Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY316134 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2008 Inspection date Mandy Mooney Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and one-year-old daughter in Gravesend, Kent. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for no more than three children under eight years at any one time. There are currently two children on roll, both of whom are cared for on a part-time basis. There were no children present during the inspection. The childminder provides a drop off and collection for local schools and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion and observation of the premises, the childminder demonstrates that children's health is satisfactorily promoted. She provides an appropriately clean environment, with adequate clear space for children's play. She explains that she encourages the children to have suitable hygiene routines, such as regular hand washing. She practises appropriate nappy changing routines, which minimise the potential for cross-infection. Records show that there

p.2

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 are appropriate policies to support children's health, including procedures for dealing with accidents, administering medication and the exclusion of unwell or infectious children. However, existing injuries are not recorded and an incident where a child required hospital treatment has not been reported to Ofsted.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder demonstrates a sound awareness of how children are encouraged to have a healthy lifestyle. They have regular opportunities to take part in physical exercise, such as using the local park and attending various pre-school groups where they have the opportunity to play with other children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion and records, the childminder demonstrates how children are provided with a varied and nutritious diet based on the individual needs of the children and parental wishes. The childminder has sufficient information on the children's diets and meals and snacks are provided to reflect this. These include some cultural dishes, to offer the children different tastes and textures. Children have regular drinks of water or squash and this ensures they remain appropriately hydrated.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a suitably safe and secure environment. The main play area, which is the lounge, is bright and well lit. There is adequate play space and sufficient floor space to promote children's free movement. A good range of well maintained and age appropriate toys and resources are available for children to play with.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has taken appropriate action both in the home and whilst outdoors to ensure that risks to children have been minimised so that children can play safely. She implements some effective safety systems within the home which contribute to promoting children's safety. This includes making electrical sockets and wires inaccessible and ensuring the washing line is covered up when not in use. Effective fire safety measures, such as an accessible fire blanket, maintained smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector, mean that children are well protected should a fire occur. The childminder has devised a written fire evacuation procedure, which is displayed by the main front door and this has been practised with the children to ensure it is effective. She explains how she ensures adequate measures are in place to ensure children's safety whilst outdoors, such as ensuring young children are secure in the buggy and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

older children learn about crossing the road safely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children. She demonstrates an appropriate awareness of the possible signs and symptoms that can indicate abuse or neglect and has contact numbers for relevant agencies to get advice or guidance. The childminder has not got a copy of the current safeguarding procedures, which could lead to delay in making a referral. Furthermore, she does not record existing injuries, which means a safeguarding issue could be missed.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Through discussion, the childminder explains how children take part in a suitable variety of activities and opportunities to stimulate them. Activities are based on the needs of the children attending, for example, younger children enjoy reading books, music and movement and cooking. Regular trips to local drop-in groups mean that children have the opportunity to use a wider

p.3

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 range of toys and to socialise with their peers, which contributes to their developing social skills. Children also enjoy going out locally to places of interest, including Shorne Country Park, the local park and Promenade, where they get to experience several different learning environments.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. From discussion and children's records, the childminder demonstrates how the children's individual needs are adequately met because she works with the parents and gets information on each child which helps her get to know the children. She explains that she encourages the children to develop to their full potential and supports this by providing sufficient opportunities to offer challenge and stimulation. Children have the opportunity to go out in the local community, where they mix with a variety of children and get to know the local area. Although the childminder has not had any experience of caring for a child with a disability and/or learning difficulty, she demonstrates a realistic attitude to working with parents to meet the needs of all children in her care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a sound knowledge of behaviour management, giving examples of how she would deal with different situations. When dealing with unwanted behaviour, the childminder considers the children's age and understanding to ensure the strategies are appropriate. These are discussed and agreed with parents to ensure consistency. Strategies such as removing the child from the situation and using distraction are effective in minimising unwanted behaviour. Good behaviour is acknowledged and encouraged with praise.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder explains how she continues to develop appropriate working relationships with parents. Records show that appropriate written information is obtained about children before they are left in her care and the children's needs are fully discussed to ensure consistency. All required consents and a written agreement on the care provided is in place and this ensures both the childminder and parents are aware of their responsibilities with regard to the care being provided. Her childminder portfolio provides some written information for parents. Although the required records are in place, the childminder's knowledge of her responsibility with regard to investigating complaints is not completely clear and this means there could be a delay in investigating or reporting a concern relating to the National Standards. Furthermore, the childminder does not routinely inform parents of her responsibility to safeguard children

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

or her responsibility to investigate complaints which means the sharing of all information relating to the service is not fully effective.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Through discussion and records, the childminder demonstrates a commitment to keeping herself up-to-date with changes and advancements in early years through membership of the National Childminding Association, reading relevant publications and attending training, such as the initial childminding training, first aid and the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder explains she would like to attend further training as she realises the benefit to children, however, she has not achieved this due to her family circumstances.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder understands the need for children to move around freely, make choices and decisions about their play, and organises space accordingly. The childminder displays her

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 certificate of registration and maintains a record of attendance and this means she is complying with her conditions of registration.

p.4

Organisation

Records show that all required documents are in place and are readily available. These are sufficiently maintained and stored in a confidential way. However, entries in the record of attendance do not include surnames and this could lead to confusion if referred to in the future. Furthermore, the childminder acknowledges a weakness in the recording of existing injuries and realises the potential impact on children's welfare.

p.5

Organisation

The childminder is aware that Ofsted must be informed of significant changes and events that could impact on her registration. However, she failed to inform Ofsted that a child received hospital treatment whilst in her care. This means she has not fulfilled her responsibility in this area.

p.5

Organisation

Overall, the evidence suggests that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: this is the first inspection since registration.

p.5

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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • obtain a copy of the current safeguarding procedures and further develop knowledge and understanding of these • ensure existing injuries are recorded • further develop knowledge and understanding of responsibility in regards to investigating complaints relating to the National Standards and ensure parents are aware of the childminder's responsibility to investigate complaints and for safeguarding children

p.5

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 • ensure Ofsted are informed of any significant events or changes

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6