Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY286025 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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 two children under eight years in Greenhithe, Stone, Dartford, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and 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 two children at any one time and is currently minding one. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a tortoise.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder helps children to be independent with routine self help skills, such as washing their hands. Children understand why they must wash their hands after using the toilet or playing in the garden. However, there is a risk of cross infection as the children all share the same towel. Children enjoy choosing their tea from the healthy suggestions offered by the childminder. They understand the benefits of a healthy diet as they know the limits on less

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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 healthy snack options. Children enjoy an adequate range of activities which contribute to their good health. They are aware of the way activity affects their bodies and can ask for a drink, which is readily available. There is a system to maintain records on accidents, medication and existing injuries. First aid equipment is easily accessible, but no basic supplies are taken on outings or when taking and collecting children from school. Children’s physical development is encouraged as they mainly play outdoors in fine weather promoting a sense of wellbeing. They are confident and set their own limits within safe boundaries and know when to ask for help. This is underpinned by the childminder’s understanding about appropriate types of activities and the level of support. The childminder has written permission from parents to seek

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Helping children to be healthy

emergency treatment and advice on behalf of the child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Smoke alarms are fitted on every level. However, the emergency evacuation procedure has not been recently discussed or practised with the children. The childminder has carried out risk assessments and the internal glass now meets safety standards. However, these risk assessments do not cover all the safety aspects or resources used by the children. For example, the trampoline in the garden or where the keys to the front door are kept once this is locked. There is written permission for children to be transported in a vehicle. Children are confident in the childminder's home. They play freely, independently and are offered choices in adult led activities. Toys are readily accessible enabling children to freely choose from the varied selection. The childminder gives consideration to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, children clearly explain the procedures for crossing roads safely. Most procedures and documents are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. There is a child protection policy, which is discussed with parents, so they are aware of the childminders responsibility to protect the welfare of the child. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. However, this procedure does not mention all the relevant agencies involved. The childminder has a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are enthusiastic in their play and can freely choose from a range of stimulating activities and experiences. These include books, games and puzzles. They have some opportunities to play with basic resources to promote equality of opportunity. However, some toys stored in boxes are not labelled with words and pictures to aid the children’s independent choice. Children of all ages enjoy their time together. House rules are discussed and a reward chart is used to promote positive behaviour. Children enjoy time at the end of the school day when they can be active or relax in accordance with their interests and needs. They benefit from lots of close contact with the childminder and each other. For example, as they excitedly play the ‘shopping game’ or 'I spy' with colours. Children show great pride in their achievements, such as creating a picture with stencils and stamps. The childminder encourages them to develop these pictures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

by using different colours in their drawings. She encourages them to care for the resources on offer and to help tidy them away, such as putting the lids back on the stamp pads so they do not dry out.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good knowledge and awareness of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. Children are acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder. They initiate communication and offer their own ideas. However, there is no record of their appropriate care needs, such as language spoken and their religion, although this is discussed with parents. The childminder has a good understanding of her complaints policy and there is a written procedure for parents. She has a system in place to log concerns or complaints. There is now a system in place to maintain a summary for parents. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do or being offered challenges. They are only released into the care of authorised adults. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Children are well behaved and understand the behavioural boundaries

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable, settled and make themselves at home within a well organised environment. They are at ease with the childminder and feel secure in their surroundings. As a result, lead in their play and are not afraid to ask for what they need. A range of up to date written information is available to ensure parents are informed about the provision. Children's welfare and care are competently promoted, due to the childminder providing a effective range of policies and procedures. Records are easily accessible and ready for the inspection. However, the childminder is unaware of how long some of these records must be retained. The registration certificate is displayed during the hours of operation. The register contains details of the hours of attendance. There is no system to record regular visitors. The childminder has all the relevant checks. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted four recommendations to; ensure that the glass in the internal doors meets safety regulations and provide smoke alarms on every level of the house. In addition, write a complaints procedure and obtain written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has changed the internal glass doors and erected smoke alarms on every level. She has a written complaints procedure and obtained written permission from parents to transport children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result, children are protected as internal doors meet safety standards and the smoke alarms provide an early warning system to evacuate the premises. Parents have a clearer understanding of the complaints procedure and give permission for their children to be transported.

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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): • ensure good hygiene practices are in place in order to prevent the risk of cross infection. • ensure children understand the fire safety precautions.

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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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