Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319186 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Jenny Kane 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 October 2006. She lives with her husband and pre-school age child in the Barming area of Maidstone. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding with access to the upstairs toilet. 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 two children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged between 11 months and five years on a part-time basis. School, pre-school, toddler group, shops and parks are nearby. The family has a pet 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 cared for in clean and comfortable premises. She maintains accident and medication records appropriately and holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder promotes the health of the children by maintaining satisfactory levels of hygiene. Children use the same towel for hand drying and this means there is a risk of cross infection. The family pet dog

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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 remains upstairs whilst children are present, which ensures children’s hygiene and safety. Children bring their own food and bottles in accordance with parent’s wishes. The childminder is happy to provide meals and snacks. She has written information regarding children’s individual dietary needs. Drinks are readily available and children ask for drinks when they are thirsty. Babies and toddlers rest as they need to and the childminder discusses routines for sleeping with the parents. Older children relax on the sofa. However, there is no recording of sleep patterns, food intake and nappy changes to keep parents informed. Children engage in physical activities when they visit the leisure centre and local parks. They have access to the garden, which they use in good weather, and this contributes to keeping them healthy.

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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 well-maintained environment. The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children’s safety by supervising them during activities. However, there are some safety issues on the upstairs landing, which means that children need to be accompanied to the bathroom. Children can access the kitchen unsupervised and because there are some hazards in this area, their safety is compromised. A written plan shared with parents ensures children’s safety in the event of emergency. There are verbal procedures in place regarding outings, the childminder shares vehicle information with parents and they give written permission for outings and travel in her car. Children have access to a good range of toys and equipment, which are well maintained and appropriate for the needs of young children and babies. They play happily in the playroom choosing from toys and equipment, which are stored on shelves and boxes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. She intends to update her written policy statement to include recent changes to procedures. She has attended training in the subject to increase her understanding of the subject. This ensures she safeguards all children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and make themselves at home in the childminder’s care. They enjoy a routine, which is flexible and planned around their individual needs; for example, the baby sits on the floor with the childminder while the older children play independently with the drawing materials and dressing up clothes in the play room, where they can see her. Later the older child helps the younger child with the bricks, showing how to build a bridge. They work together on this making a good layout and run the cars along and under the bridges. The childminder spends a good deal of her time interacting and talking with the children. Babies and toddlers are beginning to communicate verbally and make their individual needs known. They move about exploring and pulling themselves up to support walking. The childminder is aware of individual children’s play needs. The childminder has a limited knowledge of Birth to three matters and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

therefore not putting the framework into practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with equal concern and is aware of meeting their individual needs and requirements. Children are relaxed and settled in their environment. Young children are attached to the childminder and fit in well with her own family routines. She has an appropriate knowledge and awareness of equality issues and understands the need to include

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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 children from all backgrounds and abilities in her service. Children have access to a suitable range of play materials, which reflect diversity and positive images. The childminder intends to find out about the toy library and other resources to help children gain a better understanding of the wider world. The childminder manages children’s behaviour well by discussion and explanation. She deals with any incidents calmly and appropriately. The childminder has developed friendly and effective working relationships with parents. She talks to parents on a daily basis about what their children have done. However, there is nothing in writing for parents about their children’s development, progress or achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time effectively and is ready for children when they arrive. The toys are accessible and the play area is child-friendly. All mandatory records and documents are in place and kept securely. The childminder maintains children’s individual records and shares them appropriately with parents and this promotes the welfare and care of the children. She has some written information about her service and policies. However, some information is limited; for example, child protection and complaints, and parents do not have their own copy of this information. The childminder has a good network of support with her support childminder. She is keen to access further training and is committed to her own development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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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.

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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.

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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 hand drying facilities are in place to prevent cross infection • carry out a risk assessment of the kitchen to ensure safety

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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 • ensure familiarisation with the Birth to three matters framework • consider the use of contact books to keep parents informed about their children's progress • update existing written information and policies and consider how to share these with parents.

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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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