Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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156723 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2008 Inspection date Susan Jennifer Scott 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 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 has been registered since 2001. She lives in a semi-detached house in a quiet residential area in Swanley. She offers the use of her lounge, hallway, play area, kitchen and downstairs toilet. Children can access bedrooms for sleeping and the secure rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her partner and three children. The family have three cats, a rabbit and a guinea pig. The childminder is registered to care for no more than three children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. No overnight care is offered. She currently cares for six children on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to schools and nurseries nearby and on outings within the local community.

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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. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is therefore able to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident and ensures she has first aid supplies available at all times. She is prepared to seek emergency treatment if needed, using written consent which parents have provided. This ensures appropriate treatment if children need it in an emergency. The childminder promotes the health of children successfully through good hygiene practices. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines such as washing their hands and brushing their teeth after eating food. They have access to wipes and individual flannels but share the use of a towel which is clean each day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good balance of energetic activity with times for quiet play and rest in a safe environment. They experience regular physical exercise and fresh air when they play in the garden, in local parks, or visit local amenities. This helps them understand the need for a healthy lifestyle. The children receive regular food and drinks which parents can supply if they wish. The childminder is happy to supply freshly prepared foods which comply with their dietary and religious needs. Children are therefore well nourished and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to feel very settled and secure through the good organisation and use of resources. This results in children who feel relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. They benefit from being able to move around safely and independently. They are able to independently access an interesting range of age appropriate toys which are varied to ensure their interest is stimulated. Children benefit from a safe, attractive range of toys, resources and equipment, suited to their age and stage of development, though the amount of these limits the space available for play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy their play in a safe environment; they are kept safe in the home although there is no fixed smoke alarm downstairs to provide early warning of an emergency. The childminder has clear procedures for emergency evacuation and the plan is practised and shared with older children and parents, promoting children's understanding for fire safety. Children cannot access items that could be dangerous as there are good safety measures in place such as electrical socket covers. They are encouraged to learn about road safety when on outings or walking home from school, to develop a sense of their own safety as well as the safety of others.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm as the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and good information is shared with parents through the policy. This safeguards children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive happy and eager to participate. This is because the childminder is sensitive towards their individual needs. They make good progress because the childminder develops close and caring relationships which enables children to feel secure and develop a sense of trust. The childminder helps them become involved in play by proving good opportunities for

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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 them to enjoy, such as imaginative and educational activities. Children therefore make good progress learning to recognise words, numbers and rhymes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy being read stories and playing with the varied toys and resources. The childminder plays to children and encourages them to develop their skills. For example, she encourages the baby to build a tower of bricks, counting these and then laughing when he knocks them down. Children enjoy their play and learning owing to the good support and positive encouragement of the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from playing in the outside environment on a regular basis. They develop their physical skills by walking to the local school and playing in local parks. They can extend their social skills by visiting local play areas and other facilities such as the local toddler groups, where they play with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and background are positively valued and respected by the childminder who uses her knowledge of individuals to guide her care. Children are encouraged to understand and respect differences through the use of discussion and resources that reflect positive images so they develop a balanced view of society. All children are supported and the childminder ensures any children with learning difficulties or disabilities are given the right care to meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well, they begin to understand right and wrong through reminders and explanations used by the childminder. For example, the children are reminded not to stand on toys in case they hurt themselves. Children know how to behave appropriately and they respond co-operatively to positive strategies employed by the childminder to manage their behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. There are effective systems in place for the childminder and parents to share information about children’s individual progress and development. This includes daily chats or a written contact book if the parents would like this. Parents can contribute to children’s learning and care through using the contact book and they are welcome to discuss children when they collect them. Parents access helpful and thorough information about the service, including clear written policies and procedures which inform them of the childcare practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder remains suitably qualified to work with young children. Children benefit from using organised space, and resources and they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. However, the space is limited by the large amount of toys and resources which children can freely access. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps good records, policies and procedures for the efficient and safe management of the provision up to date, and shares information about children with their parents. For example, she has written consent to obtain emergency treatment or advice if needed. All mandatory documentation is in place and well maintained. Parents have access to

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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 a thorough service statement and certificates such as the registration and insurance certificates. Records are kept confidentially maintaining the child’s privacy.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved the documentation available through expanding the behaviour management policy and procedures, producing an evacuation procedure and an illness policy. Children also benefit from a record of existing injuries when collecting children from school and an updated first aid certificate.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the childminder or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which can be seen 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 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): • fix the smoke alarm on the ground floor • review the use of space and the system for accessing toys and resources

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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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