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 EY385243 Inspection date 29/07/2009 Inspector Beryl Witheridge

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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 2009. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Dartford, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children part time of whom three are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler and childminding group. The family has four rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder can support children with special educational needs. She 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 provides effective care and learning for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She ensures she provides all children with a variety of activities and experiences which meet their individual needs. The environment is safe and welcoming to all children. The childminder uses reflective practice to help identify her strengths and weaknesses. This helps her to pinpoint the areas she wants to improve and leads to her planning for her own future training needs to achieve these improvements in her service which will benefit all the children in her care. Overall, an inclusive and welcoming service is provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that the emergency evacuation is practised with all children so they know how to protect themselves in an emergency  use the systematic observations and assessments of children’s achievements, interests and learning styles to plan relevant and motivating play experiences for each child  provide a written policy regarding the procedures to be followed in the event of a child getting lost

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provision

The childminder is very clear about the service she wishes to provide for the children. She has reflected on her provision and has clearly identified areas she wishes to improve. She has booked a place on training courses which will help her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to address these issues. She is very proactive and willing to extend her own knowledge which will ensure children are provided with a warm, safe environment where they are able to extend their learning and development experiences.

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provision

Easy to read detailed policies and procedures are given to all parents which provides them with all the information about the childminder's provision. The clearly written records are confidential and kept up to date. The register, accident and medical administration books contain the required information. The childminder has a positive approach to her partnership with parents. She makes sure she discusses all aspects of the care she provides with the parents. Background information, including children's likes and dislikes, allergies and intolerances, is obtained so that children's individual needs are recognised and are appropriately met. A daily record of each child's day is kept and is shared with the parents helping to ensure continuity of care for children. They are able to look at their child's observations and assessments and have an input into their child's future learning.

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provision

All adults who live and work in the house are suitable to do so and hold current Criminal Record Bureau checks. The childminder is aware of safeguarding procedures and knows who to contact if she has any concerns about a child in her care. She has booked herself onto safeguarding children training to extend her knowledge and ensure that she is fully up to date on current practice. Parents will be informed of this through an updated safeguarding children policy which they receive a copy of.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their care and play in a safe, secure environment. The childminder's home is well organised and provides children with opportunities to promote their independence. Children have access to age-appropriate, good quality resources and equipment. A good selection of books, toys and activities in a relaxed home environment helps contribute towards each child's progress and development. A flexible, daily routine means children benefit from playing indoors, outside and opportunities to visit local parks and enjoy play experiences and workshops especially during school holidays. The childminder checks her home for safety on a daily basis and completes a full risk assessment on the first of each month, which is recorded. All necessary steps have been taken to minimise risks. All equipment and resources are clean and in good working order.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There are clear procedures for outings and children are very aware of how to cross a road safely and understand about boundaries when they are visiting parks and other play areas. The childminder knows what to do in the event of a child getting lost but has not provided parents with a written policy. She always carries emergency contact numbers for each child when out of the house. Children are learning about the importance of personal hygiene routines and are encouraged to wash their hands regularly throughout the day. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place and has been practised by some of the children but not all. Outdoor play, daily walks and activities promote children's physical development. Although parents tend to provide their own children's meals, the childminder gives This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 them healthy snacks of fruit, milk and water. This helps children begin to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She plans and provides a range of activities and resources which support their progress in all areas of learning. The childminder has undertaken training on observations, assessment and planning. She has introduced a system which clearly identifies children's next steps and helps the childminder to move children forward but she does not record the future activities in her planning. The childminder spends time talking and listening with the children. She plays with the children, encouraging them to interact and engage with her and her family. The relationship between the children and the childminder is close and comfortable; children display a real affection for the childminder. Children's behaviour is good and the childminder supports this by being a good role model, she encourages children to have respect for each other and take turns, helping each other and understanding each others

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

needs. 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 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

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