Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY352757 Unique Reference Number 11 October 2007 Inspection date Melissa Turner 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 satisfactory. 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 2007. She lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The whole of the childminder’s house is registered for use for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has five cats.

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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 two children aged four and eight years old. She drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing a sound awareness of keeping themselves healthy. They wash their hands when coming in from school and after using the toilet. Individual hand towels and antibacterial soap are used. These aspects help avoid the spread of infection.

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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 Children are provided with healthy food and snacks, such as sandwiches and fruit. Cooked meals can be provided if parents request. Children remain hydrated because their drinks are set out so they can help themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in regular physical activity; they enjoy outdoor play in better weather and indoor activities such as using the dance mat. They also benefit from trips to activity centres. These aspects help promote positive enjoyment of physical activity.

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Helping children to be healthy

All required medical and health documentation is in place and the childminder has a valid first aid certificate. These aspects ensure she is suitably equipped to deal with emergencies, accidents or illnesses.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe home environment. The childminder promotes and maintains safety with children appropriately. For example, she encourages children not to put toys in their mouth. Safety is well maintained around the home and equipment such as socket covers, safety film on glass and smoke alarms are appropriately sited. This helps to keep children safe whilst in her care. Children have access to a suitable range of age appropriate toys; these are regularly rotated to provide them with variety. The childminder has suitable systems in place for ensuring children's safety when on outings and when playing in the garden. The childminder has an awareness of child protection issues which helps her to safeguard children in her care; however this knowledge could be further developed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy in the childminder's care and relate to her well, showing they are confident and settled. The childminder provides a suitable range of age appropriate activities and toys for the children; a further range is available and rotated regularly to provide variety. Children appreciate support from the childminder when exploring toys such as the jigsaw puzzles and the train set. They appear engaged and happy in their activities. The childminder adopts a kind and caring approach, supporting children but also encouraging their independence when they wish to explore a new game or toys unaided. The childminder helps children and gives explanations as they play. The childminder offers a variety of outings and activities including trips to the Hop Farm, local walks, meeting with other childminder's and trips to the park. As a result children are able to enjoy and achieve in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated and cared for well as individuals. Their needs are met and this helps them feel settled and well supported. They have access to a suitable range of resources; however, only a limited selection reflects the differences in society which means children are unable to fully learn about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are encouraged to behave well; they are offered praise and encouragement and rewarded with stickers for particular achievements. Good manners are encouraged. As a result, children are beginning to learn about good behaviour, and this helps contribute to building their self-esteem and confidence.

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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 There are appropriate methods used to work with parents. They are offered daily verbal feedback. This helps ensure children's needs can be met and parents are able to receive information about their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder works from an organised home, which meets children's needs appropriately. She has a mostly clear and detailed set of documentation in place, which includes a range of policies and procedures and other relevant documentation. She has not attended any courses since she first registered. However, she hopes to do so in the future. Most required documentation, including a first aid certificate and introduction to childminding practice is in place; however, written permission for transporting children in the car is not. The childminder maintains an organised approach to her minding. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Concerns were raised in August 2007 about security of premises, supervision of children and safety when transporting children. These related to National Standard 6: Safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A visit to the childminder took place to investigate whether she was meeting the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

As a result of the visit, five actions were raised in relation to National Standard 6: Safety, National Standard 7: Health and National Standard 14: Partnership with parents and carers.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder wrote to Ofsted outlining the action she had taken to address these actions.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted were satisfied from this information that the National Standards were being met and that the childminder remains qualified for registration.

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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 satisfactory. 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):

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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 • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues • continue to develop the range of toys and resources to promote diversity and disability • ensure permission to transport children in the car is in place

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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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