Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY295719 Inspection date 02 February 2006 Inspector Jennifer Devine

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 2, 8 and 12 years in Pinner in the London Borough of Harrow. The whole of the childminders house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is well promoted by the good standards of hygiene within the home. The childminder is developing young children's understanding of why good personal hygiene is important, encouraging and helping them with routines such as hand washing. Children are physically healthy because they have regular opportunities to be active. They benefit from going out to local parks, playing outside in the garden and thoroughly enjoy dancing and music sessions. Children enjoy the healthy and nutritious foods offered to them. Currently parents provide food, which the childminder stores appropriately to ensure it is fresh and consumable. Regular healthy snacks and drinks are offered to children. Children's welfare is adequately safeguarded as the childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and has satisfactory procedures in place for recording of accidents and medication. However, some medication records have not been fully completed and

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

parents consent for emergency medical treatment has not been obtained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a very safe environment. The childminder gives high priority to keeping children safe in the home and when in the garden. The childminder teaches children all the time about the importance of road safety, encouraging them to hold hands when walking as well as using reins for young children. Toys are of good quality, which protects children from harm. The childminder also supervises children's play to ensure toys are suitable for their ages and their overall safety is maintained. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and understands the reporting procedures to follow if concerned about child abuse.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children gain much benefit from the childminders understanding of the Birth to Three Matters framework. The childminder provides a secure, caring environment to enable children to develop their confidence and make them selves feel at home. Young children are developing their independence as they choose from a generally good range of free play activities and are encouraged with their self help skills such as beginning to feed them selves. Children spend their time purposefully and

p.3

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 thoroughly enjoy, in particular music and dancing sessions and imaginative play with pretend kitchen and play food.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled and developing their confidence because the childminder values and respects their individuality. The childminder reacts gently and positively to develop children's understanding of right and wrong, which is encouraging younger children to play and share together. Children's needs are well met as they follow routines as discussed with their parents. Partnership with parents is very good and contributes significantly to children's well being. Parents are given extensive daily verbal feedback along with written information to keep them well informed about their child's progress. The childminder has a good understanding of promoting positive images by providing toys, books and acknowledging festivals or traditions with older children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel comfortable in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to play and develop their learning. The childminder has attended relevant childminding courses, including first aid and is keen to attend childminder's forums to keep up to date with current legislation and changes. She uses her knowledge and understanding well to promote the welfare, care and learning for children. Policies and procedures are used effectively to keep parents well informed and required documentation is in place. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

p.4

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 On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 parents consent is obtained for emergency medical treatment • ensure all medication records are maintained.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5