Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY244752 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 good. 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 2003. She lives with her husband, mother 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 four. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat, a rabbit and goldfish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gives consideration to helping children to be independent with routine self help skills. However, children all share the same towel and there is a risk of cross infection. The childminder uses gloves when changing children's nappies. She changes them using a clean towel on her lap. The childminder offers some explanations of why it is important to wash

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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 hands. For example, after outdoor play or before eating. Children are provided with a range of experiences to support positive health issues. They are encouraged to develop physical skills by using the garden and local parks. The childminder has maintained records on medication, existing injuries and accidents. Parents acknowledge by signing and they receive a copy of the details. First aid equipment is accessible and taken on outings or when taking and collecting children from school. In addition, children’s details are available and kept in the first aid travel kit. Children are becoming aware of their own needs, such as taking a rest or requesting a drink. They benefit from playing in the fresh air and are beginning to attempt new challenges for themselves, which in turn promotes their sense of wellbeing and physical development. Children

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Helping children to be healthy

have access to drinks throughout the day and the childminder provides children with nutritious choices, such as cheese, ham, bread and fruit. Older children are developing an understanding of what is good to eat and talk about their favourite foods. The childminder works together with the parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. The childminder ensures there is written permission to seek emergency treatment or advice for each child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gives some consideration to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe. She has recognised most risks within the house and garden. However, no action has been taken to address the identified risks with some of the play equipment in the garden. Children are beginning to develop an understanding of safety outside the home. For example, children explain that they must hold onto the buggy and stop, look and listen for traffic. Younger children who are not aware have reins to ensure they stay within easy reach of the childminder. The emergency evacuation procedures are discussed and practised with the children. Children are aware of what they should do in an emergency and the exits have signs in pictures for them to easily understand what door to use. Children are settled and becoming confident in the childminder's home. There is plenty of space for them to make independent choices and play

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

freely. The childminder selects the storage boxes for the children. She monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate. She has procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is promoted. There is written permission to transport children in any vehicle. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and her policy reflects the requirements under the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Children's welfare is considered as the childminder has an appropriate knowledge of what action to take on behalf of a child. 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 can freely choose from a range of stimulating activities and experiences organised by the childminder. However, children's independence is not always promoted because the toys stored in boxes do not develop their recognition skills by using pictures and words. Children have opportunities to play with basic resources to promote equality of opportunity. They are able to ask for what they need and the childminder makes good use of unplanned opportunities, such as observing a snail found in the garden. Children are enthusiastic when describing the pictures of their snail. The childminder encourages each child to achieve to their own level of ability. This offers children an extensive range of activities and choice when playing with toys and resources. Children are excited and enjoy time when they can relax or be active in accordance with their interests and needs, such as making ‘pretend’ birthday cakes or lollies with home

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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 made dough. This is imaginatively extended by the childminder who supports them as they pretend pencils are candles. Children ask the childminder her age and count whether they have the right number on the cake. The childminder skilfully uses the Birth to three matters framework. She adapts activities to provide a stimulating range in order to promote younger children’s learning and development. Children quickly settle and make themselves at home in the childminder's house. They show a sense of confidence and self esteem. Children show great pride in their achievements, such as making a ‘passport’ for their holiday. The childminder takes time to talk and explain to them what they need to do and she praises them for their efforts. For example, well done for making a postcard as they place the stamp onto the card to post

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

this to their parents. She encourages them to care for the resources on offer and to help tidy them away. Children benefit from lots of close contact with the childminder. She spends a great deal of time talking and playing with them. For example, taking part in art and craft activities or playing with dough in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well behaved and are beginning to understand the boundaries set by the childminder. She encourages and praises children regularly during their time with her. However, the house rules are not reflected in a way for younger children to develop self help skills or to support an understanding at their level. The childminder acknowledges and affirms the children, they feel secure and demonstrate a sense of belonging. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are provided with a range of toys, resources and experiences. They make themselves at home and are being offered frequent challenges and are beginning to confidently decide what they want to do. They are provided with exciting experiences and are enthusiastic when making ‘pretend’ passports to take home for their parents. Children are treated with equal concern and as individuals by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

They benefit from consistency of care, which comes about through the parents and childminder working closely together. The information to enable appropriate care is discussed with the parents and recorded on the child’s form. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults and there is a procedure in place for emergencies. The childminder has a competent knowledge and understanding of the policy for parents to make a complaint. She has an effective understanding of the procedures. There is a well organised method to record any concerns. In addition, there is a consistent system to summarize the details for parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and settled within a very well organised environment. The registration certificate is displayed. The register contains details of the hours of attendance. However, there is no system to record when regular visitors are present. All records are easily accessible and ready for inspection and the childminder knows how long some records must be retained. Children are at ease with the childminder and their surroundings and they make themselves at home. As a result, they ask for what they need and sometimes lead in their play. A very good range of up to date written information is given to parents and this ensures they are continually informed about the provision. Children's care, development and welfare are competently promoted. The childminder provides a effective range of policies and procedures, which underpin her practice. This information includes the service she provides and activities for children. The

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Organisation

childminder has all the relevant checks. She has experience of working with children of differing

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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 ages and abilities. Most systems are in place to monitor the children’s safety. 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 two recommendations; to extend her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and to increase play resources for children over five years.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection; the childminder has increased her knowledge of child protection and has a policy. In addition, there are sufficient resources for children over five years.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result, all children have the opportunity to play with a varied range of toys and resources. Children’s welfare is considered as the childminder has extended her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. Parents have a clearer understanding of the child protection policy and the action to be taken on behalf of the child.

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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 good. 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 in the garden includes all the play equipment.

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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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