Childminder in Medway

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

156023 Unique Reference Number 22 August 2007 Inspection date Janette Mary White Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her family in Gillingham, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are provided with a well organised and wide range of experiences. However, they do not have always have opportunities to consider some aspects of the environment, such as growing plants. Children benefit from playing in the fresh air when the childminder successfully extends activities into the garden, such as painting with water and chalking. Garden games and regular visits to local parks and playgrounds improve children’s physical skills. For example, children talk about running races and hop scotch. This is beginning to promote their

p.2

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 understanding and knowledge of good health issues. First aid equipment is easily accessible and available when taking and collecting children from school or on outings. The childminder has maintained records on medication, existing injuries and accidents. Children are able to identify their individual towel because their photo is displayed above. The childminder encourages children to be independent with routine self help skills, such as wiping noses and washing hands. Children are becoming increasingly aware of the way activity affects them and know when they need a rest or a drink. They attempt new challenges for themselves, promoting a sense of wellbeing and their physical development. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat. Drinks are easily accessible and children's wishes are taken

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

into account. The childminder has agreed with the parents healthy options are promoted and they work together to ensure individual dietary needs are met. Children are beginning to understand the benefits of a healthy diet.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Effective procedures are in place to ensure the safety and welfare of the children the childminder cares for. However, the written permission for transporting children does not include all forms of public transport. Children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedures as they regularly discuss and practice these each month. In addition, the emergency procedures are effectively displayed in pictures and words, so even younger children know what they need to do. The childminder maintains a fire evacuation record, but does not record which exit or how long the fire drill took. She has a effective understanding and knowledge of child protection issues and what action to take if she has concerns about a child in her care. There is a policy in place, although this does not have all the relevant information. Children are cared for in a stimulating, safe and secure home. They have space to move around, make independent choices and play

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

freely. They are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe and why certain procedures are necessary. For example, to wait for the childminder rather than going into the garden alone. The childminder ensures risks are competently assessed and reduced accordingly. She actively reinforces children understanding of how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, children know they must hold hands, stop at a traffic crossing and push the button. They wait for the ‘green man’ before crossing roads.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house and enter confidently and make themselves at home. They are becoming independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities. However, toys in storage boxes do not aid the children’s independent choice. For example, they are not labelled with words and pictures to aid children’s recognition skills. Children have good opportunities to play with a broad range of resources to promote equality of opportunity. The childminder uses the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities for younger children. Children socialise with other children and relate well to each other. They enjoy their play and are able to make connections between real life scenarios. Children are enthusiastic and take a great deal of pride when making bead shapes as they concentrate on the pattern and colours. The childminder seals the beads together and praises them for doing

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well. Children have many opportunities to be creative by experimenting with resources such as making 'Paper Mache pigs'. They are interested and motivated when colouring in pictures, drawing, and other art and craft opportunities. They excitedly discuss their favourite activities and interests, such as playing in the park and baking. Children listen and respond to tapes of

p.3

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 rhymes, stories and songs. They enjoy exploring a wide range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as dancing, listening and moving to music and model making. Children show a good sense of wellbeing, involvement and enjoy time when they can be active or relax in accordance with their interests and needs. They benefit from lots of close contact with the childminder. This is because she spends time talking and playing with them, and praising them for their achievements.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated and respected as individuals and with equal concern. Not all the information to enable appropriate care is recorded, such as religion. The childminder does not have written permission to seek emergency advice, although there is permission to seek treatment on the child’s behalf. Children are acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder and they initiate communication and offer their own ideas. They benefit from consistency of care due to the childminder and parents working together. They are provided with a challenging range of toys, resources and experiences and have easily access to positive images of equality and stimulating resources. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children have a sense of belonging and make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do or being offered challenges. The childminder has an effective procedure

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

for parents to make a complaint. She has a system to log complaints and to maintain a confidential summary for parents. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults and there is a procedure in place for emergencies. The house rules are clearly displayed in order to develop children’s self help and recognition skills. For example, house rules are in words and pictures, and children have taken part in helping to devise these rules. Children are well behaved and understand the behavioural boundaries set by the childminder.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, wellbeing and development are promoted, due to the childminder keeping most of the required records and documents. However, not all written permissions are in place and children's records do not have all the information. Children are comfortable and settled within a well organised environment. They are at ease with the childminder and their surroundings. Children feel secure and as a result, lead in their play and are not afraid to ask for what they need. A good range of written information is available for parents. The childminder has all the relevant checks. All records are easily accessible and ready for inspection and the childminder is aware of how long these must be retained. The registration certificate is displayed and the register now contains details of the hours of attendance. There is a record of when visitors are present and parents are informed. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted one recommendation to; provide additional toys and activities which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection; the childminder has extended the resources, toys and activities in order to promote positive images of equality of opportunity.

p.4

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 As a result, children are able to access additional resources reflecting diversity. In addition, plans of activities include toys, which enable them to see positive images of the world around us every day.

p.4

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 the written permission to transport children includes all public transport. • ensure written permission from parents includes seeking emergency medical advice.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5