Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101805 Inspection date 16 September 2005 Inspector Mary Van De Peer

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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 satisfactory. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Ashford, Kent. The whole ground floor of the house is used for childminding. 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 two children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local Carer and Toddler Groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She

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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 also receives support from the Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The baby enjoys being able to play with a variety of colourful and stimulating toys. The childminder also takes her out of doors several times a day. The baby gets plenty of fresh air. When she is tired, the childminder immediately makes her comfortable in her pushchair, rocking her until she falls asleep. The childminder has not accessed any additional guidance, for example Birth to Three Matters, which would help her further promote children's health and well-being. Drinks are offered regularly throughout the day. Older children would be able to help themselves. Parents provide most of the meals their children eat. However, the childminder can provide any snacks and sandwiches required. There are usually nutritious foods on offer, helping children make healthy choices. Although there is no written sickness policy available, the childminder is clear about how she would deal with infectious

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Helping children to be healthy

illnesses, minimising the risk to children. Effective hygiene practices are encouraged by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around freely in the front part of the house. Risks to children have been identified and minimised. The floor area is clear of hazards, so the baby can begin to learn to crawl safely and within permanent sight of the childminder. Safety measures are in place, for example, socket covers, safety gates, baby car seats and booster seats. However, the childminder has not shared nor practiced an emergency evacuation procedure with the children or their parents. Children's arrival and departure times are recorded appropriately by the childminder. Any visitors are not currently noted down. If a child has an accident, incident or require medication, the information can be recorded and shared with parents. A stocked first aid kit is also ready for use. Child protection is mentioned in the childminder's service statement and the childminder has an adequate understanding

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of what she would do if she had any concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The baby is very happy in her play. She is reaching out and touching colourful, stimulating toys, for example a shape sorter and music box. The childminder states that she will be providing paint and playdough in the next few months so that the baby can experience different textures. The childminder talks to her and she makes some wonderful verbal noises back. She smiles a lot and watches the adults in the

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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 room quite intently. The childminder is developing good interaction with the baby girl. She is able to understand what she wants with her different cries. Eventually, the baby gets tired and immediately the childminder rocks her gently to sleep in her pushchair. The childminder also has a range of resources suitable for older children, so that they can remain occupied in their play, both indoors and outside. There are games, books and puzzles as well as art and craft materials.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder discusses the children's background and needs with parents. This helps to ensure she has the information she requires to provide appropriate care for the children. Although the child currently being minded is only a baby, the childminder is starting to implement routines and boundaries to enable the child to feel secure and understand what is right and wrong. Children are treated as individuals and are valued for who they are. The childminder believes she also encourages children to treat each other with respect. Although there are a few resources reflecting the diversities in society, there are limited positive images for children to learn from.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children can feel at home and at ease with the childminder. Their welfare and well-being is important to her. There is a service statement, relevant paperwork and documents in place. A contact book is also used to keep parents informed of their child's progress and achievements when they are with the childminder. Although she has not attended any additional courses since registration, the childminder is considering looking into this. She is especially interested in Birth to Three Matters and child protection. This will help improve the quality of care available to children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of the National Standards, especially child protection, through obtaining and referring to the relevant documents. She is also planning to attend a child protection course. This will help her to further promote children's well-being. Any dangerous substances and items are made inaccessible. Written consents from parents enabling their children to travel in the car and for the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment. This has improved the safety of the environment in which children are cared for.

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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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • review toys and resources that reflect the diversities in today's society • ensure an emergency evacuation procedure is in place

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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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