Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY342197 Unique Reference Number 19 July 2007 Inspection date Melissa Tickner Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 6 and 7 in Orpington, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has two guinea pigs.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a strong awareness of good hygiene procedures. The childminder promotes positive practices, such as, regular hand washing with individual hand towels provided, adopting sound procedures for nappy changing and maintaining a clean and hygienic

p.2

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 environment. These aspects help avoid the spread of infection. Young children rest and sleep in a travel cot, with appropriate clean bed linen provided. Babies' bottles and formula are appropriately heated and tested; ensuring bottles are suitable for young children. Older children are provided with healthy, freshly cooked meals, such as, spaghetti bolognaise and fish and vegetables. This helps ensure children are well nourished and developing an awareness of healthy eating. Drinks are regularly offered to ensure children remain hydrated. Children enjoy regular physical activity, such as, playing outdoors, trips to the park and local walks. As a result, they are developing a sense of enjoyment of physical play. All relevant medical and health documentation is in place. The childminder has a valid first aid certificate. These aspects ensure

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

she is suitably equipped to deal with accidents, emergencies or illnesses.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of safe and suitable toys and resources, which are easily accessible to encourage children to choose themselves. Toys are organised to promote choice and others that are stored elsewhere are regularly rotated to provide children with a good range and regularly varied choices. The childminder has a wide range of very good quality toys, many of which are made from natural materials, such as, a wooden dolls house and wooden shape sorters. Children are cared for in a welcoming home environment which is safe and appropriately organised to meet their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised well and their safety is promoted in practice. For example, the childminder ensures children are strapped in to rocker chairs, sleeping children are checked regularly and fire drills are practised monthly. The childminder has a clear awareness of safety issues and risk assesses her home every morning to ensure it is safe. As a result, children are well safeguarded in the childminder's care. Children are kept safe on outings and when playing in the garden, through the childminder's clear procedures and supervision levels. The childminder is improving the safety of the garden by fitting new fencing; however, this aspect is not currently fully safe. The childminder has a strong knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow should she develop concerns and a clear written policy is in place. As a result, children's welfare and well-being is considered a high priority and is

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

promoted by the childminder at all times.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy helping themselves to a range of toys and resources set out for them at their level and talk about what they are choosing. The childminder is prepared for their day having set out a good range of activities at floor level, such as, the farm and animals, books and shape sorters. Children are settled and happy as they choose what to play with and the childminder interacts with them well. Young children enjoy the cuddles and attention they receive. The childminder is skilled at engaging their interest; making good eye contact, smiling and chatting constantly ensuring they feel valued and secure whilst in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a good range of play opportunities which extend and promote their learning. For example, through their activities they are encouraged to count, recognise colours and sing. They chat about the farm animals they are positioning on the farm and the noises that each animal makes. The childminder has a very good rapport with the children, engaging

p.3

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 them and interacting with them at their level, constantly involving them and encouraging them. Children are supported as the childminder chats with them about what they are doing. This helps ensure they feel valued and secure. All of these aspects contribute to children enjoying and achieving and making strong progress whilst in the childminder's care.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder values children as individuals, treating them with equal concern and is caring and considerate to their needs. For example, she gives strong support and encouragement to young children as they play and explore, whilst she feeds a younger baby. Children's individual needs are extremely well met and the childminder manages the needs of the different age groups with skill and confidence. She encourages children throughout their activities and helps them to feel valued and important. Consequently, children feel settled and secure in her care. There is a good range of resources promoting diversity, which helps to promote and teach children about the diversity of our society.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a calm and positive approach to managing children's behaviour. She uses praise and reassurance with children constantly and regular positive feedback helps them to feel settled and encouraged to behave well. The childminder encourages good manners and congratulates and praises children for doing something well and for saying please and thank you at appropriate times. She also acts as a good role model herself to encourage children's good behaviour. As a result of these aspects, children are learning about good behaviour and this helps contribute to building their self-esteem and confidence.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

There are effective systems to work with parents. They are worked with closely and communicated with daily. Detailed diaries of the children's care and daily activities are kept for younger children and are offered to parents for children of all ages should they wish. Parents are provided with a good range of information, such as, a detailed range of policies about the childminder's service. These aspects help ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive a full range of information about their children's care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder works from a child friendly home, providing children with an extremely inviting and welcoming environment in which to play. She organises her home and the day around the children's needs and is committed to providing a good standard of care to all children. The childminder's organised approach to childminding is enabling her to promote strong outcomes for children. A well organised and stored set of documentation is in place, which includes an informative set of policies and procedures. All required paperwork is in place and stored confidentially. The childminder is committed to updating her strong knowledge and understanding of child development and hopes to commence a series of short training courses in the near future. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the garden is fully safe

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5