Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356204 Unique Reference Number 24 July 2008 Inspection date Beryl Witheridge 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 partner and one school aged child and a baby in Rochester, Kent. The whole ground floor 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding five children part time. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder can support children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to be healthy. They take part in a lot of outdoor activities which helps with their physical development. They play in the garden with a good range or toys and

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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 equipment and also enjoy trips to places of interest. Children learn about good health issues. They know they need to wash their hands before they eat food and after going to the toilet. The childminder provides them with anti-bacterial hand-wash and individual flannels and towels to dry their hands. Children who stay overnight have their own toothbrushes available. All surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes to ensure the home is clean and hygienic. Children with infectious conditions do not attend; parents are informed of this through the written sick child policy. Disposable gloves are used for changing nappies to help prevent cross infection. Procedures are in place to provide the children with suitable care if they are taken ill while with the childminder. Children's health needs are promoted because the childminder keeps individual

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Helping children to be healthy

accident and medication records for each child. Children are able to keep to their own routine and are able to sleep or rest when they need to. Children staying overnight also have a regular bedtime routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to eat healthy foods and know that drinks using their own cups are readily available. The childminder provides all the meals for the children and she is fully aware of any individual dietary requirements. Breakfast consists of cereals, toast with preserves and sometimes a bacon sandwich at weekend. Snacks of fruit and yoghurt are provided. Lunch is something simple such as a sandwich of tuna or cheese with crisps and fruit. Dinner is a mix of some fresh and some convenience foods, with fresh steamed vegetables. Children are able to make their own pizzas which they thoroughly enjoy. The children's favourite is roast dinner or sausage and mash. She does provide some treats such as fish and chips at Hastings on a day out. This is done in agreement with parents. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children's dietary needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, comfortable child friendly environment. They benefit from being able to play and learn within safe boundaries. They have their own play room where they can play or can bring toys and equipment into the lounge if they prefer. The childminder ensures external doors are locked to prevent children leaving the setting unaccompanied and there is a secure well used outdoor area for them to play. Children are supervised at all times and they have plenty of room to move about freely and enjoy their games and activities. Toys and equipment are checked and cleaned on a regular basis and appear safe and appropriate for the children attending. Smoke detectors and a fire blanket are in place to help ensure that the home is safe for the children. These are checked regularly to ensure they are well-maintained. There is a written risk assessment in place which is constantly referred to. Children are beginning

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to understand the importance of keeping themselves safe. The childminder explains why certain procedures are necessary such as walking properly by the road and staying within given boundaries in public places such as the park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is paramount. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and has a written policy in place which is shared with the parents. She intends to update her knowledge by attending a Safeguarding Children course. The childminder has emergency evacuation procedures in place which are discussed and practised regularly with all the children, so they know how to keep themselves safe in an emergency. This is backed up with a written notice for older children displayed next to the phone.

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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 good. Children are welcomed openly into the childminder's home. They enjoy their time together with each other and the childminder playing and having fun. Children have the choice of a wide range of activities which are all freely accessible. Toys and resources include books, art and crafts, puzzles, games, construction, baby toys, shape sorters, access to suitable computer games for older children, imaginative play as well as planned opportunities for cookery and outings. The children love games such as Alphabet Bingo; they enjoy playing games which include the childminder so that she can interact with them. She joins in with their fantasy games such as not stepping on the cracks, the children enjoy the interaction. Outdoor experiences are promoted with a range of resources available, including bikes, balls, scooters, slide, golf set, trampoline and a paddling pool only used when supervised. The childminder understands

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the developmental needs of children of all ages and plans activities which are suitable of development. Older children are able to make their own decisions about their activities before and after school. They come in relax, have dinner, some help to make their dinner, they then have free choice about their activities. They have days out for the few days she has them during the holidays. They go to local beaches and parks. The childminder encourages the children to take an interest in the natural world; they are fascinated by the stones and pebbles on the beach.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take part in a lot of activities which help to improve their social skills; they meet regularly with other childminders and their children. The childminding always aims to ensure that the children have plenty of experiences available to extend their learning and to provide them with opportunities to play, learn and grow in suitable, stimulating surroundings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children in the childminder's care are treated with equal concern. Their individual needs are addressed and all children are included in all experiences. Children demonstrate a sense of belonging as they make themselves at home, choose their activities and interact well with the childminder and her family. Toys and resources promote some positive images of diversity with role play resources and books but the childminder is aware that these could be extended and improved. The childminder plans and provides activities relating to various festivals throughout the year so that the children learn about the similarities and differences between themselves and others as well as exploring concepts regarding the wider world. Outings to local places of interest help to develop children's awareness of the local environment and the natural world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are polite and well behaved. They understand the expected behavioural boundaries set for them. The childminder is a good role model and leads by example. She encourages good manners and praises children regularly, which helps to promote their confidence and self esteem. Positive behaviour management techniques promote children's welfare at all times. Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder has a close working relationship with parents. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures. These are well presented and parents receive their own copies. They also receive a newsletter which keeps them up to date with any changes, trips or activities. Parents are fully involved in the care provided for their children.

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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 good. Children are settled and feel very at home within a warm, home from home, well organised environment. They are relaxed and at ease with the childminder who provides good quality care. The required documentation and records are in place, including daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for children and are completed daily. The registration certificate is clearly displayed and the records are all stored confidentially. All records are readily available for inspection. The childminder is continuing to improve her knowledge and understanding of how children learn, play and develop. She has a positive attitude towards ensuring she meets best practice requirements. Children's welfare, care and learning are well promoted, due to the range of clearly written policies and procedures, which are shared with the parents and are well implemented by the childminder. The childminder

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Organisation

meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration and there are no recommendations to report on.

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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 complaint 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 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): • extend the provision of resources which provide positive images of the diversity of society

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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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