Hage, Nicolette

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217304 Inspection date 15 November 2005 Inspector Jane Wakelen

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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?

This childminder has been registered since July 2002. She lives with her husband and daughter, aged six years in Sevenoaks, Kent. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged two for three days a week and fifteen month old five days a week. The childminder walks to local schools. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted through healthy eating and good hygiene routines. Children learn to make healthy choices from food offered to them, which consists of a mainly organic options, that take into account children's likes and dislikes as well as any dietary needs. Parents are informed daily about the food their child has been offered and regular communication ensures children's needs are met. Children have access to drinks, regularly, throughout the day. Children play in a clean, tidy home where the childminder ensures their health is promoted through thorough hygiene routines. Children gain an understanding about the importance of personal care routines to prevent the spread of infection, such as washing hands after painting, toileting and before eating. Physical exercise is promoted through daily walks to the school and parks. Children benefit from fresh air and room to run around freely. They have opportunities to use

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Helping children to be healthy

large play equipment in the garden, such as the trampoline, and enjoy visits to local, soft-play centres, learning control and co-ordination of their bodily movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe and secure in an environment that is clean and tidy. The childminder has identified potential hazards indoors and outdoors and has put safety measures in place. For example the net, around the trampoline and the stairgate at the top of the stairs. This ensures children can move around freely and have opportunities to play in different rooms and with large play equipment safely. Children are able to access the majority of toys and resources from two book cases, which are suitable to their age and stage of development. They gain an understanding for their personal safety, with careful guidance from the childminder, such as learning why it is important to use the strap on the booster seat and not to stand on the chairs. Older children learn why younger children use different toys and begin to show an understanding of their individual needs regarding safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the necessary documentation in place regarding accidents and these are made available to parents to keep them informed and to obtain a signature. This helps to maintain children's safety whilst in the childminder's care. The childminder has a fair understanding of child protection procedures and has the necessary information available if she had any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children experience a range of activities and resources both indoors and outdoors, appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are able to develop their independence selecting toys and making decisions about their play. The childminder engages in play with the children, extending their language and encouraging them to complete one activity, before moving onto another. Children have regular opportunities to socialize with other adults and children when meeting up with friends of the childminder. They experience walks in the park and visit play centres, developing their large physical skills and enjoying the exercise. The childminder is aware of the different needs of the children in her care, but has very limited knowledge of Birth to three matters, which impacts on the activities offered to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the children. Children have few opportunities to use resources which help them explore, experiment and develop their creative skills. The childminder works closely with the parents to provide care for the children which meets their individual needs and enables children to feel secure within the home environment. She verbally communicates with the parents informing them about their child's day, food intake and the activities they have been involved in during the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop relationships with the childminder and other children through regular meetings with friends at coffee mornings in their houses. They are valued as individuals and learn to respect other children's needs and differences. Children have limited opportunities to learn about diversity in society as few toys represent disabilities or different religions. The childminder has high expectations of children's behaviour and has developed house rules, which children learn to understand and to follow. She promotes good behaviour with praise and encouragement. Children behave well and learn to play together, sharing and taking turns with the toys. Children become independent visiting the toilet and making decisions about activities. The parents receive short, brief policies from the childminder and encouraged to meet the whole family before they place their child in her care. This ensures

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children's welfare is promoted and their needs can be met, through the sharing of information about their likes and dislikes. They are kept informed daily about their child's day and the activities they have been doing.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides a clean, organized environment for children that meets their needs. Children are able to move freely around the home and develop their independence choosing which toys or activities they would like to do. Children have opportunities for activities both indoors and outdoors and benefit from regular fresh

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 air and exercise in their daily routines, such as the school run and visits to feed the ducks. They are protected from unvetted persons as the childminder ensures the children are always within her care. Most required documentation is in place and up-to date, however, policies and procedures are very brief and do not give parents sufficient information to make an informed decision about the care being offered. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection limited improvement has been made. Children's welfare is promoted with the use of a printed accident, incident and medication book. The childminder has obtained information regarding child protection procedures and has implemented a policy for parents, although this needs amending. Children' safety is given priority as the register and medication records now have parental signatures, ensuring parents are kept informed about their children's welfare. However, children still have very limited opportunities to learn about diversity in society.

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Complaints since the last inspection

A complaint was received about the behaviour management procedures of the childminder relating to standard 11: behaviour and the attitude of the childminder towards a particular child relating to standard 1: suitable person. Social Services were notified and a joint inspection took place with the police. After this inspection the outcome was that the complaint was malicious and the childminder remains suitable to care for children. The complaint is closed. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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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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): • gain an understanding of Birth to three matters to ensure all children

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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 experience a wide range of activities to promote all areas of development • expand resources and opportunities for children to gain an understanding about diversity in society • ensure all required documentation is updated and implemented in accordance with the National Standards.

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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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