Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY268547 Unique Reference Number 06 March 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 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three school age children in the Kennington area of Ashford. The ground floor and one upstairs bedroom of the premises 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children aged between six months and eleven years on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Schools, pre-school, toddler group, shops and parks are nearby. The family has a pet dog and hamsters. 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 good. Children are cared for in comfortable and welcoming premises. The childminder promotes the health of the children by maintaining good standards of hygiene. For example, there is easy

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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 access to the bathroom and the hand washing facilities are good. They use disposable towels and liquid soap to reduce the spread of infection. Children do not attend if they are ill; the childminder maintains accident and medication records, has first aid resources ready to hand, and holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. In addition, she has a back-up system in place with other local childminders to cover in case of sickness or emergency. Parents provide children’s food, either a packed lunch or food to reheat, which is stored suitably until meal times. The childminder discusses arrangements and respects parent’s wishes regarding dietary needs. Older children eat meals at the table, sometimes help with preparations, and can help themselves to their individual drink bottles. When feeding babies, she has good eye contact, which helps them

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Helping children to be healthy

feel secure. Younger children sleep and rest as they need to and the childminder discusses routines with parents. There are good opportunities for physical activity on a regular basis. Children enjoy trips to the local parks and often walk to and from school, which helps them understand about exercise and staying healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a spacious and secure environment. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure children’s safety by checking all areas before children arrive. She has safety devices in place and the family dog remains separate from the children during childminding. She has a good understanding of her responsibilities to keep children safe. Children learn about their own safety by practicing the fire escape drill. They have access to the garden, which they use in good weather, and there is a good supply of equipment for outdoor play. There are good procedures in place for outings and this helps to make trips to parks and play centres fun. The childminder carries with her first aid supplies and information about the children in her care. This along with reinforcing road safety rules, ensures children’s safety and well-being. The childminder shares vehicle information with parents, is clear about where she takes the children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and has written permissions for children to travel in her mini-bus. Children have a good selection of toys and equipment with which to play. Resources arranged in boxes and cupboards encourage choice and self-selection. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and her policy refers to recent changes in legislation. By sharing this with parents, they have a good understanding of her role and responsibilities. This ensures the childminder safeguards all children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of play activities, which support their development. The childminder is caring mainly for school age children and actively encourages decision-making. For example, when they arrive back from school, children have a drink, do their homework, and then freely choose where they play. Children enjoy role-play and imaginary games, often dressing up or making camps under the dining table. A popular activity is art and craft where they design and make items. Recently, they made gifts and cards for Mother’s day. Children learn about taking turns and working to rules when they play with the many board games. They enjoy playing outside in the garden and take part in gardening activities, such as growing sunflowers. The childminder, where possible, accommodates participation in after school activities and clubs. Her good knowledge of child development and the introduction of the Birth to three matters

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

framework into her service is beneficial to the younger children in her care. They develop close relationships with the childminder who is aware of individual needs. Babies bring some of their own toys and this helps them to feel settled. A good selection of soft toys are available, which

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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 provide a stimulating play environment. Babies respond well to games with toys, which light up and make musical noises and this encourages their sensory development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children as individuals and works with parents to ensure consistent routines. She has a good understanding of inclusion and strives to provide a service, which is open to all families. Although not currently caring for children with a learning difficulty or disability, she has previous experience and is confident in her ability to care for children with a range of needs. Children have equal access to the toys and play materials but those that reflect diversity and positive images are limited. Children celebrate familiar festivals such as Christmas and Easter, making cards and presents for their parents. However, they do not often discuss the wider world or celebrate festivals from other cultures. Appropriate strategies are in place to manage children’s unwanted behaviour. The childminder helps children understand what is right and wrong through clear house rules and discussion. For example, explaining that

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Helping children make a positive contribution

discriminatory remarks are hurtful and unacceptable. Children benefit from the effective working relationships, which have developed between their parents and the childminder. Regular discussions ensure they deal with any issues promptly. The childminder maintains written policies and information to keep parents informed about her service. Parents are very happy with the care provided and their positive feedback reflects their satisfaction.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time effectively and plans her routine depending on the ages of children attending each day. She tries where possible to offer a flexible service for parents and accommodates their requests. She encourages children to make choices about what they do and where they play. This ensures they enjoy their play and time spent in her care. All mandatory records and documents are in place, kept confidentially and securely. The childminder maintains children’s individual records and shares them appropriately with parents. This promotes the welfare and care of all children. She has established a good network of support with other local childminders and joining with others at the group meetings and discussing issues helps her practice. Her commitment to her development is positive and she keeps her knowledge up-to-date by attending regular training. This good practice ensures that the childminder meets

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Organisation

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 2005, the childminder has followed the two previous recommendations. She ensures that the record of attendance is accurate and that written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment is in line with current guidance. This ensures children’s safety.

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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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Complaints 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 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): • develop resources and activities to extend children’s knowledge of diversity and other cultures.

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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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