Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246325 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2008 Inspection date Virginia Cooper 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. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. At the time of the inspection she is not caring for any children under the age of eight. No children were present. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Northfleet, Dartford. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and one bedroom may be used to sleep children. 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 caring for 12 children over eight years old before and after school each day, all on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to support children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities. She 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 satisfactory. The childminder explains how she provides consistent care for children who are over eight years old. She has looked after these children for several years and they are treated like an extension of her own family.

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Helping children to be healthy

She says that children are taught good hand washing procedures through the daily routine. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the lavatory, before eating and after petting the dog. She generally cares for children over eight years old before and after school. She changes the hand towel in the bathroom each morning and afternoon, however, children may still share a towel which is a source of cross contamination. She occasionally cares for children if they are a little under the weather, for instance, with a minor cold, if no other children are attending. She does not care for them if they are contagious or likely to infect others. This promotes the good health of children and prevents the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder only provides snacks for the children; usually yoghurts or fresh fruit when they come in from school. Children are provided with regular drinks to ensure they do not become dehydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has taken action to ensure that risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. She has safety equipment in place to prevent accidents, for example, a fireguard, socket covers, stair gates, child locks on cupboards and the pond is covered in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She explains how she selects toys and resources that are suitable for the age of the children attending. They are checked regularly to ensure there are no broken parts that can harm a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children from harm. She has documentation that details the steps to take if she is ever worried a child is being abused and keeps all the relevant phone numbers to hand.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children attending who are over eight years old know the childminder very well and are used to the choices of activities she provides. There is a play room with a wide choice of resources for all age groups. Children are able to be creative; the childminder provides materials for art and craft activities and role play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder explains how she likes to bake with children because they enjoy making cakes for their parents. They regularly play outside in the fresh air providing them with plenty of opportunities for physical exercise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is aware of all the local parent and toddler groups and says she would attend these if she cares for younger children in the future to help their social skills.

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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 satisfactory. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with particular needs. She is happy to accept a child with learning difficulties, disabilities or health difficulties after satisfying herself that she can provide them with an appropriate service.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder showed a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving good examples of how she would approach a variety of situations for children of different ages. She thinks it very important to give clear explanations and be a good role model.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding about the importance of working in partnership with parents. She offers a flexible service and says she will always try to be accommodating. She said that she exchanges most information verbally and makes sure parents know that they can always talk with her about their child's progress. She discusses with them how to make a complaint but does not have a written procedure. She has a log that records she has not received any complaints. She has not obtained written parental permission in the past for issues such as transporting children in a car and accessing medical treatment and advice in an emergency.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder mostly cares for children before and after school. She is not currently caring for any children under the age of eight although she has recently.

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Organisation

The childminder says that the registration certificate will be displayed during childminding hours ensuring parents are clear about the conditions of registration. The childminder is well organised and keeps all the documentation that relates to her childminding business together and confidentially. She is able to show how she has kept all the required records when she was caring for children under eight years old; she also keeps records for all children attending who are over eight years old. Written permission to administer medication is obtained and accidents are recorded. Consequently, parents are kept well informed whilst their child attends.

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Organisation

There is a routine to the day that the children are familiar with that will help them feel secure. They have opportunities to play with adult support and to play independently. Overall, evidence suggests that the provision would meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection four recommendations were made. The childminder was asked to ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; ensure rooms are aired to reduce the strong smell of dog; make available to parents, a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint, and review individual details to include adults identified to collect children in an emergency and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder bathes the dog regularly to keep him clean and she opens all the windows as often as possible unless it is very cold outside. She has purchased some books and puzzles that reflect diversity positively. This improves the range of resources available to children. She has

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Improvements 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 recorded in a log that no complaints have been received and verbally informs parents about making a complaint. Parents did not think it necessary for them to give written permission to access emergency medical treatment and advice, and the childminder has not, therefore, pursued this. We discussed the wisdom of obtaining written permission from parents as evidence that it has been discussed. The childminder understands why this might be important, therefore some similar recommendations remain after this inspection.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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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 children do not share towels and flannels to prevent cross infection • obtain written parental permission for accessing emergency medical treatment or advice and to transport children in a vehicle • make available to parents, a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint

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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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