Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY366954 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2008 Inspection date Freeda Wildon 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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children under eight in Broadstairs, 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 three children under five on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group. The family has a cat and two pet rats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean environment where they learn about good hygiene practices. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder has introduced rules about cleanliness when playing with the pets. Effective procedures are in place for nappy changing and nappies are disposed of appropriately. Babies

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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 have their hands washed after nappy changing; this helps them learn about hand washing from an early age. All children have individual towels and bedding to help prevent the spread of infection. Prior written consent is in place for emergency medical treatment or advice to ensure that parents' wishes are respected. Current first aid training, a sick child policy and accident records are all in place to help the childminder act in the best interest of children if they have an accident or become ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents' wishes are respected and they provide healthy foods for their children. Effective procedures are in place to ensure perishable foods are stored appropriately in the fridge. The childminder talks to the children about healthy eating and provides healthy snacks for them. Children grow fruit and vegetables in the garden and they eat the produce. Fruit drinks are offered regularly and water is available to keep children's bodies hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder organises outings to the park and to toddlers groups where there is large play equipment. The garden is well equipped and children enjoy playing in the garden. As a result, they receive plenty of opportunities to develop physical skills and contribute to their health and development. Young children are gaining control of their bodies as they move freely around the rooms in the childminder's home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move freely between the main areas exploring the world around them because the childminder undertakes informal daily risk assessments. The entrance is secure so children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. In addition the childminder has installed an alarm system to alert her of unwanted visitors. The childminder prepares her home before the children arrive so they feel welcome. Children have access to a range of toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. Toys are clean and well maintained. As a result, children can play safely. Appropriate information is displayed at the entrance to keep parents informed about her childminding service.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective procedures for the arrival and collection of children are in place, for example, children only go home with authorised adults. An evacuation plan is in place; the childminder has recently started childminding and has not yet practised fire drills with the children. She has one smoke alarm fitted on the ground floor and is yet to fit another on the first floor. The childminder applies good safety measures on outings, for example, she takes children's details and written permission for emergency treatment with her. This allows her to act in the best interest of the children should there be an emergency. The childminder teaches the children about road safety. As a result, children know how to keep themselves safe away from the setting.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues. She knows who to contact if she is concerned about a child and has the appropriate details at hand. This contributes to child safety and welfare. She is aware of the procedures to follow if an allegation is made against her and her family.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and caring environment, as a result, they are happy and settled. Young children make themselves at home with the childminder and stay close to her for support. The childminder helps children acquire new skills and knowledge by showing them what to do

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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 and valuing their achievements. She helps children respond to challenges by presenting them with tasks she knows they may not be able to do well; she uses praise and encouragement to help them achieve these tasks. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development, as a result, children are developing well in their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There is a good selection of books available for the children; they freely access books from the book shelves. Young children enjoy handling books and pretend to read stories. They visit the library regularly with the childminder. As a result, they are developing a love of books. Babies enjoy action - reaction toys, learning about cause and effect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder knows what activities interest the children and plans themes to include their interest. For example, transport, where children are taken on buses and on trains. Their mathematical development is promoted through games such as 'bus stop' introducing children to adding and subtracting. Children are growing seeds and observe the growth cycle; they particular enjoy watering the young plants.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled because they are cared for in an environment that allows them to experience a wide selection of activities. The childminder obtains information from parents to ensure that children's individual needs are met. Children are developing good relationships with the childminder and others. For example, young children attend social groups where they meet other children and adults in a safe environment. Children's social development is encouraged as the childminder promotes turn taking and sharing. Children learn about the local community through walks and outings. There is a selection of resources to give children a balanced view of our society.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Contracts detail business arrangements between the childminder and parents. Appropriate permissions are in place, for example, to transport children in a vehicle and for emergency medical treatment or advice. The childminder is aware of regulations regarding complaints and provides parents with information if they wish to make a complaint but as yet she has not prepared a complaints log. She has not had any complaints. The childminder provides parents with a range of policies and procedures. As a result, parents are fully informed about her childminding service. Every day the parents and the childminder chat about their child to ensure that they are aware of their child's care. Parents of young children receive written information about the care through a daily diary. This ensures a good partnership between parents and childminder and benefits the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of the National Standards. She is keen to develop her knowledge in childcare and is willing to attend further training. She hopes to attend the Early Years Foundation Stage training and child protection training. The childminder is able to show that all adults living in her home have undergone checks to establish their suitability.

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Organisation

Children are able to move around freely and safely. The daily routine is organised to include quiet times, active times, meal times and school runs. The registration certificate is displayed to keep parents informed of conditions relating to registration and the attendance register

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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 confirms compliance with the conditions of registration. All of the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is well maintained 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.

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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): • ensure all children receive regular opportunities to participate in the emergency evacuation procedure.

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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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