Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY260889 Unique Reference Number 07 April 2008 Inspection date Freeda Wildon 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged in Birchington, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and a bedroom are used for childminding. 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding four children under eight on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler group. The family has a dog and a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is studying for a degree in Early Years.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home. Effective hygiene and personal care procedures are in place to reduce cross infection and children learn about good hygiene practice through the

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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 daily routine. They wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before meals. There is liquid soap and paper towels to help prevent the spread of infection. In addition, children who are ill and infectious do not attend.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating because the childminder offers fresh fruit and vegetables for snack time. She provides varied and nutritious meals for the children. The childminder grows fruit and vegetables in the garden and introduces home grown foods to the children. Children walk daily to and from school. The childminder organises outings to the park and to toddler groups, where there is large play equipment. The garden is used regularly. As a result, children gain a healthy attitude towards exercise and get plenty of fresh air.

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Helping children to be healthy

Current first aid training, accident and medicine records are all in place to help the childminder act in the best interest of children if they have an accident or become ill.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder undertakes informal risk assessments of her home. As a result, the premises are safe and secure for children. They are able to move freely between the main areas exploring the world around them. The entrance is secure so children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. The childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of child protection contributes to safeguarding children's welfare. An informal evacuation plan is in place and fire detection equipment is accessible to promote fire safety. Older children practise fire drills and are taught about emergency procedures, for example, how to get help in an emergency. However, as yet young children do not practise drills to support their understanding of what to do if they need to evacuate the building.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning about road safety and about boundaries when they are away from the setting. The childminder takes parents' details out in her mobile telephone so she can contact them in an emergency. However, she does not carry written details should the mobile telephone fail to function. Effective procedures for collection of children ensure children are protected from unauthorised adults. For example, a password system is implemented if a parent is not able to collect. This safeguards children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled because they are cared for in an environment that allows them to experience a wide selection of activities. The childminder provides a range of activities she knows children enjoy. They particularly enjoy using their imagination creating their own plays and performing for each other. Most of the toys are stored upstairs in a bedroom and older children are able go upstairs to self-select from the full range. Younger children are provided with a selection in the lounge because of the lack of space. As a result, younger children have less of a choice. Books are stored on a book shelf and children access these easily. They enjoy sharing books; they negotiate with each other deciding which pages each child reads. This encourages their love of books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for out of school and they enjoy many outings during the holidays, such as, visits to the beach and museums. After school children are able to relax by watching television, join in the activities or use the computer. The childminder helps older children with their school projects. Children's mathematical thinking is fostered; for example, the childminder counts with

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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 as they climb the stairs to visit the toilet and at snack times as they share snacks. Children are developing well in their confidence and self-esteem because the childminder praise and encourages them. She helps them acquire new skills and knowledge by showing them what to do and valuing their achievements. The children play well together and have formed many positive relationships with one and another.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Children are developing good relationships with one another. They learn to share and take turns to promote positive attitudes amongst themselves. They help each other, for example, an older child helps a younger child with reading. Positive strategies are in place to manage children's behaviour which take children's ages and stages of development into consideration. Children are stimulated and, as a result, they are very well behaved. The childminder values and respects the children and in turn they are respectful and polite. Children are developing good relationships with one another in the childminder's home and at social groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Resources are available to support children's learning of diversity, for example, the childminder provides books, dolls, world maps and visits within the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Every day the parents and the childminder chat about their child to ensure that they are aware of their child's care. Contracts detail business arrangements between the childminder and parents and appropriate permissions are in place; for example, to transport children in a vehicle and for emergency medical treatment. There is a range of policies available for parents which includes the complaints procedure. The childminder has the Addendum to the change in regulations regarding complaints. However, she has not yet updated the complaints procedure or log.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home so that it is safe for children to play. Children are happy and settled because the childminder organises the routine to provide time to play, rest, meal times and school runs. In the holidays children enjoy going on outings. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. She has current first aid training and is keen to develop her knowledge in childcare; she is currently doing a degree in Early Years provision.

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Organisation

The registration certificate is displayed for parents. The required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is well maintained.. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three recommendations were made. They were to develop clear routines for emergency procedures; develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection at all times. The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendations resulting in good outcomes for children.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • ensure that all children have the opportunity to practise fire drills • ensure that all children have easy access to the toys and equipment • ensure that the complaints procedure reflects current regulation.

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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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