Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302878 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Carol Ann Jeffrey

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

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 4 years and 7 years in a residential area of Otford, which is in Sevenoaks, Kent. Public transport, parks, shops, schools and pre-schools are all within easy walking distance. All of the property is included in the registration. The areas mainly used by the minded children are downstairs and include the playroom, lounge/dining area, computer area and the dining room. There are upstairs and downstairs toilet and wash hand basins, and sleep/rest facilities are provided downstairs. There is a fully

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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 enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has two pet rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children who all attend on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and participate in a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. There are regular opportunities for the children to enjoy fresh air and exercise; for example, when walking to school or during visits to local parks and farms. The garden is well equipped with a variety of climbing apparatus and wheeled toys, which helps children to develop their physical skills, spatial awareness and co-ordination. Children’s fine motor skills are developing well. They are competent when selecting and using small equipment such as colouring pencils, crayons, glue, glitter and other small pieces of craft materials. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. From an early age, they gain good self-care skills, such as hand washing after coming in from the garden, using the toilet or

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Helping children to be healthy

participating in messy play. Children sleep in line with their current needs and parents' wishes. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and demonstrates a good awareness of the correct procedures to be followed for recording accidents and medication. Children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. They enjoy nutritious and well balanced meals and have good access to drinks throughout the day. The childminder discusses sample menus with prospective parents, and takes account of the children’s special dietary requirements and allergies. Children benefit from a variety of fruit and vegetables and are regularly introduced to new tastes and textures. Children are able to recognise when they are hungry and are able to decide when they have their mid-morning snack. Young children are given good opportunities to feed themselves, which helps to develop their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Appropriate safety precautions are in place to minimise the risk of accidents. Children benefit from a well organised and child orientated environment. They have plenty of space to move freely between the rooms, and this promotes their independence and self-help skills. Children have access to a range of good quality, developmentally appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 resources and equipment which are checked regularly to ensure their safety. Children learn about safe practices because the childminder skilfully explains the safety rules to them, and is aware of her responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. Children learn about keeping safe on the roads; for example, during walks to the local schools and parks. Children are gaining some awareness of fire safety through books, children's television and role play. There is a fire plan in place; however, this is not currently practised with the minded children. Children’s welfare is protected because the childminder gives high priority to maintaining children’s safety; for example, by supervising them at all times. Most of the required documents and procedures are in place to ensure that the children’s

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare is safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection and these procedures are shared with the parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy and confident within the setting and feel at home and part of the family. The childminder effectively supports the children’s individual needs, taking into account their different ages and stages of development. Children are given choice, enabling them to feel fully involved in the day to day activities. Children benefit from socialising with their peers during regular outings to places of interest, such as Knole Park, Eagle Heights, farms, fishing trips, recreation grounds, library and toddler groups. Outings such as these promote their learning, aid their social development and stimulate their interest in the wider world. Children enjoy a good range of play resources and activities, all of which are easily accessible to the children to encourage independent learning. They are interested in the activities available and spend time concentrating on self-chosen activities, such

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

as operating the train set and looking at the different types of vehicles and play people to support this activity. The children regularly participate in outdoor activities such as climbing, riding bikes and playing with sand and water. They have excellent opportunities to participate in creative and messy play activities on a regular basis. Children have excellent opportunities to play games and to learn about shapes, letters and numbers using a range of good quality resources, including puzzles, games, books, and building materials. They enjoy music and respond enthusiastically during music sessions. Activities are linked to monthly themes (currently Spring), and a range of interesting activities and outings are planned to support all areas of learning. Parents are able to contribute ideas and suggestions to support and encourage children's individual needs. The childminder interacts in a positive way to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

introduce new ideas, encourage conversation and support and extend all areas of the children’s learning.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and their individual needs are met because the childminder spends time getting to know them well. Children are confident and at ease with the childminder and feel safe and secure in a friendly, welcoming and stimulating environment. The childminder works closely with the parents to identify the children’s likes and dislikes and relevant information is shared to ensure that all children receive individual care and attention. Daily contact books are in place for all children and are used constructively to monitor the children's progress, share information between the parents and child minder and identify the children’s next stage of learning in partnership with the parents. Comprehensive written policies and procedures are in place and are shared with parents. The daily routine is well planned. Children’s ideas and their likes and dislikes are taken into consideration when planning activities and outings. The children benefit

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Helping children make a positive contribution

from socialising with their peers during interesting and varied visits and outings. Children are very well behaved and occupied. They respond appropriately to the expectations of the childminder because of the good relationships fostered. The childminder’s good use of praise and encouragement builds the children’s self-esteem and they develop a positive self-image. Children are increasing their awareness of the wider society by having access to a full range of play resources and opportunities. They visit the local shops regularly; and festivals and celebrations such as the Chinese New Year are incorporated into the daily activity planning. The childminder has a good range of play resources that positively reflect areas of equality; and she ensures that the children have a choice of play materials and opportunities, regardless of gender, culture or ability.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel relaxed and at home in the well organised environment and this enables them to gain confidence and to become independent. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and the way in which children learn, and is committed to improving her practice further by attending relevant childcare training. Space, equipment and resources are very well organised to meet the individual needs of the children cared for. The home environment is welcoming and child orientated, and the daily routine helps children to feel secure and comfortable in the childminder’s care. The settling-in period is discussed with parents to meet the children’s individual needs. Documents are effectively organised, accessible, up to date and confidentially maintained. Comprehensive written policies and procedures are in place and are shared with parents. Parents are kept well informed about their children’s day and of

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Organisation

the care provided. The childminder efficiently organises documentation to underpin the safe management of the service provided.

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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 Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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.

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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 good. 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): • improve fire safety procedures by practising an emergency escape plan with the minded children • obtain a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) guidance or procedures and also the contact numbers of whom to contact if concerned about a child

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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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