Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY317797 Unique Reference Number 11 August 2008 Inspection date Janette Mary White 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 husband and two adult children in Rochester, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate in order to ensure she administers appropriate first aid care to the children. There is a system to maintain records on accidents, medication and existing injuries. First aid equipment is easily accessible and also taken on outings. In addition, in the event of an emergency, the childminder makes sure she has children's details. However, she has not ensured that parents have given written permission to seek emergency

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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 treatment or advice on behalf of their child. Younger children are beginning to know the procedures for washing their hands. Older children clearly explain that they need to use soap and warm water to wash their hands. However, there is a risk of cross infection as towels are not available for children’s individual use. A changing mat and gloves are used when changing children’s nappies. The childminder gives some consideration to helping children develop their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example, 'now wash your hands' signs are displayed in the toilet with pictures to accompany the words.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to know that activity affects their bodies and are developing an understanding of when they need a drink or a rest. They benefit from playing in the fresh air, which in turn promotes their physical development and sense of well-being. The childminder supports children's active play and daily outings include local parks and playgrounds. She describes how children enjoy running around or playing ball games to improve their physical skills. Children have access to drinks at all times and older children can help themselves. They are becoming aware of the healthy choices in the food they eat and how this helps to make them strong. They talk about their favourite foods and drinks, such as strawberries and bananas. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide snacks that appeal to them and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in an organised environment. The childminder is motivated and consistently ensures the premises are secure. The broad range of toys and equipment are appropriate for the children's stage of development. Effective procedures ensure the welfare and safety of the children. These includes a written emergency evacuation procedure, although this does not have pictures to accompany the words. Smoke alarms are provided on every level and there is a fire blanket easily accessible. The childminder maintains details of when fire drills take place. However, the emergency evacuation drill is not practised with all the children. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect the welfare of the child and has a secure understanding of the signs and symptoms. She has a good knowledge of child protection procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and what action to take if she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. The childminder ensures risks are competently assessed and reduced accordingly. She has completed a risk assessment and the garden is not safe. Children are taken regularly on outings. There is plenty of space for children to move around, make independent choices and play freely within safe boundaries. Young children are developing an awareness of how to keep themselves safe because the childminder takes time to talk to them and helps them understand why certain procedures are necessary, for example, why it is important to stop, look and listen when crossing the roads.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children show great pride in their achievements, because the childminder takes time to talk to them and praises them for their efforts, for example, as they make models with dough. She encourages them to tidy the toys away before getting out more. This develops their understanding to care for the resources on offer. The childminder describes how she uses the Birth to three matters framework to promote younger children’s development and learning.

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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 However, resources stored in boxes or baskets are not labelled with words and pictures to aid the children’s independent choice. Younger children are enthusiastic about making decisions when choosing resources. For example, they choose to play with the role play equipment and pretend to make a cup of tea.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Older children describe how they enjoy time when they can be active or relax in accordance with their interests and needs. In addition, they explain how the childminder helps them with their homework or special projects. Children of all ages enjoy their time together. The childminder spends a great deal of time talking and playing with them, and they benefit from lots of close contact with her, for example, taking part in art and craft activities. Children settle quickly and are at home in the childminder's house. They are beginning to show a sense of confidence and self esteem. Children can freely choose from a range of stimulating experiences and activities, for example, role play equipment, art and craft activities or books and puzzles. This offers the children a good choice when playing with toys and resources. Children enthusiastically play and are able to make connections between real life scenarios and their play, for example, as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

they play with small world people. They have many opportunities to be creative by experimenting with resources such as drawing, play dough and other art and craft opportunities. They excitedly discuss their favourite activities and interests, such as musical instruments or playing with hand held games.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works in partnership with parents and takes account of their different needs. However, she lacks the knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents. This is a breach of regulation, however, the childminder will take appropriate action to address this point. The childminder is transporting one child in her car and has written permission. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults and there is a procedure in place for emergencies. The childminder has a sound understanding of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. Children’s records have details of their appropriate care needs, which are recorded and discussed with parents. However, the childminder has not ensured that she has an understanding of the basic words in the child’s home language.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are provided with a range of toys, resources and experiences, some of which promote positive images of equality. They have opportunities to learn about themselves and one another because the childminder takes time to talk to children and extends their knowledge through books and television programmes. Children are well behaved and respond well to frequent praise and encouragement. They are acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder and demonstrate a sense of belonging as they offer their own ideas. The house rules are displayed and discussed with the older children, although this does not promote younger children’s understanding. For example, there are no pictures to accompany the words. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and make themselves at home. They feel secure and at ease with their surroundings and the childminder. As a result, they are not afraid to ask for what they need and lead in their play. The childminder has an adequate range of experience for working with

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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 children of differing ages and abilities. First aid training is up to date ensuring appropriate treatment is given to the children. All records are easily accessible and ready for inspection, and the childminder is aware of how long these must be retained. The registration certificate is displayed and the register contains details of the hours of attendance. However, there is no record of when visitors are present. Children's welfare, care and development is promoted, due to the childminder keeping most of the required records and documents. The childminder has all the relevant checks. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. • improve knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents.

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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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