Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270681 Unique Reference Number 26 February 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 outstanding. 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 two young children in Tonbridge. All areas of the premises are used for childminding except for the main bedroom. 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 four children aged between one and six years on a part-time basis. Schools, pre-schools, toddler groups, shops and parks are nearby. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children who speak English as an addition language. She holds the BTEC National Diploma qualification in childcare, attends the local childminder support group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy through the very positive steps taken by the childminder and her good attention to hygiene. For example, children learn about the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet and understand about washing the germs away. This gives them valuable knowledge to develop self-care skills. The childminder works closely with parents and maintains thorough records and this ensures she has enough information to meet individual children’s health and medical needs. Children do not attend if they are ill, first aid resources are ready to hand, and she holds a current first aid certificate. An emergency plan with another childminder means that she acts in the best interests of the children if there is an accident and ensures their well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a good choice of meals and snacks, cooked by the childminder using fresh ingredients. She consults with parents regarding dietary requirements and takes into account their wishes. Children enjoy snack times and are learning about healthy eating. They choose fruit from the bowl and sit at the table together to eat. Before eating, they identify their name label and put it on the wall chart. With the childminder, they discuss that apples grow on trees and that they are crunchy and juicy. They also discuss the weather today and look outside to check before deciding they can change the weather chart, as the sun is now shining. Drinks are readily accessible and children help themselves to their individual drink containers. Children rest and sleep according to their individual needs and routines. They have their own cot and bedding and bring with them comforters and favourite toys. This ensures consistency of care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to engage in physical play activities. In good weather, they enjoy playing in the garden. Outings to local parks and toddler groups encourage children to have a positive attitude to exercise and learn about keeping healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in a spacious, warm, and welcoming home environment. They move about freely and safely because the childminder has a high regard to maintaining children’s safety and to minimising risk both indoors and in the garden. She also has excellent procedures in place to promote children’s safety on outings. Very good organisation ensures children visit venues which are suitable and safe. She shares vehicle information with parents and they give written consent for their children to travel in her vehicle. The childminder carries with her very good information about the children in her care, a small first aid kit, and spare resources. This means she is well prepared for any eventuality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A very good range of toys and equipment is available for children’s play. These are of high quality and maintained in good condition. The childminder provides an accessible and stimulating environment by ensuring the resources are set out well and effectively organised. As a result, children move about choosing for themselves what they play with, and develop their independence. The childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of her role regarding child protection and is fully aware of the procedures to follow should a concern arise. Her clear written policy is in line the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, and this and other useful information shared with parents keeps them informed of her responsibilities.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy and are at ease in the childminder’s home. This is because the childminder puts a great deal of time and thought into planning a wide range of activities, which are appropriate for each child and their level of understanding. As a result, children are interested and partake enthusiastically. They play happily, move about freely, and enjoy the role-play resources. Younger children have fun pushing the dolls' prams and buggies around and learn to share and negotiate during play. They later pretend to make cups of tea for the dolls and respond well when the childminder joins in play. Older children enjoy using their imagination when they make offices and shops using the many props. Children benefit from the childminder’s enthusiasm and very good understanding of child development. She is implementing the Birth to three matters well and using the framework to plan activities, which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are both fun and educational. The childminder extends children’s learning skilfully. For example, during snack children discuss colours when choosing plates and count the pieces of apple. Children’s communication skills are developing well because the childminder listens to and values what children have to say. Children benefit from the very good range of books and enjoy an interactive story about animals. They help to open the pages and look behind the flaps to find each animal. One child identifies a giraffe and then goes to the box to find the small toy giraffe. They continue enthusiastically, making animal sounds when they find the lion, panda, and frogs. The childminder’s excellent rapport with the children ensures they develop confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder actively promotes equality and anti-discriminatory practice through a variety of topics and celebrations. This encourages children to understand about the wider world. Children have access to a very good range of books, artefacts and play materials, which reflect diversity and positive images. The childminder treats and respects children as individuals with their own particular requirements. Their needs are thoroughly met due to the excellent care and attention they receive from the childminder. She has a very good awareness of issues and is committed to her policy of inclusion. Children benefit from consistent routines and this contributes to their well-being. She has established very good strategies for working together with parents and all arrangements for care are discussed before children are cared for. This, along with a good settling-in period, ensures good continuity of care. Parents are extremely

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Helping children make a positive contribution

happy with the service provided and their very positive verbal and written feedback confirms this. The childminder is confident about approaching parents to discuss any issues both positive and negative. She has effective strategies in place to manage any unwanted behaviour and works with parents to deal with incidents. However, children are well behaved due mainly to the positive approach taken by the childminder and the fact that children are very well occupied. The childminder maintains written policies and a portfolio to keep parents informed of the service that she provides. These are clear and of a very high standard. Very good two-way communication both verbal and written ensures parents are fully involved in their children’s care and development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the care of a well-organised childminder who has a high regard to their well-being. She is ready for children before they arrive and she plans a very good mix of activities, which meet their individual needs. Resources are readily accessible and this encourages choice and self-selection. As a result, children arrive happily and settle quickly. Flexible routines and effective planning of activities ensure children receive appropriate care suitable for their level of understanding. The childminder takes a professional approach to the running of her childminding business. She has all mandatory records and documents in place and very well organised. Children’s individual records are secure, shared with parents and are confidential. Records and written information about development help to promote children’s welfare. The childminder has established a very good network of support with her colleagues. She has a

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Organisation

backup childminder for support and cover in an emergency. This ensures a professional service for children and their parents. She has a very good commitment to her training and development and is proactive in accessing courses and information to expand her knowledge of childcare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has followed the previous recommendation. She keeps the front door secure during childminding and this ensures children’s safety at all times.

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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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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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