Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY265570 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2007 Inspection date Vanessa Wood 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 has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two school-aged children. They live in a house in Tonbridge. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. Children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding 10 children on a part time basis. The family have two dogs, a cat and guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home which promotes their good health. Arrangements are in place to protect children from infection and to ensure pets do not present a health risk. However, hygiene of the garden needs to be reviewed as the childminder now has two large dogs. She is currently considering ways of dividing the garden into separate areas to provide for the needs of the children and her pets. Children learn the importance of good hand washing before they eat, after touching the pets and when they come in from the garden and they are

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 provided with soap and paper towels to help prevent the spread of infection. Children develop an understanding of healthy eating during discussions about what they are eating at lunch and supper time. They enjoy a wide range of appropriate drinks and meals, such as baked beans with cheese on toast. All meals for younger children are provided by parents. The childminder provides sample menus to show parents the type of meals she provides. Children have access to the garden with some small outdoor play equipment. They also enjoy fresh air as they walk to and from school each day and visit the local park where there is larger play equipment.

p.2

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. The playroom is mainly used for childminding but older children are familiar with their surroundings and can move around the home confidently and independently. The home is comfortable which enables children to relax and enjoy their time in the setting. Children choose their play materials from a good range of resources stored appropriately so children can access these easily and safely. The childminder supervises children at all times and gives gentle reminders of how to play safely. This encourages children to take responsibility for their own safety and use equipment with care. Children learn about road safety as they walk to school with the childminder. Younger children sit in a double buggy and older children learn to wait at the kerb, stand still and listen before the childminder says it is safe to cross the road. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

issues and how to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of how children develop and learn and has started to plan activities linked to the Birth to three matters framework and the curriculum for the Foundation Stage. However, she is not using detailed observations of children's development to plan for their individual needs. Children benefit from a wide range of activities initiated by the childminder each day, although plans are flexible to allow children time to choose their own activities. They are encouraged to make choices and request favourite games in the relaxed environment. Young children sit with the childminder as they complete a puzzle. They learn about colour and shape as the childminder talks to them about the different people in the puzzle. The children then choose a favourite game of fishing. The childminder watches as they use magnetic rods, and she helps them learn to count how many fishs they have caught. Children

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop confidence in communication skills and the childminder takes them to toddler clubs to increase their social skills. Children delight in looking at a book with the childminder as they sit comfortably together and talk about the pictures. The childminder uses small puppets of the characters to illustrate the story. Children build positive relationships with the childminder who gives them praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued within the setting. They are happy and secure in the welcoming and child centred environment. They learn about different cultures through topic work and the childminder can borrow a multicultural resource pack in order to develop children's understanding of the wider world. Children behave well and are beginning to show consideration for others as they learn to handle the pets with care. They learn to share and take turns and to tidy up activities

p.3

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 after they have finished playing with them. Children have positive contacts with their community during walks in the local area and through attending toddler groups. The childminder has a strong relationship with parents. She creates a book showing what children have achieved in her care which is given to parents when children leave. A good service statement and policies are in place to ensure all information about the setting is shared with parents. Informal daily discussions and contracts with parents help to provide consistency of care for children who attend.

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's needs are met and their independence promoted because the childminder organises her time and resources appropriately. Children take part in suitably planned activities to ensure they are developing and learning well. Posters and photographs of the children playing are displayed on the walls which creates an inviting environment where children feel relaxed and comfortable. The childminder is pro-active in attending courses to update her knowledge of childcare and this has a positive effect on the service she provides. All paperwork is well organised and kept securely. The required documents and records are in place and maintained to a high standard and as a result children's health and development are promoted successfully.

p.4

Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to obtain written parental permission to access emergency medical treatment or advice, to obtain written permission to transport children in a vehicle and to provide evidence that regular safety checks are carried out.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

All recommendations have been completed. The childminder has written permission to transport children in her car and carries out a daily check list to ensure the home is safe for children. Permission to seek emergency medical treatment is in place.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

p.4

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.

p.4

Complaints 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

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): • consider ways of organising the garden to meet the needs of both children and pets • develop a system to record observations of children's development in order to plan activities to meet their individual needs.

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