Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY391240 Inspection date 23/11/2009 Inspector Janette Mary White

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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 was registered in 2009. She lives with her husband and two children in St Peters, Broadstairs, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding, although the childminder mainly uses the downstairs area. The childminder walks and or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over eight years to 11 years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has an appropriate understanding of how to support children’s welfare in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Overall there are some procedures in place to promote children’s care and learning. The childminder has a sound knowledge and a record of most of her policies. Nevertheless, this does not include all procedures for some aspects of safeguarding. Parents are kept informed of the children’s daily activities and the childminder values their involvement which helps to support each child’s individual need. She continues to build links with outside agencies. Most of her risk assessment procedures are in place. Children play with a range of resources including some which reflects the world around them. They seek comfort in a secure environment and are at ease with the childminder. The childminder has a positive approach to further developing her continuous future improvement.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 improve knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents.(Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare). 07/12/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  continue to develop children's understanding of evacuation drills by carrying This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 these out on a regular basis and make sure a smoke detector is on every level of the premises  ensure children's observations and assessments are used to identify the next stage of their progress and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an adequate knowledge of most of her policies and procedures, such as, child protection and lost or uncollected children. However, she does not have an effective understanding of the complaints procedure or the requirements related to informing parents, although a poster is displayed with Ofsted’s contact number. The childminder has a sound knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse relating to the safeguarding child protection policy. She encourages children to get to know her own family but is careful to remind her family about safeguarding issues. All adults in her household have been vetted and hold Criminal Record Bureau checks. The childminder regularly reviews and maintains a detailed record of the risks in relation to children’s safety. However, the risk assessment record does not include an assessment of risks for outings and trips. The childminder holds an up to date first aid certificate ensuring appropriate

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the early years provision

first aid treatment is given to the children. Her first aid box is easily accessible, but she does not take basic supplies or a record of the emergency contact numbers for each child. There is a system to record details of any accidents or medication and for prior written consent. There is a procedure to ensure children who are ill do not attend reducing the risk of cross infection.

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the early years provision

The childminder identifies within her self-evaluation areas for her personal development. For example, by attending training courses to extend her knowledge and understanding of current child care practices. She has a sound understanding of her strengths and highlights areas for continuous improvement, such as developing a written complaints policy and making sure fire drills are practiced frequently. The childminder works together with the parents and they use a diary system as well as sharing the children’s learning story. They have completed a questionnaire and a reference in which they describe how happy their children are with the childminder. The childminder describes her approach to behaviour management. For example, she describes how she deals with a variety of different situations.

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and outcomes for children

Children play with a sufficient range of resources and toys including some positive images of equality and diversity. They are supported when making decisions, such as choosing magnets or completing jigsaw puzzles. Their individual needs are fostered as the childminder adapts the activities to suit all children. As a result, they develop new skills and learn at their own pace. The childminder encourages a settling in period. She discusses with parents their routine and has a record of their starting points. She is continuing to implement a system to record children’s This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 observations which are linked to the early learning goals. Nevertheless, she has not yet established a procedure to identify the next stage of their development. Children are provided with an adequate balance of activities covering most of the early learning goals. As a result, evidence from the records show children take part

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and outcomes for children

in activities which has the potential to reinforce their development and learning. Therefore, children make adequate progress in most areas of their learning and development in the EYFS. The childminder explains her procedures for positive hygiene practice and when on outings, such as providing each child with an individual towel and how they cross roads safely. However, smoke detectors are not fitted to every level of the house and children are not sufficiently familiar with what to do during emergency evacuation drills. Equality and diversity is promoted. Each child is treated and valued as an individual. The childminder supports all families according to their circumstances. This means that all children are treated with respect and no child is disadvantaged.

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and outcomes for children

Children freely choose the activity they wish to take part in, such as using the magnets or looking at ‘pop up’ story books. However, there are no labels to fully encourage younger children’s self help skills and independence. Children use small world people in their role play and they are supported when making decisions. For example, as the childminder encourages them to tidy the toys away before getting out the puzzles. There are many opportunities for children to be active or take part in quieter activities. For example, using the play kitchen to cook their toast or as they build the traffic jam with cars. Children enjoy accessing toys that help them to discover how things work, such as the ‘cog magnets’. The childminder uses this unplanned opportunity to develop awareness of how objects work together. Children's confidence and self-esteem is positively supported as the childminder praises them for identifying objects, such as, a clock magnet or puzzle pieces. This

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and outcomes for children

also supports their independent thinking, communication skills and awareness of number concepts. The childminder helps children as they develop skills for their future economic well-being, such as counting, completing puzzles and role play. For example, as they 'pretend' to cook their breakfast. The childminder describes how children are taken to the local park each day providing them opportunities to develop physical skills. As a result, children learn about the benefits of physical activity and have plenty of occasions to be outside in the fresh air when visiting local parks or going on walks. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a written procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare). 07/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Childcare Register in relation to dealing with concerns and complaints policy.(Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare). 07/12/2009

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