Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY232851 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Welling, Kent. All areas of the property are 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are generally supported to be independent with routine self help skills. For example, they are beginning to understand why they wash their hands. However, there is a risk of cross infection as the children all share the same towel. A changing mat and gloves are used when changing children’s nappies. Children are gaining confidence when trying out new skills. They are beginning to know when to ask for help and to set their own limits. The childminder’s has

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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 a sound understanding about appropriate types of activities and the level of support. She has maintained records on medication, accidents and written details are given to parents. There is a system to record existing injuries. Children mainly play outdoors in fine weather supporting their physical development. They are aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a rest or a drink. First aid equipment is easily accessible and taken on outings or when taking and collecting children from school. Children enjoy an adequate range of activities which contribute to their good health, such as playing on the trampoline. They are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet and know what is good to eat, such as cheese and bread. A range of juices are offered, although drinks are not always readily available

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Helping children to be healthy

and children are not able to access drinks without asking the childminder. The childminder talks to parents about healthy options, but she does not always ensure that parents know what healthy choices are offered. However, the childminder has discussed and recorded any special dietary needs or allergies. Children are offered healthy choices before less healthy snack options.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children select activities from an sufficient range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. However, the risk assessment does not consider some safety issues inside and outdoors. For example, a trailing wire and the large trampoline. The childminder generally monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys in order to ensure they are appropriate for their age. Children are becoming confident and settled in the homely environment. They play freely and independently and use the space to move around and make choices, such as playing in the garden as a super hero. The childminder helps the children to understand safety outside the home. For example, when crossing the roads the children stop, look and listen for traffic. There is a written procedure for emergency evacuation. However, younger children are unfamiliar with what they should do in an emergency. The childminder has most procedures in place to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

support children's welfare. There is a child protection policy, but this is not up to date. She has a positive understanding of child protection issues and an appropriate knowledge of what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from close contact with the childminder and show a good sense of involvement because she spends time playing and talking with them. The childminder encourages children to care for the resources on offer and to help tidy them away. They are readily praised for their achievements, such as putting on a super hero playsuit and placing the large ball in the garden. Children are becoming independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. However, children are not able to independently choose resources. Toys are stored in boxes and these are not labelled with words and pictures. Children have opportunities to play with a minimal range of resources to promote equality of opportunity. They settle well at the childminder's house and enter confidently making themselves at home. Children actively communicate with the childminder as they excitedly discuss their favourite activities and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interests, such as sailing a boat. Children enjoy time when they can relax or be active in accordance with their interests and needs. For example, watching super heroes on the television. The childminder offers challenges and engages the children with the broad range of resources and toys.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated as individuals with respect and equal concern by the childminder. They feel secure and benefit from consistency of care because the childminder and parents work together. However, the childminder has not ensured that parents have given written permission to seek emergency treatment or advice on behalf of their child. There is information to ensure appropriate care is considered, recorded and discussed with parents. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults and there is a procedure in place for emergencies. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are affirmed and acknowledged by the childminder. They are beginning to offer their ideas and show a sense of belonging. Children are behaved because the childminder appropriately reminds them about the boundaries. However, house rules do not reflect younger children’s

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Helping children make a positive contribution

understanding, such as with words and pictures. The childminder has a sound understanding of her policy for parents to make a complaint, although she is not familiar with all aspects of the complaints procedures. She now has a system in place to log concerns or complaints and to maintain a summary.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within a generally organised environment. They feel at ease with the childminder and secure with the surroundings. Children are not afraid to ask for what they need and make themselves at home. Children's information and records do not have all the required information in order for the childminder to take action on their behalf. All records are easily accessible and ready for the inspection. However, the childminder is unaware of how long some of these records must be retained. The childminder has the relevant checks. A range of written information is available for parents, but this is not up to date. There is no system to record visitors. The registration certificate is displayed and the register contains details of the hours of attendance. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted six recommendations to; develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures, maintain a record of attendance for all children and to secure the garden and ensure it is safe for the children. In addition, to ensure the following items are inaccessible or safe for children. For example, sharp knives, low-level glass panels, the first floor landing and the garden swing.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection; the childminder has attended a child protection course and developed her policy. There is a record of attendance for all children and the garden is secure. In addition, she has removed sharp knives and the garden swing. The low-level glass panels are now covered with safety film and the banisters on first floor landing are enclosed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result, children are able to play in the house and garden as a consequence of some items being removed or made safe. The daily attendance register now has details of all the children to check the historical records. Children are protected as the childminder is aware of possible child protection issues.

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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

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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.

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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 good hygiene practices are in place regarding hand washing • ensure the risk assessment includes all safety aspects in the house and garden. • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical 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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