Childminder in Kent

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY369833 Inspection date 02/12/2008 Inspector Mary Van De Peer

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2008. She provides care, with her mother and sister, in her mother's home but lives nearby with her family in Maidstone, Kent. The whole ground floor area of the house is used for minding children. The toilet is located downstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Each childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and are currently minding five children in the early years age group and one in the five to eight years age range. She is also able to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities. The childminder walks to local pre-schools and schools to take and collect children. She also attends the local toddler groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and receives support from the Local Authority. The childminder is on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers children a welcoming and secure environment, where they can play safely and freely. Age appropriate toys and activities are made available every day and an adaptable planning system makes sure children can make acceptable progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Good record-keeping and documentation procedures result in a well organised childcare setting. A self- evaluation process is being established and areas of strengths and weaknesses are being identified, ensuring the outcomes for children continue to improve.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure observations include the assessment of children's starting points to help provide information regarding their learning and development needs  further develop reflective practices to compliment and inform self-evaluation processes, helping to ensure on-going improvement in the provision

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provision

The childminder is very organised and all minded children's records are completed correctly and promptly, ensuring important, personal information is always up to date. Contracts and consent forms are negotiated with all the parents, helping children to receive continuity of care. Although there is no formal assessment and recording of children's initial abilities and skills when they start, the childminder makes sure that the equipment, resources and opportunities available are stimulating and age appropriate for all children being cared for, from young babies through to older, school aged children. The childminder has ensured she knows some words in a child's first language and liaises with parents to help to promote self-esteem. Risk assessments are thorough and this helps keep the environment This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safe for children to play in. A flexible, daily routine allows children to benefit from

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provision

indoor and outdoor play opportunities. Visits to local amenities, such as toddler clubs and the library, also take place. The childminder works closely with parents and makes sure they have copies of the detailed and clear policies and procedures. Parents are requested to sign any relevant entries in accident and medication administration records. Regular feedback is given verbally and a contact book is used between the childminder, parents and pre-school. This builds positive and valuable links with other parties involved in the children's lives. Although the childminder is still establishing her own self-evaluation system, she has recognised the advantages of attending further childcare training and workshops; she plans to link these into areas identified for improvement, such as the successful implementation of reflective practice. A good knowledge and understanding regarding child protection procedures means the childminder is able to deal with

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provision

any concerns effectively. She works with another registered childminder and together they provide a professional service for children and their families.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to access a range of toys and equipment that promote the areas of learning, including construction activities, dolls, puzzles, books and creative materials available. Children are learning about size and shapes, with number recognition used in various play situations. They communicate well with the childminder and she encourages them to take on different challenges, for example, feeding themselves at lunch time and playing a musical instrument. The childminder develops her knowledge of each child's interests and skills and this information is used to inform future plans, so their next steps can be provided for. There are opportunities for children to learn about personal care and safety. For example, they wash their hands before meals and an emergency evacuation procedure is discussed. The childminder promotes good behaviour by being consistent in her expectations, guidance and praise. Children are aware of the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

boundaries set. She talks and listens to children and gives them time to speak back to her. Children mainly eat food provided by parents, however, snacks and drinks are provided by the childminder, with any information on allergies and preferences being obtained. Overall, the childminder provides children with effective learning opportunities in a safe and caring environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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