Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY268754 Inspection date 23 September 2005 Inspector Clare Stone

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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 satisfactory. 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 has been registered since 2004. She is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years, of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year. The registration does not include overnight care. There are currently 3 children on roll. The childminder lives with her husband and three adult children. They live in a detached house in a village, outside of the Ashford area. There are schools, pre-schools and toddler groups nearby.

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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 whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a safe garden for outside play. The family have a golden retriever, horses and chickens. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from healthy snacks and meals throughout the day. Parents can provide their own meals if they wish and work in partnership with the childminder to cater for their children's individual needs. Younger children are offered drinks regularly, and older children can help themselves. This promotes self-help skills and independence. Children enjoy regular physical activities and go on trips to the park and toddler groups. The childminder encourages good hygiene practice by teaching children to wash their hands before meals and explains why this is important. Children are protected from the risk of infection by the childminder's clear procedures not to mind children if they are unwell.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminders home is warm and welcoming, allowing children to feel secure and build on their confidence. Children's safety is promoted by regular informal risk assessments and the evaluation of these practices. However, children are not supervised at all times whilst playing in the garden, to protect them from possible injury. There is plenty of space for the children to move around freely, allowing them to extend their large muscle skills and face new challenges. They also have easy and safe access to a good range of toys appropriate for their age. All resources and equipment are checked for damage and thrown away if faulty. Children are safeguarded through the childminders clear knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a wide range of fun and stimulating play opportunities. They are able to choose freely from the resources available. As a result the children were absorbed, settled and happy. The children are confident in their relationship with the childminder and their peers. This ensures children are making good progress through appropriate care and interaction. The children are spoken to in a kind and reassuring manner, allowing them to be themselves and express their likes and dislikes. The childminder is aware of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with respect and uses a lot of praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem. As a result children feel good about themselves and learn to show respect for others. Children behave well and parent's are involved in any behaviour issues. This ensures that children know their boundaries and feel confident in their surroundings. Partnership with parents and carers is good. All relevant information is gathered on the registration form. For example, food likes and dislikes, medical conditions and contact telephone numbers. This ensures continued support for the children and reassurance for parents. There are no children on roll with special needs, but the childminder is proactive in supporting parents and helping with advice. Children have the opportunity to learn

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Helping children make a positive contribution

about themselves and the world around them, through access to a sufficient range of multi-cultural toys and activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards. She is organised with her documentation, which is paramount to the children's welfare. Policies and procedures are in place and well maintained. The childminder is aware of the importance of confidentiality and stores records safely. The children benefit from clear systems in place for working with parents and sharing information. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection one recommendation was made regarding the lack of mandatory paperwork. The childminder has worked hard to ensure that all regulation documentation is in use and maintained.

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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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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 children are supervised while playing outside

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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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