Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY248352 Inspection date 02 September 2005 Inspector Freeda Wildon

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and six in Margate, Kent. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding seven between the ages of 8 months and eight years. The registration includes overnight care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has a rabbit and a guinea pig.

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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 experience a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Regular outings to the park, toddlers group and garden play help children develop control of their bodies. For example, they bounce on a large ball, ride wheeled toys and play on the swing. They are becoming aware of how activities affect their bodies and know when they need a drink. Drinks are accessible for children to help themselves when they are thirsty. They are learning the importance of healthy eating and enjoy a variety of fresh fruit for snacks. Children wash their hands with assistance from the childminder, for example, after handling pets, playing in the garden, visiting the toilet and before eating. A clear sick children's policy, effective cleaning procedures and good hygiene practices such as regular cleaning of the toys, use of individual towels helps to prevent the spread of infection. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder acts in the best interest of a child when they become ill. She has changed her practice for blanket permission to administer medication such as Calpol but has not changed her written policy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are secure. Daily risk assessments are undertaken to ensure safety within the setting. Space is used constructively and activities are well organised and attractively set out. As a result children are able to make choices freely and safely. Babies can crawl and learn to walk in a child friendly environment. Toys and equipment are maintained in good condition, they are checked at the end of the day and cleaned at the end of the week. Children are encouraged to be involved in activities to enable them to learn and understand about their own and others safety, for example, visits to the fire station. An evacuation plan is in place and displayed for parents, however, children are not yet involved in practising regular fire drills. Children are protected from persons who have not been vetted, they are closely supervised at all times, for example, whilst playing in the park. Children's welfare and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safety are important to the childminder. She has good knowledge of child protection and knows where to seek advice if she is concerned about a child.

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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 home. Children play happily alongside each other and are learning to socialise with other children through attendance at local toddler and craft groups. Activities are well organised. The children are involved in a good range of activities both inside and outside the home, which promotes their all round development. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as craft. painting, listening to and

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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 playing music, singing and dressing up. The childminder supports children's language development by talking and encouraging new words. She praises and encourages the children and their achievements are celebrated, for example, children's work is displayed on the door to the kitchen. As a result, they are confident and make themselves at home. Children are learning to be independent in personal care, for example taking themselves to the toilet and accessing a drink of water when they are thirsty. The childminder is aware of the birth to three matters framework and hopes to access the training in the near future to assist her in further developing the range of experiences she provides for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are well behaved, happy and settled because the childminder manages the children's behaviour positively and consistently, according to the child's level of understanding and maturity. A written behaviour management policy is in place and shared with parents. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. For example, she uses the world globe to show children the countries they have visited on their holidays. Children find out about the local community through outings to the shops, childcare groups, visits to the park and other local amenities such as the zoo and wildlife park. Children's needs are met because the childminder works in partnership with parents. Daily discussion and daily contact books between the childminder and the parents ensures that information is shared so that the children are cared for appropriately.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and makes the best use of her time, space and resources to create a stimulating and supportive environment for the children. As a result children are happy and feel at home. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares them with parents to keep them well informed about her service and the children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. All required documentation is in place, which contributes to efficient and safe management of the childminding service provided. The childminder has a sound knowledge and practice of the National Standards but failed to notify Ofsted of any significant changes to the premises such as the new playroom. She did however, ensure that the children were safe by fully risk assessing the premises and sharing this with parents. The provision

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Organisation

meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last Ofsted inspection three recommendations were made. These were to; develop medicine records to include; time administered and parents acknowledgement that s/he has been informed, develop records to include overnight

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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 care and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. All recommendations have been completed, contributing to the children's safety, care and welfare.

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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 children are aware of emergency procedures within the home • ensure that Ofsted is informed of any changes or events which may affect the safety and welfare of any child in your 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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