Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY317182 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2008 Inspection date Mary Van De Peer 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 2006. She lives with her family in Rochester, Kent. Most areas of the house are used for minding children 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two children. The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. The family has a pet cat. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder also receives support from the Local Authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning when they need to wash their hands, for example, before eating and after using the toilet. Appropriate procedures are also in place if anyone is unwell, this means children have good protection from common infectious illnesses. The children have access to the garden

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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 area as well as trips to local parks. They get plenty of fresh air. There is a range of activities and equipment for children to play with, both indoors and outside. This means that children's physical development is being adequately promoted. The children are encouraged to eat healthily. They are able to choose from different fruits whenever they want a snack. There is no pre-planned menu but meals are varied and healthy, such as pasta and vegetables. Drinks are provided regularly to ensure children are not thirsty. They are beginning to learn to recognise the changes in their body, for example when they get tired, children are able to sleep or rest when they need to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has completed a visual risk assessment on her home, to ensure it is a safe environment for children to play in. There are locks on cupboards with potentially dangerous substances, for example, medications, cleansers, socket covers fitted and safety gates where needed. Children's stage of development and level of understanding is also taken into account when deciding if any additional safety measures are required. Older children are able to choose toys and resources from storage upstairs. Activities for very young children are made available downstairs. Although the childminder has a written emergency evacuation procedure, this has not yet been practised with the children. Public liability and business use vehicle insurance is in place, further protecting the children. The childminder has a clear written child protection policy, including relevant telephone numbers, which is shared with parents. The children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has devised a flexible routine for the children, this fits in with school and meal times. Children enjoy playing with a variety of games and activities, ranging from reading books together to using games consoles together. Creative play materials are also available, encouraging children to use their imagination and develop their physical skills. Children's listening skills are developing appropriately and they join in with the story telling when the childminder reads to them. Children are able to play board games together, teaching them how to take turns and share. They also enjoy helping the childminder with the washing up, using jugs and cups for pouring and measuring.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures she obtains the relevant and required information from parents, which helps her provide quality care for all the children. There are several toys and resources reflecting different cultures, meaning children learn about other people's lives. The childminder has experience of caring for children with additional needs. She is happy to be involved fully in their care and provides support for the children and their families. The childminder has discussed behaviour management with parents, and this is supported by a written policy. Parents also receive good information about the childminder's service. There is a good selection of written policies and procedures, available for parents to refer to. Feedback on children's progress and development is very often given verbally. However, there is a contact book available for use if parents wish it. A contract with parents and signed consent forms for various situations, such

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Helping children make a positive contribution

as outings and photographs are in place. A complaints procedure helps ensure parents are kept

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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 informed about any concerns the childminder has received. The children receive continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of her role and responsibilities. Her Ofsted certificate is displayed for parents and visitors. All persons living in the household have been vetted. However, there is no visitor's record kept. The childminder has been attended several child care training days or workshops, including Safeguarding Children and First Aid. All the required paperwork and record keeping is in place. The childminder has obtained the relevant car and public liability insurance. She pays appropriate attention to confidentiality. This helps ensure the continued well-being of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as this is the first inspection since registration.

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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. 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): • consider practising the emergency evacuation procedure with all the children • consider keeping a record of visitors when minding children.

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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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