Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283753 Unique Reference Number 05 November 2007 Inspection date Freeda Wildon 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and eight in Ramsgate, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used 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 five children under eight on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean environment. Effective practices are in place to help children learn about good hygiene practices. Children know the routine well, for example, they eagerly find the steps to reach the sink to wash their hands before snack time. Effective nappy changing procedures and a sick child policy further help to prevent the spread of infection.

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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 Younger children are learning about healthy living because the childminder provides healthy snacks and talks to the children about healthy eating. Older children are learning the importance of a healthy diet; they grow vegetables which they later enjoy eating at the childminder's home. The childminder provides drinks regularly to keep children's bodies hydrated. They get frequent opportunities to enjoy physical exercise and plenty of fresh air. For example, they walk to and from school and attend a local toddlers group where they make good use of large play equipment to develop their large muscle skills. Babies are gaining control of their bodies as they pull themselves up and cruise around the furniture.

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Helping children to be healthy

Accidents are recorded and acknowledged by parents. Up-to-date first aid training means that the childminder is able to treat children appropriately in the event of an accident. Parents' written permission is in place to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all the children. Consequently, she is able to act in the best interest of children according to parents' wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play safely within the home because the childminder undertakes informal daily risk assessments. The home is organised so that children can move freely and safely between the rooms on the ground floor. The toys and equipment are clean and safe because the childminder checks and cleans them regularly. Children are protected away from the home because the childminder ensures that she applies sensible procedures, such as, restraints in her car, carrying children's emergency details and parental permission for outings and transporting children in a vehicle. Children are learning to keep themselves safe because the childminder teaches them about road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Procedures are in place for the safe collection of children; only known adults may collect the children if parents are not able to collect. There is a written evacuation plan, smoke alarms and a fire blanket to contribute to children's safety. Formal practise of fire safety has been established so children know how to leave the home safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is aware of her responsibilities regarding allegations against her and her family. She has procedures at hand to follow if she is concerned about a child and she has attended training to keep her knowledge up to date. This contributes to children's welfare and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are confident because the childminder praises and encourages them. Their efforts are valued and appreciated, for example, the childminder displayed their art work. This builds their confidence and self-esteem. Young children relate well to the childminder and to each other. They confidently approach the childminder for play and support indicating good trusting relationships are built. Children are learning to be independent in their personal care and help to prepare their snacks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three explore and experiment through a range of activities that are appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder prepares the home and sets out a range of toys she knows the children enjoy. Babies are able to access toys freely from boxes stored on the floor. However, not all of the toys are accessible for older children. Children attending after

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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 school are able to relax, join in activities and do their homework if they wish to do so. Children benefit from outings, for example, they visit the beach, park and the nature reserve.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder helps children acquire new knowledge and skills by showing them what to do. For example, putting on their shoes. A good selection of books and visits to the library means that children are developing a love of books. Young children are learning about size, shapes, numbers and colours, for example, they identify colours as they build and construct. They enjoy being creative; children collect leaves which they paint and print.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and contented in the care of the childminder because their routines are respected. The childminder finds out about their likes and dislikes, this ensures continuity of care. Lots of praise and encouragement helps children develop a positive self-image. Children learn to take turns and share. A behaviour management policy is discussed and shared with parents. Strategies, such as, distraction and redirection help children understand about boundaries. These strategies take children's age and stage of development into consideration. Any concerns are shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Contracts are in place recording business arrangements and appropriate parental permissions are obtained. As a result, there is consistency between home and the childminder. Effective communication from the childminder informs parents of the care that their children receive. A range of policies is available to parents; a complaints procedure is available to parents and a log is prepared to record any complaints. However, the procedures and log does not reflect the current changes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing good relationships with the childminder and others, for example, they attend a variety of social groups. They have access to a range of activities and resources to promote a view of the world and to increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. For example, the childminder provides books and visits to the local community.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and happy in the childminder's home because the childminder's routine includes quiet times, meal times, outings and play times. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the national standards and is keen to develop her knowledge; she has attended several short courses in childcare.

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Organisation

Ofsteds shows that all adults living in the household have undergone checks to establish suitability. The attendance register confirms that the childminder complies with this condition of her registration. The registration certificate is displayed for parents to see. All the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is maintained. Minor adjustments are needed to the complaints procedure. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection four recommendations were made. They were to develop a range of toys for older children; ensure that the condition regarding registered numbers is adhered

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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 to at all times; obtain confirmation, in writing from parents, to leave an assistant in sole charge of the children and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has successfully addressed all of the above, resulting in good outcomes for children.

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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 that the toys are accessible to all children • update complaints procedure to reflect the regulation and share this 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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