Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY360662 Unique Reference Number 03 June 2008 Inspection date Mary Van De Peer 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 children in Kennington, Ashford, Kent. The whole ground floor area of the house is used for minding children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding 15 children part time. She is able to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a cat and two guinea pigs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she also receives support from the local authority.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder's home is welcoming and child-friendly. Children are developing an appropriate understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They are learning the importance of good hygiene and personal care routines. Children benefit from the childminder’s sick children policy, as it helps reduce the risk of cross-infection. The

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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 childminder has a current first aid certificate and a first aid kit which means she can treat children's minor injuries effectively. If children require any medication, including sun cream, to be administered, parents provide written consent. This is recorded according to guidelines with parents signing any entries. They also give individual written permission for the childminder to seek emergency medical attention if required. Children are cared for according to their parents' requirements. Children comment that the weather is changing from being cool to feeling warm. They state that they are sweating, noticing the changes in their body. The childminder ensures children have plenty of opportunities to develop their physical skills. They can go into the garden throughout the day, playing with sand and water or throwing and

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Helping children to be healthy

catching balls. Indoors, mark making and construction play activities are available to improve fine motor skills. If children feel the need to sleep or just rest, they are able to.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a good selection of food which is healthy and nutritious. They have fruit at snack time. Meals provided by the childminder, include pasta, rice, cheese, meat and vegetables. Children are able to have a drink of water, juice or milk whenever they want to. The childminder works well with parents in this area and they have the option to provide meals or snacks if they prefer. Children learn about healthy eating.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks are identified and minimised. This allows them to move around freely and independently. Safety measures taken include the stair gates, cupboard locks and socket covers. Fire safety equipment, such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place. There is an emergency evacuation procedure which is practised with older children regularly. However, younger children have not yet participated. Children's safety off the premises is also important to the childminder. She has procedures in place covering travel in the car as well as when out walking. The childminder has an appropriate knowledge and understanding regarding the protection of children and has relevant procedures in place, on current child protection and safeguarding children practices. A password system is used to help ensure any person collecting children are approved by parents. The equipment and toys

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

available are suitable and age appropriate. They are stored at children's height, so they can choose what they want to play with.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children really enjoy their time with the childminder. They have made themselves at home and are achieving and progressing well. They make good use of the toys and activities available to them. The children are beginning to relate to each other even though they are still very young. The childminder provides children with activities and opportunities to develop their communication and creative skills, such as an electronic alphabet game, story times, cutting, sticking and painting. They enjoy the attention the childminder gives them. Children also socialise with other children through regular attendance at the local toddler groups. Children also benefit from visits to local places of interest, including a farm and a castle. They are able to learn about the world around them. Children's independence is developing well as they are able to choose what they want to play with. The childminder shows she has a good understanding

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

of the needs of younger children. Children smile, laugh and interact well with her.

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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 good. The children are developing appropriate self-esteem and confidence. They are provided with positive images of the diversities in our society. This helps ensure that their individual and cultural needs are met. The childminder shows the children respect and values their contributions to situations. Their behaviour is good and they respond well to guidance from the childminder. The childminder has built up a positive and supportive relationship with the parents. There is a written service statement which is given to parents, along with clear policies and procedures they can refer to easily. The childminder has obtained written and signed consents from parents, for example for the taking of photographs. The childminder ensures she discusses children's backgrounds with parents. Younger children have a contact book which is completed regularly. The childminder also provides parents with daily, verbal feedback about their children's progress

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and development. This enables her to provide continuity of care for all the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is an experienced and qualified child carer. She holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. All adults in the household have been appropriately vetted. The Ofsted registration certificate is displayed for parents and visitors to view. The childminder has developed good communication levels with parents and discusses the individual care of their children with them. The childminder has completed a service contract with parents. All relevant documentation is shared with parents. The attendance register is completed with the times of children's attendance. These measures help to provide continuity of care for all the children. The childminder has all the required level of paperwork completed on each child. Children's records are confidential and stored securely. 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. 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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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): • consider practising the planned evacuation procedure with younger children, to help enable them to understand how they can keep themselves safe in an emergency

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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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