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 EY292752 Inspection date 26/02/2009 Inspector Karen Scott

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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 2004. She lives in Canterbury with her husband and two sons, one adult and one school aged. The property is situated within easy reach of local shops, schools, parks and pre-schools. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, the bathroom is upstairs, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age range. The registration also includes children on the compulsory part of the childcare register. The family has two dogs, two cats, two tortoises, seven rabbits and tropical fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their play in a loving, warm and child friendly environment where they make choices about what they play with, receiving much support from the childminder who extends their learning. The childminder works with parents and carers to meet children's individual needs. The childminder is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for children. She looks at any improvements that can be made and acts on any recommendations in order to enhance the care that children receive.

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further?

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

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further?

 update knowledge on safeguarding children and the procedures to follow should there be any concerns about a child being cared for  when parents provide packed lunches and snacks inform them about healthy food content and ensure that perishables are kept fresh.

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provision

The childminder takes an honest look at the care that children receive and acknowledges her strengths, such as interaction with children, and her weaknesses, such as paperwork. Although the childminder understands where improvements can be made to enhance the care that children receive she has yet to put steps in place to manage them. However, recommendations made at the last inspection have been acted on. For example, the childminder has purchased a first aid kit that is easily accessible and suitable to take on outings, helping to protect children. The childminder liaises with other childminders, helping to keep herself informed. Parents and carers do not receive any written policies or procedures informing them about the care that their children receive. However the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder ensures that information is exchanged verbally each day and works

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provision

with parents and carers to meet their child's individual needs. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. Although she informs parents and carers of her role in the protection of children the childminder's knowledge of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns is not immediately clear. The childminder is working towards safeguarding children from harm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their play in a safe and secure environment. Regular assessments identify any potential risks to children and steps taken to eliminate them. Children are given reminders about safety when playing such as not climbing on toys and procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are aware from the home. Although the childminder shows an understanding of healthy eating for children this is not always reflected in the snacks that she gives them and the drinks and food provided by parents and carers. Parents and carers supply lunches which are stored in the kitchen but perishables are not refrigerated, not keeping them fresh. Snack time is a social occasion with children sitting at a table and being involved in discussion by the childminder. Children participate in physical exercise in and outdoors, helping them to understand the need for regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. When children arrive they are greeted warmly by the childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and are keen to play with the toys and resources which are easily accessible allowing them to make choices. Children are well behaved as the childminder uses appropriate strategies according to ages and stages of development such as distraction and calm intervention to manage behaviour. When children are anxious about situations such as having their nappy changed the childminder involves them in the process such as laying out the mat, and offers distractions and lots of reassurance, helping to ease children's concerns. Children receive lots of praise and celebrate their achievements with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Before caring for children the childminder finds out what children like to play with, helping to ease the transition from home to setting, meeting their individual needs. The childminder is aware of the different stages of development that children are at and tries to extend their learning at activities they enjoy participating in. For example the childminder is teaching children how to pedal a tricycle which they are very interested in. The childminder supports children's play, extending their learning by asking questions and introducing new words. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder. Children's future economic well-being is promoted through visits to shops, meeting other children and playing on the computer. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 3 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 the last inspection.

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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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