Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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156703 Unique Reference Number 20 February 2008 Inspection date Jenny Kane Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 outstanding. 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 June 2001. She lives with her husband and adult son in Larkfield. The ground floor is used for childminding with access to the upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children aged between three and 10 years on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Schools, pre-school, toddler groups, shops and parks are within walking distance. The family has two pet dogs and several rabbits. The childminder attends the local childminder support group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in clean, warm and welcoming premises. Children’s health is very well promoted and they enjoy excellent opportunities to engage in physical activities. For example,

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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 they have access to the garden, enjoy walks to local parks and on occasions visit the nearby leisure centre and swimming pool. Younger children have the chance to meet and socialise with their peers when the childminder takes them to the weekly childminder support group. In addition, the children walk to and from school daily and this helps them to understand that exercise is important for a healthy lifestyle. Children learn about good personal hygiene and follow the good example of the childminder. They independently take themselves to the toilet and remember to wash their hands. There are very good measures in place if children are ill and the childminder has a clear sickness policy which parents adhere to. Robust systems are in place to record accidents and to administer medication. The childminder has a good amount

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Helping children to be healthy

of information regarding the children’s health and dietary requirements. An effective support system established with another local childminder works well in practice and ensures that children receive appropriate care in the event of an emergency. Children bring with them their own food which is stored suitably until meal times. The childminder has a very good awareness of healthy eating and actively encourages parents to provide nutritious food. Children help themselves to regular drinks and help to get ready for lunch. They wash their hands, clear the table and hand round the plates before sitting down together to eat. This is a sociable occasion where children chat and discuss their day. They talk about the childminder’s dog and she reinforces that he is not allowed to come in during lunch time as this is not healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a safe, secure and comfortable home environment. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure children’s safety and is very clear about her responsibilities. She has a robust health and safety policy, checks all areas before use and has safety measures in place. Children enjoy contact with the childminder’s pets and know about the need to wash their hands after stroking and helping to feed the rabbits. The two dogs have their own part of the garden and this ensures the children’s safety. Procedures to promote children’s safety on outings are very good. The childminder plans trips and visits carefully and only takes children to suitable venues. She takes with her first aid supplies, written details of the children and is well organised before she sets off. Recently the childminder took a child on the bus. He excitedly tells about sitting upstairs at the front so he could drive. Parents give written permission for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outings and travel and the childminder is clear about informing them about where the children are going in advance. Children have access to a very good supply and range of play equipment. They learn to look after the toys and help to clear away and keep their environment safe. Children enjoy making choices for themselves and freely select toys and equipment from the boxes, shelves and cupboards around the play areas. The childminder cares for a range of ages but manages the routine effectively so that all children have access to suitable and stimulating activities. The childminder’s knowledge of child protection is very good. She demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities. Her written policy is well produced, clear, shared with parents and is in line the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. This ensures she safeguards and promotes children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder. They make positive and respectful relationships with their peers. This is actively encouraged by the childminder who ensures all children make decisions about their play and what they do. Children benefit from her conversation and interaction. Children use their imagination well and act out a play about 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 three little pigs. They discuss who will take each role and move about the living room doing the actions. When they get to the part where the wolf goes down the chimney they all join in shouting “ho ho ho, that’s the end of the big bad wolf!” The childminder plans a good mix of activities that are fun, interesting and appropriate for their age. These often follow a topic or theme. Recently children have visited a local farm where they enjoyed learning about the pigs and lambs. They also like going on nature walks where they take bread to feed the ducks and swans. The childminder has very good systems in place for sharing information about outdoor activities with the parents because she takes a lot of photographs. Older children often join in with activities after school. The childminder is accommodating and works around their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

For example, they partake in gym club, dancing classes and brownies. She introduces learning into activities by talking about number and counting. For example, when playing with the play dough children identify circles and squares, talk about what letter their name starts with and discuss colour. They have a conversation about birds which are red and discuss that a robin has a red breast. The childminder has a very good knowledge of child development and demonstrates an excellent commitment to putting the Birth to three matters framework into practice. Consequently this is beneficial to the younger children in her care and helps them to progress and develop. In addition, she uses a very informative system for recording their development. Each child has a folder in which is kept samples of work, observations and notes about all areas of development. These are shared on a regular basis with the parents to ensure they are fully

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

involved with their children’s care and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder treats children with equal concern and as individuals. She has a very good commitment to providing a fully integrated childminding service. Her previous experience of working with children with special needs and with behavioural problems ensures she is confident to care for children with a range of differing needs. She discusses progress and individual requirements with parents on a regular basis and this makes for good continuity of care. As a result children are settled and attached. They show kindness and respect to each other and older children often assist the younger ones during play. There are very good strategies in place to manage children’s behaviour. The childminder positively encourages good behaviour by talking to children at their own level, showing them respect and treating them fairly. Children understand the house rules and know the limits and consequently their behaviour is very good.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s access to play materials, which reflect diversity and positive images, is very good. There are a good range of dolls, puzzles, books and posters around the play area which are easily accessible. These along with celebrating a variety of festivals ensures children gain a very good understanding of the wider world. They recently celebrated Chinese New Year where they looked at photographs and images, made hats and sampled Chinese food. The childminder has excellent strategies for building effective relationships with parents. The very good two-way communication contributes significantly to the children’s wellbeing. Written policies and information about her service are of a very high standard. The use of contact books helps to monitor children’s development and along with the developmental records, gives parents a permanent record of achievements. Parents are very happy with the service and their positive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised environment. The childminder plans activities around the numbers and ages of the children attending and is ready when they arrive. She actively encourages children to decide about what they do and provides resources which are suitable and age appropriate. All mandatory records and documents are in place, maintained to a consistently high standard and are extremely well organised. Children’s individual records are confidential and shared appropriately with parents. The childminder has a professional approach to childminding. She has developed a very good network of support with other local childminders. Her commitment to her own personal development is very good. She keeps up to date with relevant information and issues through attending the childminder support group where talking to her colleagues enhances her knowledge. In addition, she is proactive in seeking

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Organisation

out courses and workshops on a variety of relevant subjects and is currently studying for a level three childcare qualification. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection in 2004, the childminder has followed previous recommendations and now records all visitors to her home when childminding is taking place. She has greatly increased her supply of resources that promote equal opportunities.

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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.

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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.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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

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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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