Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303118 Inspection date 23 January 2006 Inspector Vanessa Wood

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2005. She lives with her partner and one child aged 17 months. They live in a house in Kings Hill, close to the town of West Malling. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and one bedroom upstairs for children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding twins aged under 5 years. She also occasionally has a young child one day a week.

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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 The family have two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which promotes their health and wellbeing. Indoor and outdoor activities help children develop control of their bodies, for example by playing in the spacious home and garden and through regular trips to the park. Children learn excellent personal hygiene habits. The childminder provides strong support and establishes very good routines for activities, such as nappy changing and cleaning children's teeth after meals. They benefit from the childminder's scrupulous cleaning routines which enables them to play in a safe, clean environment. The childminder's extensive knowledge of caring for children ensures they are well protected from infection. Children benefit from a very healthy diet because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. She provides hot nutritious meals every day and supplies parents with menus of the food she provides. All children's dietary

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Helping children to be healthy

requirements are recorded and their likes and dislikes taken into consideration. Drinks are readily available and offered to children throughout the day. Young children form a close relationship with the childminder who is responsive to their needs. She ensures children's home routines are followed. She makes them laugh and feel happy and relaxed in her home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very warm and child friendly environment where the childminder has carried out a clear risk assessment of the home and garden. All necessary steps are taken to minimise areas of concern. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children can make independent choices from a good range of toys and resources which are displayed invitingly and at their level. The toys are well maintained, age appropriate and meet safety standards. Children feel safe and secure in the homely environment. This builds confidence and they make good progress. Children are kept safe from risk of harm and neglect as the childminder has a very good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows the procedures to follow if abuse is suspected. This is included in the effective policy shared with parents.

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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 Children settle well at the childminder's house. They develop close and caring relationships with her which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. The childminder provides high quality interaction with children and this encourages very good early communication skills. All children are happy and eager to participate and are captivated by the stimulating activities provided by the childminder. For example, children delight in making their own musical shakers and use these to make music and to play along to nursery songs. Children have independent access to an extensive range of good resources which support their learning across all areas. All children are eager to learn. They are self assured in their play and confident to try new experiences, such as the feel of sand, rice and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pebbles that are used to make the music shakers. Children listen intently to stories that the childminder enthusiastically reads to them and she encourages them to make the sounds of the animals in the story.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Young children explore the world and develop a sense of belonging. They learn about themselves and their own capabilities as they enjoy stimulating activities provided by the childminder. The childminder has a reasonable knowledge and some resources which show different cultures and religions. However, this has been identified as an area for development. The childminder has experience of working with children with special needs and works closely with the parents to provide good care. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement and consistent boundaries are maintained. As a result, children behave very well. Information is shared with parents in order to build strong working relationships and provide children with continuity of care. All

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Helping children make a positive contribution

policies are in place but one permission slip has been omitted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised environment. Policies and procedures developed by the childminder are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. However, written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has not been obtained. Documents are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder has a positive attitude to keeping her knowledge up to date for children's development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 written permission is available from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • develop knowledge of equal opportunities

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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