Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY310398 Inspection date 20/11/2009 Inspector Liz Margaret Caluori

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives in Ashford, Kent with her husband and 11 year old child. Childminding generally takes place on the ground floor although first floor rooms are also used for children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for two children under eight years, both of whom are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to provide care for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities as well as those who speak English as an additional language.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make extremely good progress and have a great deal of fun in the comfortable, child-centred environment. A high commitment to continual improvement and self-evaluation has resulted in significant improvements to the services offered to children and their families. Children’s individual interests and abilities are clearly identified and good support is given to promote an understanding of diversity. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents, carers and other professionals which contribute well to children's welfare needs being met.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider increasing the support for children to explore arts and crafts in their free play by making the resources more easily accessible for them to select independently  extend self-evaluation to more clearly identify strengths and weaknesses and to take into account the views of children, parents/carers, and other interested partners.

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the early years provision

Children are well safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of the potential symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow should she have a concern. Effective risk assessments are undertaken and support the childminder to provide children with a safe but appropriately challenging environment. A current This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 first aid certificate is held by the childminder and she obtains written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. This ensures that she could deal with an emergency quickly and appropriately.

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the early years provision

The childminder has successfully addressed the recommendations set out at the last inspection. She has improved the systems for assessing and monitoring children’s progress and increased the opportunities for children to play outside. In addition, the range of resources aimed at promoting positive images of people from throughout the local community and wider world has been increased. The childminder is committed to ongoing self-evaluation although this process is still in its early stages. She competently records the ways in which she meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, she has yet to take steps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of her provision.

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the early years provision

Effective procedures are in place to work with parents and carers. They are given a good range of written information including the policies and procedures. These include the process to be followed should they wish to make a complaint. In addition, they have regular access to children's profile books, observations and assessments. Parents are also given opportunities to formally contribute their views through questionnaires. The childminder also recognises the importance of working effectively with other professionals involved in the care and learning of the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides children with a range of resources and activities which support them to learn about, and respect, diversity. They also benefit from the very careful attention given to identifying and addressing their individual needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains all of the documentation required for the safe and efficient running of her provision. These are appropriately stored to ensure confidentiality.

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and outcomes for children

Children play and learn in a very homely, loving environment. They form extremely good relationships with the childminder and her family which helps them to settle easily. They are provided with an extremely good range of resources, most of which are invitingly displayed. With the exception of the art and craft materials, children are able to access the toys and equipment independently. As a result they are developing confidence in making choices and decisions.

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and outcomes for children

Robust systems for observing and monitoring children’s progress support the childminder to plan activities which they find interesting and which are specifically aimed at promoting their development. Activities which are currently popular include role play with the baby dolls. Children show great levels of care and imagination as they feed, dress and settle their babies. The childminder skilfully extends children’s enjoyment and learning by sitting with them and engaging them in delightful and humorous conversations. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Young children also benefit from very good opportunities to develop their problem solving and reasoning skills. They concentrate extremely well as they play with the extremely good range of cause and effect toys and shape sorters. They respond very well to the praise and positive reinforcement they receive in the form of

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and outcomes for children

smiles and cuddles. They behave beautifully and are developing very good self- esteem and social skills.

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and outcomes for children

All children enjoy very regular opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. The childminder recognises the importance of physical exercise and this is competently included in her activity planning. Children learn about healthy lifestyles and the importance of good personal hygiene. The childminder maintains a current first aid certificate and also has appropriate procedures in place to deal with sickness and administer medication. They are offered a nutritious range of meals and snacks and drinks are constantly available. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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