Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY219702 Inspection date 19 December 2005 Inspector Susan Jennifer Scott

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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 July 2002. The childminder lives with her partner and their two young children of school age. They live in a house, in Greenhithe, near to the town of Dartford. The whole of the downstairs is used for childminding and one bedroom can be used as a sleeping area. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to a local school to take and collect children.

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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. The childminder promotes the health of children successfully. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through routines such as, using toothbrushes, tissues, washing their hands after visiting the toilet, and before preparing and eating food. Children have independent access to the toilet which promotes their self care skills, although they do share the use of one hand towel. The childminder keeps herself informed of current childcare practices by attending relevant courses. For example, she has a current first aid certificate. She is therefore able to administer first aid to children in the event of an accident and she has written permission to seek emergency treatment if needed. These measures ensure appropriate support in an emergency. Children have constant independent access to sugar free drinks, milk or water, which the childminder provides. Children eat healthy snacks, such as fruit and raisins which

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Helping children to be healthy

ensures they are appropriately nourished. Children are able to bring their own snacks and packed lunches if parents wish and these can be stored safely. The childminder uses good negotiation skills to ensure children eat fresh cooked, healthy food if she prepares meals. Children experience a variety energetic activities, going on outings to local parks and events such as a drumming workshop. Children also play in the garden, using large toys. They have limited access to the television and computer games. This helps them understand the need for exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to feel settled and secure through their unrestricted use of the space on the ground floor. They benefit from being able to move around safely and independently. Children are made to feel welcome when they enter the house as they see many of the toys and decorations. Children benefit from a varied and attractive range of safe and suitable toys, resources and equipment, including imaginative toys, craft materials and car seats. They are able to independently access a variety of age appropriate toys which are changed frequently, and this ensures their interest is always stimulated. These include interesting books, soft toys, selections of puzzles, games, imaginative toys and small world toys such as dolls and cars. Children are kept safe in the home and enjoy their play in a family environment. All the necessary steps have been taken to minimise risks, such as the use of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

stair-gates to prevent access to the kitchen and stairs. Children have access to a secure garden and are kept safe through good supervision. Children are made aware

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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 of the procedures for outings so that they are safe and cannot run into the road. The childminder has an understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. This does safeguard the welfare of children in her care. She is aware of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care but has not been able to extend her knowledge of this subject by attending training yet.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy, relaxed and confident. They freely request help from the childminder because she is warm and affectionate towards them. For instance, the childminder cuddles children and involves them in conversations when they want attention. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder who provides appropriate support. When children are making pictures the childminder discusses the pictures they made previously as well as other activities that they enjoy. This means that children feel valued because they are invited to express their ideas and opinions. Children are encouraged to develop their independence by making choices about the activities they become involved in and discussing these with the childminder. For instance, they complete different pictures using the projector, and then choose to play with soft toys and some puzzles. Children have good opportunities to enhance their emotional development, such as

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their introduction to, and recognition of the needs of the baby. They learn important social skills through such interactions. Children also experience good social opportunities, particularly in the holidays when they attend a variety of local events such as drumming workshops, puppet shows and treasure trails. Children enjoy and learn from a broad range of activities. They enjoy listening to stories read to them and are praised for their skills by the childminder. They enjoy using equipment such as the play projector which develops their mathematical understanding and increases their dexterity. Children’s creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as dressing up and role play. They learn from activities that allow them to explore and investigate through their play with the sand and in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Parents and children benefit from the individual information which is recorded and discussed with parents. This enables the childminder to meet their individual needs effectively; for example, children enjoy activities which celebrate different cultures, such as talking about things that are important to them such as their birthdays and families. This provides them with a balanced view of society. All children have access to some resources that reflect positive images of diversity such as dolls and books

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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 and a few that reflect disabilities. The childminder has an understanding of caring for children with special needs. She is aware of the developmental needs of all the children in her care and knows how to obtain information and advice on specific issues. This enables her to support individual children so that they can make progress. The childminder manages children's behaviour in an excellent way. Children are constructively occupied, and praise and recognition given by the childminder enables them to experience pride in their achievements and promotes good behaviour. The children respond well to the positive strategies used by the childminder, as they are aware of the rules such as not running when they are out. The childminder develops an effective partnership with parents. Children's welfare is

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Helping children make a positive contribution

supported as she spends time discussing their individual needs with parents and enables children to progress in their development and learning. Parents are invited into home and made to feel welcome, they can text or phone the childminder and receive information in a contact book. Good information is exchanged between both parties which ensures consistency of care for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from independent access to a variety of space in this family home, as well as a range of resources and toys. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder keeps herself informed of current childcare practices by attending relevant courses. For example, she has a current first aid certificate and has attended training in various subjects, including the use of puppets for communication. Children benefit from the childminder’s use of the relevant and mandatory documentation. For example, she has an accurate register, children's records, accident and medication records. Children are safeguarded by the information on complaints should this be needed, as well as records which are confidential, up to date and easily accessible. The childminder ensures that all people who have regular contact with children have

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was requested to produce information for parents about behaviour management. The childminder has achieved this successfully by ensuring that she uses a contact book for the youngest children and discusses all issues with parents to keep them well informed on her methods for managing children's behaviour.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to report 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

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): • develop skills and knowledge of child protection issues • review hand-drying procedures for children to reduce risks of cross infection

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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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