Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY231733 Inspection date 25 July 2005 Inspector Linda Margaret Nicholls

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered in 2003. She is registered to care for four children under eight years and is currently caring for four children, three part time and one after school term time only. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes children to local schools, preschools and toddler groups, the local park and library.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning to wash their hands to prevent the spread of cross infection. Children's health, growth and development are promoted with a range of cooked light meals as part of the family routine. Basic nutritional advice is followed and they are given choices. Children know when they need a drink and ask confidently and politely. Babies are offered a drink regularly. Individual health records are well maintained and parents have provided the range of written permissions which are held on file. An accident book is correctly maintained and parents are informed of procedures related to infections and children who become sick.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a secure, warm and welcoming environment, where temperature is thermostatically controlled and there is good natural light. Play space is organised to allow them to move about freely. Furniture is comfortable, providing places to rest and relax. The garden is secure and neatly maintained for daily use. Older children are independent in their personal care. They know to wash their hands to prevent cross infection. Children are safe both indoors and out. Home hazards are recognised and risks minimised. Young children cannot access the stairs. Older children ask to use the bathroom and can negotiate the stair gate. Fire safety recommendations are in place, and older children know of the emergency escape plan. Parents are informed of a back up childminder and written permissions are held for outings and transport in a vehicle. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and who to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

contact. She clearly records her concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are engaged and interested in the toys offered. They make their own choices and use their imagination to act out scenes they have seen in real life, like smoothing the tracks at a motorbike scrambling course with a digger. Toys and equipment are accessible and visible in stacked containers. Children play together with Duplo, a battery powered digger and a train. Books and puzzles, TV

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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 and small world figures provide positive images of people of all races, cultures and abilities. The childminder talks to children giving good eye contact and introducing challenging words. One child attempted the word stethoscope and smiled as the childminder praised him for his efforts. Children play together well. They sit and colour together, describing each other's work and the colours they are using. The childminder plans regular activities and outings to a local park. During the holidays children are taken on day trips to places such as the Hop Farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about their wider world via activities such as the colouring of pictures of the festivals of other cultures. They choose from a good range of play equipment promoting equality of opportunity. Families are requested to provide information about their individual preferences or personal requirements. There is no current evidence of the impact of care for children with special needs although the childminder attended Kent Network training in 2004 and has cared for a child with additional needs in the past. Kindness and affection are being encouraged. Children know they are valued and confidently relate to one another. They can name their friends and their family members. Children are aware of the house rules and are set fair and consistent boundaries by the childminder. She helps them to become aware of the effect of what they do. They treat each others' toys and pieces of work with respect and know how to share. They

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Helping children make a positive contribution

pass each other items to aid their play and join in activities such as Duplo construction and colouring. The childminder is aware of keeping records of incidents of unwanted behaviour. Methods of behaviour management are discussed at initial interview and as occasion arises. Written contracts are in place and are reviewed three monthly to ensure continuity of care. Children's records are held and maintained clearly and to a high standard. Parents are provided with excellent information of the service provided including the contact details of the regulatory body. Information is shared daily and documents stored securely.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's well being, welfare and learning are effectively promoted. They are secure and at ease in a comfortable and welcoming family environment. They initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder provides a flexible and professional working relationship with parents. Record keeping is current and statements of good practice are clear and concise. She is proactive in her training and is booked to start accreditation and NVQ

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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 3 in the autumn. Confidentiality is maintained and paperwork secured. The registration certificate is displayed. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • continue to maintain records and documents to provide continuity of care.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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