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 EY248352 Inspection date 02/07/2009 Inspector Linda Patricia Coccia

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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 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 2003. She lives with her family which includes two children aged 10 years and 11 years in Garlinge, Kent. The whole of the childminder's bungalow is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is suitable access to the premises. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time. She is able to care for up to three children who come under the Early Years Foundation Stage. She may care for up to six children in the early years age range when she is working with an assistant. She is also registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently minding nine children between the ages of one year and nine years. The childminder walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and local childminding groups.

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Description of the childminding

The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is effective in meeting the needs of children because she has a wide range of interesting toys and activities for them to use. She ensures that all children, whatever their ages or abilities, have the opportunity to be included in activities. She strives to maintain continuous improvement through regular review of policies, procedures and toys to ensure the they are age related and appropriate.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the written recording systems for the observation and assessment of children's learning and achievements

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provision

The childminder manages her provision well. All children's records are confidentially maintained and up to date. The childminder has a good understanding of local child protection procedures and within the past year has attended training to up-date her knowledge. Her safeguarding procedures are comprehensive and well thought out. These are shared with parents at the earliest opportunity. She is fully aware of the Ofsted requirements for working with an assistant. The childminder regularly reviews her service and has begun to formalise this in a written self assessment. She has effectively identified areas in which she would like to improve and has canvassed the opinions and views of parents and other childminders to help her with the assessment. The childminder has addressed previous recommendations regarding emergency evacuation procedures This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

which the children now practise and has systems in place to advise Ofsted of any changes to her service. The childminder's partnership with parents is excellent. Parents are consulted about all areas of their child's development and are able to request individual care packages. The childminder holds a number of glowing references from parents which were provided by them for her inspection. They comment on how the childminder treats children with kindness and respect, how she is flexible and accommodating and one individual parent states that her child has grown in confidence and ability since starting to attend. Children receive consistency of care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn and develop. She promotes their independence by ensuring that the majority of toys and equipment are easily accessible to the children which enables them to select their own activities. The huge garden is very well utilised. It allows children to safely participate in physical activities such as using the trampoline or just playing football. The childminder is developing a sensory area under a shady tree which the children have made items for. They help the childminder plant seeds and are currently growing strawberries and carrots which they will harvest and prepare for their lunches. The childminder ensures each child has some one-to-one time with her each day. She sits and reads stories which are obviously well known to the children as they join in with comments and are able to anticipate what comes next. Through all activities the childminder reinforces children's learning as she includes references

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to colours, numbers and shapes or challenges children with suitable questions, such as, how did we do that or why do you think that happened. The childminder carries out initial assessments on children within a couple of weeks of them starting at the provision. She competently observes and assesses their abilities and plans activities to help them develop further. She is currently experimenting with her recording system to find the best way for her to present the information to parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have formed excellent relationships with the childminder. They trust her. They look to her for guidance and support which they fully receive. The childminder promotes their welfare at all times. She ensures they are healthy through the provision of good wholesome food for main meals and advises parents of what to provide in lunchboxes. She ensures that they are rewarded with praise for their achievements and gives them further encouragement to continue achieving. The childminder is exemplary in keeping children safe. When off the premises they use wristbands with the childminder's contact number on it in case they become separated. She uses passwords with parents and authorised carers and has an emergency backup system in place with other registered providers. Children are kept safe and secure. 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? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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

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