Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY216540 Inspection date 27 February 2006 Inspector Lesley Anne Cannon

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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children. Their house is situated in a quiet area on the outskirts of Maidstone. The childminder offers the use of her kitchen, dining area, lounge, downstairs toilet and rear garden. They have two family pets. She is registered to care for four children under eight years, of these three may be under five years and one under one year. She is not registered for overnight care, currently there are five children on roll.

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 The childminder makes good use of local amenities and takes the children for regular trips out and meets up with other childminders on a regular basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a varied and balanced diet where regular meal times are maintained. Children are offered a variety of snacks and drinks are made available. This is an effective way of maintaining a balanced diet. Children learn personal hygiene skills through regular daily routines and understand why they keep their hands clean. Older children are able to access the toilet themselves helping them to be self sufficient. The childminder is effective in preventing children from cross infection and informs parents of the procedures through her service statement. This helps maintain the welfare of the children in her care. Children have frequent opportunity for exercise outside. They are motivated by equipment available helping to build their confidence. They also have regular outings to the park where larger equipment is available to extend their physical skills and develop their confidence.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

This helps children to develop a healthy life style.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment where hazards have been addressed, such as stair gates, socket covers and cupboard locks. This allows children to move around safely, whilst having the opportunity to take risk and face new challenges in a safe surroundings. Some resources are selected and displayed, but children still have freedom to choose an activity from low storage, encouraging independence. Resources are checked regularly to prevent injury to the children. Damaged or broken items are removed. Children have access to an enclosed part of the garden where they can access a variety of outdoor activities. These are checked before use to ensure children's safety. The childminder has systems in place to maintain the children's safety when going out, using reins and buggies when needed. Safety around travel in cars and when out walking is reinforced with verbal instructions for children, giving them the ability to understand some of the risks and

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

how they can look after themselves. This helps children to explore and investigate their surroundings safely. The childminder has a reasonable understanding of child protection procedures and the need to safeguard children in her care.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and move around the environment confidently, they have freedom to select activities and resources promoting independence. The childminder makes sure challenging toys and activities are available for the age 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 developmental stage of children present. The childminder makes available an interesting selection for younger children, whilst older ones are encouraged to be independent and select their own activities. This motivates children to experiment with a varied range, such as construction, role play, books and puzzles, this helps stimulate their imagination. Children learn and use everyday skills, such as preparing for an outing. The childminder supports children as they experiment with new activities, encouraging language and building their self confidence. Children also have access to a broad range of creative activities for example, free painting, cutting and sticking relating to shapes and colours. This encourages children's creative skills and gives the children opportunity to expand their imagination. Younger children have access to interesting

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

resources that stimulate their senses encouraging them to communicate. Children develop relationships with their peers and are confident in their relationship with the childminder which encourages progress through care and interaction.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. However resources currently do not reflect this so children lack opportunity in this area. Children that attend are valued as individuals and encouraged to feel good about themselves. Children bring a small selection of toys from home to help them develop a sense of belonging. They are encouraged to share activities together and learning right from wrong in a safe environment. This helps children to develop their social skills and encourages interaction with their peers. Children benefit from the working relationship the childminder has with the parents. Daily discussions ensure routines are maintained providing children with continuity of care. Although there are no children attending with special needs, the childminder is forward thinking how she can support and assist the children and their parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed the training and uses her knowledge and experience to provide an effective service for the children in her care. Children benefit from a well organised environment where the childminder recognises that all children need their own space and time. Children are comfortable in their surroundings and are happy to approach the childminder, which means they are relaxed and feel free to choose and play with what interests them. The childminder maintains a service statement that is available to parents. This reflects how she provides the day to day care of minded children. However this does not inform parents of the responsibilities she has regarding child protection. Children benefit from clear methods that are in place for sharing information with parents. The childminder keeps information and documents up to date, which helps maintain continuity of care for the children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has implemented the actions from the last inspection, ensuring that the attendance register, accident details and children's records are maintained to maintain continuity of care for minded children. A place has been secured on a relevant first aid training course.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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): • develop resources that reflect diversity in society • ensure information is available for parents regarding child protection procedures

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