Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY234723 Inspection date 10 August 2005 Inspector Jane Wakelen

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 April 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged under five years, in Larkfield, Aylsesford. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child over five years after school and during the holidays and one child under one year for two days a week. The childminder drives to the local school to collect one child.

p.2

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 The childminder attends the local childminding group.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about good hygiene practice. They are encouraged to wash hands before eating and after toileting, using their individual flannels and towels, helping stop the spread of infection. Children are reminded why this is good practice and are able to follow the childminder's role of washing her hands. Changing mats are cleaned appropriately, together with food preparation areas including tables and high-chairs. Children learn about healthy eating, through planned weekly menus and a choice of snacks. They learn why food is good for them and the importance of regular drinks. The childminder ensures she has information regarding children's dietary requirements and allergies, to ensure the weekly menu meets the individual children's needs. Parents have access to the menu and therefore are fully informed about their child's food intake. The childminder has a good understanding of

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

children's physical needs and plans a timetable for the week, of large play activities to promote physical exercise, such as swimming, play gym's and the local parks. Children benefit from fresh air and rigorous exercise which encourages development of their physical skills and promotes their well-being. They have regular opportunities both indoors and outdoors to take part in physical play.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to safely access all areas of the house used for childminding allowing them room to move freely and independently. The childminder has implemented safety measures to minimise hazards, such as a safety gate on the stairs and a gate to prevent children entering the kitchen without an adult. Older children develop an awareness of safety, because the childminder explains potential hazards and encourages children to be aware of danger for themselves and to understand the danger for the younger children present, such as putting small toys in their mouth. Children benefit from a range of activities and equipment which are checked regularly and suitable for the age and stage of the child. Children can freely access resources and equipment that are stored at child-height and therefore promotes independence. The childminder ensures she has all the relevant paperwork, such as emergency telephone numbers which are carried with her on

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

every outing, to enable children to be kept safe. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has documentation in place such as the accident book and medication book. She has a good understanding about child protection issues and understands the procedures to follow if she has any concerns.

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 The provision is good. Children are happy, content and benefit from a stimulating, planned, weekly timetable of events. They experience large group activities and have numerous opportunities to socialise with other children developing their skills of negotiation, turn-taking and sharing. Children access a good range of resources indoors using their skills of imagination and creativity. The enthusiasm of the childminder encourages children to 'have a go' and design a variety of creative collages which are displayed on the wall, helping to raise children's self esteem, such as the butterfly collage using tissue paper. They develop their confidence and independence by selecting materials and resources of their choice and are able to contribute their own suggestions. The childminder supports children's play when necessary, providing activities, asking

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

questions and extending their play. She promotes the use of books and music, even with the younger children, allowing them to explore and experiment. She has an understanding of birth to three matters and has attended training in this area. She hopes to attend further training to expand her knowledge. All children are involved in all activities, which the childminder adapts to suit their needs, age and ability. She ensures children have a good range of equipment and resources by accessing the toy library connected to the childminding network.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an understanding about the diverse society they live in through regular outings, resources, books and discussion. Children make collages of pictures of people from different cultures and look at some religions and customs, such as the Chinese New Year. They enjoy doing practical activities to help them gain an understanding and proudly show off their pictures displayed on the wall. The childminder promotes equality and helps children to gain an awareness that everyone is different and has different needs. Children learn to value and respect each other as individuals because the childminder treats each child with equal concern. Children behave well, understanding the expectations of the childminder and the boundaries. The childminder is calm in her approach, such as when the older child took a toy from the younger child. She calmly told him why he should not do this and asked him to

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

give toy back. The childminder builds close relationships with parents and ensures she gathers all necessary personal information regarding the child, to effectively meet their needs. Parents have access to the clear policies and procedures and are kept informed about the weekly menu and timetable for the week on a noticeboard. Regular daily communication enables parents and the childminder to provide continuity of care for each individual child, which enables children to settle quickly and confidently into the setting.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a welcoming and organised environment for the children

p.4

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 enabling them to settle quickly. Children's individual routines for care, learning and play are implemented to ensure continuity for the child and to enable their needs to be met. The childminder has a fair understanding of 'Birth to three matters' having completed relevant training and is keen to develop this area. She has displayed some information for parents to inform them about 'Birth to three matters' and the Early Learning Goals. Children are protected from individuals who have not been vetted because the childminder has a good understanding about the regulations. All required documentation is in place and is maintained accurately. Parents are kept informed about the childminder's policies and procedures and verbal communication ensures the partnership promotes the welfare of the children. The childminder meets

p.4

Organisation

the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate First Aid course which has now been completed and the certificate is available for parents to see. The childminder was requested to provides two policies for parents regarding equal opportunities and managing behaviour. Both these policies have now been written and are available for parents to view.

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): • devise and implement a sick child policy • obtain written consent from parents regarding emergency medical treatment

p.5

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:

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 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.6