Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY347670 Unique Reference Number 01 August 2007 Inspection date Linda Patricia Coccia 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 2007. She lives with her partner and one child aged two years in Chatham, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and an upstairs room is available for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time and may care for one child under eight, overnight. There are currently three school aged children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local Sure Start Centre and local childminding group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent standards of hygiene are maintained within the provision. Children understand why they have their own drinking cups and use individual hand towels. They can explain in detail why they need to wash their hands after using the toilet. The childminder also has a comprehensive well written sick child policy. It is shared with parents and fully explains about

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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 cross infection issues. Children's health records are exceptionally well maintained. Full descriptions of accidents are meticulously recorded and parents signatures are obtained for the records. Parents have also given written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical attention for their children. The childminder regularly evaluates how she promotes children's health. Therefore, children are cared for in a healthy environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a very good variety of sample menus for parents. She works extremely closely with parents to provide healthy diets for children. She takes into account children's religious or medical dietary needs and caters for them individually. Only fresh foods are offered with plenty of fruit and vegetables included. Children are encouraged to try different tastes but understand that they don't have to like everything. The children report that they like the childminder's cooking and she gives them tasty meals. Children are offered an exceptionally wide selection of food which is healthy and nutritious.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play in a very secure outdoor space. The childminder provides an excellent range of physical activities for the garden. She encourages children to be healthy and learn to control their bodies by throwing and catching balls, hopping, skipping and dancing. Children often make up their own games of tag. Children are always fully supervised when using physical play equipment both on and off the premises. The childminder also encourages children to rest in between activities and to drink plenty of water. Children get exercise as they walk to and from school. Indoors, children play games such as musical statues and also dance, often to their own made up music. Children are encouraged to be inventive in their physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are looked after in a premises which is very homely and extremely welcoming to children. There are plenty of bright informational posters on the walls, small table and chairs and a comfortable sofa available to relax on.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder carries out regular meticulous risk assessments on the premises. Everything is very well assessed, dated, and takes into account the different ages and safety needs of individual children. Appropriate safety equipment is in place. Toys are exceptionally well maintained and very suitable for the ages of children attending. They are stored in large storage boxes in the lounge and easily accessible to the children. Children have choices about the activities and toys they play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are excellent procedures in place to protect children in emergencies. A well written emergency evacuation plan is regularly practised by the children and the information is made available to parents in the childminder's portfolio. Children competently explain what they have to do when the smoke alarms go off. Older minder children are given elements of responsibility during practices and are confident and assured. Procedures are practised recorded and evaluated by the children and the childminder. A fire blanket is sited in the kitchen. Children have an excellent opportunity to keep themselves safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There are outstanding procedures in place to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. The childminder has an excellent attitude towards protecting children and reflects this in her written policy. The information is shared with parents. Procedures are in line with those recommended by the local authority. A very good departure policy is in place to ensure children are collected by suitable persons. For example, the childminder asks for passwords and meets nominated persons in advance. Children’s well being is promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent interaction with the childminder. They happily talk to her about their home life which gives her insight into their interests. She uses the information to provide lots of interesting activities for them as she uses her knowledge of the every child matters framework. They get involved in craftwork and make items they can use in role play. For example, the children make swords and crowns to play knights and kings. The childminder is never phased by children's requests to help them make things. She works with them to discuss how best to use the materials to hand. The children believe they can make anything they request and develop confidence and self esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children excitedly report that they make their own play dough. They measure out ingredients and then knead it so that they can use it. They also have extensive choices within the toys they select from the large range available. They happily role play with dressing up, play board games, and are very interested in reading books from the extensive range available. They listen to music and request their favourite songs. They play in a very happy environment and they report they really like coming to their childminder. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child development and plans activities in advance to cater for the needs of each individual child. Children are interested in the activities which are offered and develop games for themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children excitedly report that they help make their own play dough. They help the childminder to measure out ingredients and then knead it so that they can play with it. They have choices about the toys they play with and select from the large range available. They happily role play with dressing up, play board games, and are very interested in reading books. They listen to music and request their favourite songs. They play in a very happy environment and they report they really like coming to their childminder. All areas of children's development is catered for on an individual basis.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding about equality and how to promote it. Children from a variety of different cultures attend the provision. The childminder herself is from eastern Europe. Children take their differences for granted. The childminder provides a good range of toys and books which give children positive images of equality every time they attend. However, there are very few positive images of disability. The childminder has a number of music Compact Discs in different languages. Children happily listen to all types of music. The childminder plans activities in advance which includes different cultural festivals and celebrations. Children learn about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Some good behaviour management strategies are in place to help children learn about their conduct. The childminder reminds children to share toys, have concern for children smaller than themselves and be nice to each other. Children receive plenty of praise for their good behaviour, ideas and co-operation. Children build good self esteem and play within well defined boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents. She has some excellent development notes recorded for each child. They are very detailed as to what children play with or attempt and how they enjoy themselves and interact with each other. Entries for the children under three all have regard to the Birth to three matters framework. Some parents elect to receive verbal information.

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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 All parents help the childminder to keep paperwork in order. They complete service contracts and permission slips or sign medication records when requested. The childminder provides lots of information in writing for parents in her portfolio. Children benefit from continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The provider has excellent procedures in place to ensure people coming into contact with children are suitable to do so. The childminder has a visitors book which is completed by each adult visiting the premises. All adults living on the premises have been vetted and their Criminal Record Bureau disclosure forms are available for parents to see in the childminder's portfolio. The childminder has enrolled on the childminding diploma course. Children are exceptionally well safeguarded by only coming into contact with suitable persons.

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Organisation

The childminder has all regulatory paperwork in place, which is very well maintained. She is exceptionally well organised. She constantly reviews the various elements of her service. They are fully evaluated with plenty of written notes. The assessments are updated weekly which ensures the childminder is always improving. Her registration certificate is displayed. The attendance record clearly shows children's arrival and departure times, is marked daily and is up to date. The childminder is able to provide excellent evidence to show that her safety equipment conforms to British Safety standards. Children benefit exceptionally well from the providers well thought out policies and procedures as their interests are individually assessed and catered for. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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):

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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 • provide children with more positive images of people with disability.

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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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