Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340200 Unique Reference Number 22 May 2008 Inspection date Jenny Kane 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 October 2006. She lives with her partner and two children in Folkestone. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding with access to the upstairs bathroom. 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 four children from one to five years of age on a part time basis. School, pre-school, toddler group, shops and parks are within walking distance. The family has a pet rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds an NVQ level 3 qualification in childcare. She attends the local childminder support group and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises, which are clean and welcoming. They have their own towels, which helps to reduce the spread of infection. Children learn about personal hygiene during the day and after lunch they brush their teeth. The childminder reinforces this by making the activity fun and children discuss the colour of the toothpaste. They know they do this to ‘wash all the bugs away.’ There are effective measures in place for when children are ill or in the event of an emergency. Accident and medication records are in order and signed by parents, emergency permissions and first aid kit are in place and the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. Children receive meals and snacks, which are healthy and include fruit and fresh vegetables. Parents share information about children’s dietary needs and requirements. Some children bring their own meals while others are catered for by the childminder. Children eat

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Helping children to be healthy

together and this is a sociable time where they chat to others. They have good manners because the childminder encourages the use of ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ Children help themselves independently to drinks, as they need them using their own cups. Younger children rest quietly on the sofa according to their parents wishes. The childminder makes good use of the contact books to record rest times, food intake and nappy changes. Children engage in a good mix of physical activities because the childminder plans well. They use the garden frequently and there is sufficient space indoors for larger equipment. Children learn that exercise is good for their health by walking to school and partaking in outings to local parks, toddler groups and the beach.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in an environment, which is safe and secure. There are safety devices in place and the childminder takes good steps to ensure children’s safety while they are in her care. Consequently, children make good use of the space moving about freely and confidently. They choose what they play with from the storage unit and boxes around the living room. Some of the resources have labels with pictures and words and this helps children to identify the toys. The play space is set out well with posters and samples of work on the walls. This helps to make a stimulating environment for children and to meet their developing needs. Children enjoy playing in the garden, which is safe, secure and is easily accessible. Procedures to promote children’s safety on outings are good. The children learn about safety and use suitable pushchairs and reins. The childminder carries with her first aid supplies and details of the children in her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

care. Parents give written permission for outings and trips. The childminder’s knowledge of child protection is good. However, her written policy holds limited information and does not refer to the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. She has attended training and has a clear understanding of her responsibilities. This safeguards children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a very good mix of activities, which are appropriate for their stage of development. The childminder plans activities that are fun, interesting and sometimes educational. For example, she encourages children to discuss colour, shape, and size during play with the play dough. She gives a five-minute warning when it is time to pack up. The children respond well and readily help to put the dough back into the containers. The childminder has a sound

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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 knowledge of child development and puts the Birth to three matters framework into practice. This benefits the younger children and promotes their development. Toddlers enjoy crawling through the play tunnel and copy the older children. They make themselves understood through noises and gurgles. The childminder encourages speech by using open-ended questions and listens well to the children. She has a range of good quality books and uses the library regularly to borrow books. Children have favourite books and readily ask for stories. They enjoy a story about the zoo and take turns to open the pages. Their enjoyment is enhanced because the childminder makes the story interesting by using funny voices to which children respond happily. During play in the garden children run about choosing where they play. They throw the ball

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

about and try to catch it, ride on the tractor and small cars and go in and out of the playhouse. Children use their imaginations as they play with the dolls, the doctor’s set and role-play equipment. A child concentrates well when playing with the sand and makes some interesting creations with the buckets and containers. Children also benefit from socialising with children of a similar age when they attend toddler groups and various outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and make selves at home in the childminder’s care. The childminder treats children with equal concern ensuring she spends most of her time with the children and attending to their needs and requirements. As a result, children have a positive relationship with her and they show a good attachment. Although not currently caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities the childminder has some previous experience and is confident in her ability to care for children with a range of abilities. Children have equal access to a good range of play materials, some of which reflect diversity and positive images. Children are learning how to share and negotiate during play. They are encouraged by the childminder to care for each other and be respectful. She frequently reinforces the use of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Any incidents are quickly resolved using explanation, for example the need to share the bike

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Helping children make a positive contribution

while playing in the garden. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of continuity and working together with parents. Parents have developed positive and friendly relationships with the childminder. They feel able to discuss issues and happily share information about their children. The childminder backs up verbal discussion with written information about her service. Her policies are clear and parents receive a copy of all documents. However, some of the policies lack detail, for example complaints and child protection. The use of contact books helps parents to monitor their children’s progress and ensures they are involved in their children’s care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities. All mandatory records and documents are in place. Children’s individual records are available but are not in separate folders and this means they are not confidential. The childminder organises her time effectively ensuring children receive good care and attention. She provides a good balance of activities indoors, in the garden and outings. These are suitable for children’s age and stage of development. Her routine is flexible, she is organised before children arrive and the resources are accessible to children. She attends the local childminder support group on a regular basis. This is beneficial to both herself and the children. She also has a good commitment to her personal development and is keen to attend further training to enhance her already sound

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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 knowledge of child development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as 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 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): • update existing policies in particular complaints and safeguarding children. • ensure children's records are confidential.

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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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