Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY397423 Inspection date 01/04/2010 Inspector Mary Van De Peer

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 2009. She lives with her husband and young family in Ashford, Kent. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with access to one upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There are gardens to the front and rear of the premises for outside play. The family has no pets. Her home is readily accessible, with facilities on the ground floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently minding four children, part time, in the early years age group. Schools, pre- schools, toddler groups, shops and parks are within walking distance. The childminder attends the local childminder support group and is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary 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 recently registered and is gaining confidence in working with the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder understands each child’s needs and ensures their welfare and learning are promoted appropriately. However, the assessment process for children’s learning achievements and the monitoring of their progress is still in the development stage. Children play and learn within safe boundaries and enjoy being together. The childminder develops a caring relationship with all children and is getting to know and value their interests, likes and dislikes. They are welcomed sensitively into the childminder’s home and as a result they settle well.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider practising the evacuation procedure, to help the children learn more about keeping themselves safe in an emergency  develop further the observation, assessment and planning system to enable children's achievements and progress to be monitored and for next steps to be identified and appropriate activities planned.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains a safe and secure home. This ensures children are able to play and explore the environment freely. The recorded risk assessment shows how potential hazards are minimised. For example, the use of the rear outdoor area is restricted until the current renovation work is complete. However, the emergency evacuation procedure has not yet been practised with the children. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has a secure understanding of her role and responsibilities regarding the protection of children. All adult household members have had Criminal Records Bureau checks completed and any persons not vetted are not left alone with children. The childminder shares her written policies and procedures with parents, including those for safeguarding children, behaviour management and complaints. Appropriate documentation and records are in place to help ensure children’s

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the early years provision

individual welfare and care needs are met.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an awareness of her strengths and recognises areas for improvement. She plans to attend additional training to improve on her practices, particularly in relation to observation, assessment and planning. The childminder has built up positive and two-way partnerships with all parents. Information on children’s achievements is shared and parents are encouraged to be actively involved in the developing assessment process. A parent confirms that she is very happy with the quality of care her child receives when with the childminder. The childminder has also established good links with other local Early Years Foundation Stage providers. This results in children benefiting from consistency in their care and learning. Toys and activities are freely accessible and children can choose what they would like to play with. There is space to play in as well as room to sit and relax. All resources and equipment are of good quality and checked regularly

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the early years provision

for any damage. Childcare information and the Ofsted registration certificate are on display for parents and visitors to view.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity are promoted appropriately. Children are valued as individuals and treated with equal concern. For example, the childminder follows the wishes of parents to help ensure children's routines are followed. Systems for self-evaluation are satisfactory; they are beginning to aid the childminder to identify her strengths and weaknesses in the provision, improving practice wherever necessary. This helps to contribute towards effective outcomes for the children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides age appropriate toys and resources for children. They are kept in low level storage so that children can access them easily. This results in them being able to make choices about their play. The childminder is developing her understanding in how she supports children’s ongoing progress towards the early learning goals. Some written observations are made as children play or are involved in activities. The childminder is beginning to link these to the areas of learning. However, assessments are not yet identifying children's next steps. The childminder knows the children well and is able to respond to their individual care needs and interests. Children show that they feel safe with the childminder and share smiles and cuddles with her. Although the childminder follows procedures to help keep children safe, such as when out walking or in the car, they have not experienced practising the emergency evacuation procedure. Children have regular

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and outcomes for children

access to their own drinks throughout their time spent with the childminder. This enables them to control their own thirst needs. Snacks are provided by parents and include items such as fresh fruit and cheese, helping children's learning about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 healthy eating. The downstairs bathroom is easily accessible, allowing children to extend their awareness of the importance of personal hygiene routines. The childminder uses distraction effectively as a positive behaviour management method with the younger children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures children have play and exercise in the fresh air on a regular basis. Children are able to develop future skills as they use interactive toys and resources that promote their hand and eye coordination. Children’s communication development is being promoted well as the childminder talks constantly to the babies and the children listen to stories being read. They also benefit from making sounds together with the age appropriate musical instruments available. There is a selection of books, stacking toys, games and creative play presented in a welcoming way. Details on children's backgrounds help the childminder provide play resources that reflect children's abilities and interests. Some resources reflect positive images of the wider world and these help children to learn to respect differences. The childminder makes sure play materials are available to all children, promoting equality of opportunity. Visits to local toddler

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and outcomes for children

groups allow children to interact with other children and adults, as well as enabling them to access different toys and activities. Overall, the experiences and routines in place help contribute towards children continuing to develop the necessary skills for their future progress and learning. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 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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