Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY350513 Unique Reference Number 29 April 2008 Inspection date Karen Scott 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 good. 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 2007. She lives with her husband and child, aged fifteen months, in Sittingbourne. The whole of the childminder’s house is 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children on part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler groups and is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are given gentle reminders to visit the bathroom and know that they need to wash their hands after using the toilet. However, they do not wash their hands before eating snacks, meaning that good personal hygiene is not routinely practised. Nappies are changed on the playroom carpet which does not work towards preventing the spread of infection. However,

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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 any spillages on the carpet are cleaned up promptly. Children have daily physical exercise in the garden, where there is large play equipment, and at the park. This helps them to understand the importance of exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Children's parents are contacted if they are taken ill. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, so she is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. She would seek emergency medical advice or treatment and has written parental permission to do so. This helps to keep children safe from harm.

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Helping children to be healthy

Snack time is a social occasion as children sit at the table together, chatting to each other. They receive varied snacks, such as biscuits and fruit. Lunches and dinners are varied too and the childminder works with parents to meet children's individual dietary requirements. Children may ask for a drink whenever they wish.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious and well-organised environment. They have safe and easy access to toys and resources appropriate to their ages and stages of development. The childminder has taken steps to minimise risks to the children that she cares for. Toys with broken parts are discarded so that they do not harm children. A fire procedure is clearly displayed. Children discuss what to do in the event of a fire and practise evacuating the house, which will help to ease the alarm should they need to leave the house in a real emergency. Children are supervised when playing outside and steps have been taken to make the garden a safe area for children to play in. The pond has safety bars over the top and climbing equipment is placed on top of safety surfacing bark, helping to prevent injury to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child in her care. She understands her role in the protection of children and shares this with parents when they first place a child in her care. This helps to safeguard children from harm. However, the childminder does not keep a record of any existing injuries children have. The childminder has a sound knowledge of what to do if an allegation is made against herself or a member of her family. Procedures are in place if a child is not collected or becomes lost.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, relaxed and very confident. They relate well to each other and the childminder and are forming close relationships. Children learn important social skills, such as sharing, turn taking and saying 'please' and 'thank you'. They make independent choices about what they wish to play with, as they can access toys and resources with ease. The childminder encourages children to do things for themselves but gives good support when they are learning new skills. For example, she suggests ways in which the children can pretend to feed the baby dolls, but helps to dress the dolls when the children have difficulty doing this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play with a range of toys and resources. They particularly enjoy role play and the childminder has ensured that there are enough resources for all children to participate. The childminder engages positively with children. She encourages conversation and the children chat happily to each other. Building blocks, shape toys and jigsaw puzzles promote children's mathematical development. Children benefit from various outings to parent and toddler groups, childminding groups and occasional trips to the beach and farm. The childminder knows what the children she is caring for enjoy playing with and aims to meets their preferences.

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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 an understanding of equality of opportunity, making children feel good about themselves. However, there is a limited range of toys and resources that promote equality and reflect positive images of the diversity within society. Children talk about things that are important to them, such as their families. They play together and enjoy each other's company. The childminder has no experience, but a realistic understanding, of caring for children with special needs. Children are polite. They are reminded to say 'please' and 'thank you' and ask to leave the table when they have finished eating. They benefit from lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder uses 'time out' to manage behaviour. She works in conjunction with parents to support children so they learn acceptable behaviour and the difference between wrong and right. Consequently, children are well behaved.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents and carers receive comprehensive policies and procedures that detail the care their children will receive. The childminder gives parents and carers verbal feedback every day, keeping them informed. Parents and carers are very happy with the care that their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from well-organised space, time and resources and they receive sufficient adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder keeps herself informed of current childcare practices by attending relevant training and liaising with other childminders. This helps her to offer up-to-date care to the children that she minds. The childminder is forward thinking. She continues to evaluate her service and think of ways in which she can improve the care that children receive. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children that she cares for.

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Organisation

All relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and well-maintained. It is stored securely but is easily accessible when needed. The certificate of registration is displayed prominently so parents and carers are aware of the childminder's conditions. Visitors sign themselves in and out and children's times of arrival and departure are recorded, meaning that there is an accurate record of attendance should it be required. Children's accidents are recorded in writing and parents sign to acknowledge that they have been informed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable: 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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The childminder is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents which the they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints 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

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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 good. 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): • ensure that good hygiene practices regarding hand washing are in place at all times in order to keep children healthy • record all existing injuries.

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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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