure the arrangements are clear.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from safely organised space, time and resources and they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The registered provider remains suitably qualified to work with young children. Children have good relationships with the childminder and there are effective procedures for obtaining emergency help from other local adults.

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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 The childminder keeps most records, policies and procedures for the efficient and safe management of the provision up to date, and shares information about children with their parents. However, written consent to obtain emergency treatment or to transport children on outings is not in place. All mandatory documentation is in place, although visitors to the home during childminding are not recorded. Parents have access to a service statement and certificates such as the registration and insurance certificates. Records are kept confidentially maintaining the child’s privacy.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen 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): • obtain training before administering any specialist medication such as nebulisers • ensure that children's use of the trampoline is covered by the insurance policy • obtain written consent from parents of children to transport or take children on outings as well as permission to seek emergency advice or treatment

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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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