Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY239451 Inspection date 06 February 2006 Inspector Lesley Theresa Watts

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her three children, of which one is aged under 8 years. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 2 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. She is currently minding 2 children, both aged under 5 years.

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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 The childminder lives within easy reach of the shops, park, pre-schools and primary. She attends the local parent/toddler group on a regular basis. The family has a cat and a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted in premises that are maintained to a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness. Effective systems are implemented within the home to help prevent the transmission of communicable diseases, this includes the use of disposable gloves when changing nappies and the careful disposal of nappies. From an early age, children begin to learn the importance of good personal hygiene, because they are supported to wash their hands before eating and paper towels are provided for hand drying. A healthy and balanced range of snacks are provided for children, supporting them to develop an awareness of food that is good for them, for example, children regularly enjoy fresh fruit and home cooked meals. Dietary requirements are met because details of dietary requirements and preferences are recorded and adhered to at all times. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping their bodies hydrated

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Helping children to be healthy

because they have their own drinking vessels, which are easily accessible and the childminder encourages children to take a drink regularly using gentle reminders. Regular visits to children’s activity centres and frequent opportunities to play outside help the children to acquire a healthy attitude to physical exercise and develop their large muscle movements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure, contributing to keeping children safe. Children develop their spatial awareness within a safe environment, for example, children move around the playroom freely, making effective use of the play space, whilst using developmentally appropriate toys and resources. However, the childminder is not familiar with current recommendations for sleeping babies and this is reflected in the current facilities provided for babies at sleep time. A clear and consistent routine enables the children to develop a sound awareness of the boundaries implemented by the childminder to keep them safe, for example, children know they sit at the table to eat their lunch. Systems to ensure the safe departure of children are good. Details of those authorised to collect children are documented and a password system is used to confirm authorisation of other adults. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures

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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 relating to child protection and she is taking positive steps to update her paediatric first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The carefully prepared, well-organised and nurturing environment helps children to settle quickly. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and settled in her care. The babies clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured plastic toys that the childminder provides. Together they explore the noise activated toys, turning the dial on the telephone, rustling the legs of the fabric octopus and exploring the sounds of the musical instruments. Older children enjoy sharing books with the childminder, for example, counting the wheels on the car, linking sounds to letters and recognising colours. Access to malleable materials is organised and children enjoy mixing the paints as they use rollers, sponges and their hands to make patterns on the paper. The childminder consistently ensures she shares her time equitably amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. As a result, children are beginning to make independent choices and develop their concentration as they play alongside one another. Regular visits out in to the community help children learn about the environment, for example, children enjoy walks to the park, beach, and trips to the activity gym and toddler group. Opportunities for the younger children to fully explore with their senses are not yet fully established, because resources that reflect the natural world are not freely available. However, the childminder intends to use the Birth to three matters framework in the future to further promote babies and children's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and babies are settled and enjoy a consistent and organised routine that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. As a result, children’s behaviour is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, differences embraced and each child treated with equal concern. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. The range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society are limited. As a result, opportunities for children to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs, traditions and disability are hindered. Although the childminder has not yet cared for children with special needs, a positive approach to find out about disabilities and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents underpins positive relationships and effective communication contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children. Details of policies and procedures are included in a childminding portfolio, which is shared with parents in the first instance. In addition, written permissions for appropriate aspects of the childminder's service have been obtained and contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided. As a result, parents are generally well informed of the service provided. However, as yet, there is no formal complaints procedure and parents have not been informed of recent changes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The organisation of the setting is good and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The environment is well organised and carefully prepared to ensure children's individual needs are met. The routine accommodates children’s individual needs and preferences throughout the day helping them to feel secure. All of the required mandatory documentation and consent forms for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and are generally well maintained. However, some records lack the necessary detail and policies have not been updated to reflect current practice and recent changes in legislation. The clearly displayed certificate of registration enables parents to confirm details of the childminder's registration.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection two recommendations were made. These were to provide a range of activities that develop children's mathematical thinking and to review and update the children's information sheets. The childminder has reviewed the information she collates on children, enabling her to provide appropriate care and children are provided with good opportunities to develop their mathematical thinking through free play and the daily routine. Overall, both of these issues have been successfully completed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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

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:

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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): • ensure rest areas are safe and suitable to enable children to sleep comfortably • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, in order to plan and provide a range of activities for younger children, which include access to a range of natural resources that promote and stimulate the senses • ensure that all records relating to childminding activities are completed fully, include all of the required detail and reflect current changes in legislation.

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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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