Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY364126 Unique Reference Number 22 April 2008 Inspection date Vanessa Wood 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 two children both under eight years, in Borough Green, Sevenoaks, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding six children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family do not have any pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn good hygiene practices because the childminder ensures they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder provides children with anti bacterial soap to wash their hands but they share a towel to dry their hands. Children have separate flannels to wash their faces. The childminder follows good practice when changing nappies. Appropriate arrangements are in place for children to sleep downstairs so that they are within sight and sound of the childminder at all times. This allows children to rest and sleep according

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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 to their needs. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and can deal with any emergency. Children benefit from a healthy, varied and nutritious diet. They enjoy fresh fruit, such as, apples, bananas and kiwi fruit at snack time. For lunch they eat ham sandwiches with pieces of tomatoes and coleslaw, with a yogurt to follow. The childminder also prepares a cooked meal for children at supper time. Children have water, squash or fruit juice to drink. All children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents. However, the childminder does not show parents sample menus of the food she provides. Children's physical needs are met as they enjoy playing in the garden. They get plenty of fresh air as the childminder walks with children to and from school every day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into suitable and comfortable premises where the childminder uses a number of strategies to ensure their safety. For example, hot water pipes in the hall and toilet have been covered and stair gates are used appropriately. These ensure that children can move around safely, freely and with some independence. Good procedures are in place to protect children in the event of a fire. The childminder has taken advice from a fire safety officer and installed smoke alarms to every floor and she has a fire blanket in the kitchen. Children travel in the childminder's car and she provides appropriate car seats and restraints. The childminder carries out a risk assessment before they go on outings to playgrounds and parks to ensure they are safe and suitable for the age range of children she minds. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder's home. She is enthusiastic and provides a very happy fun environment in which children learn and develop. Children make positive relationships with the childminder. They sit comfortably on the floor with her and listen to stories. They chat and are confident to approach the childminder for support or to show her what they are doing. The childminder plans activities around things that are important to the children. For example, a trip to the dentist prompts an activity to look at a healthy diet and foods that are good for us. Children make a chart showing a happy tooth and a sad tooth and display foods under the appropriate headings. The daily plans include festivals from around the world and children have recently enjoyed activities for the Chinese New Year and for Easter. Children enjoy playing with dough that the childminder has made. They talk about how cold it is when it comes out of the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

fridge and discuss the colour. She helps the children to cut different shapes and mould animal shapes. Children enjoy music with the childminder. She has a selection of instruments to shake and blow and children enjoy singing songs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet children's individual needs. All children are fully included in the setting. Children are valued and respected as individuals and are made to feel welcome in her home. Children's individual routines are adhered to and any changes discussed with parents. The childminder has some resources which show children different cultures in the world, but this is an area that could be expanded. 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 are learning to respond to appropriate expectations of behaviour because the childminder sets reasonable boundaries. The childminder is consistent in her approach and gives lots of appropriate praise and encouragement for things well done. This helps to build children's confidence and self esteem and promotes good behaviour. Children benefit from the close working relationship the childminder builds with parents. All information is shared to enhance children's welfare. For example, the childminder has written a comprehensive service statement and uses a daily diary for young children to record information about sleeping, eating and nappy changes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy themselves in the setting because the childminder organises the space and resources effectively. Their learning is enhanced because the childminder uses her knowledge and experience to plan suitable activities for all the children. Children move around safely, with independence and have access to many toys and resources that are changed regularly. The childminder is keen to attend new training courses to up date her knowledge and understanding of how children develop and learn. All required documentation is in place, which contributes to children's health, safety and well being.

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Organisation

The provision meets the needs of the range of children for it 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 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 providing children with separate towels to dry their hands • provide parents with sample menus to show the food offered to children

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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 • expand resources to promote cultural diversity

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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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