Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 143928 Inspection date 05 July 2005 Inspector Annie Williams

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and 8 year old child. 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 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children on a part time basis. Registration does not include overnight care. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the

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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 local toddler group and childminder group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of being healthy through the daily routine provided by the childminder. They wash their hands with gentle assistance, for example after visiting the toilet and before meals. A clear sick children's policy, effective cleaning procedures and good hygiene practices such as, the childminder wearing disposable gloves for nappy changes and children using individual towels, helps prevent the spread of infection. A current first aid qualification, a readily accessible first aid kit and easily accessible records organised by the childminder, help her to act in the best interest of children should an accident occur. Most of the required documentation is maintained effectively with the exception of medication records, which do not include parents’ acknowledgement when medication is administered. Children’s dietary requirements are respected according to parents’ wishes and they

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Helping children to be healthy

enjoy a variety of healthy meals, snacks and drinks such as, pasta, vegetables, fruits and water. Toddlers respond with excitement to the sight of their bottle and enjoy the comfort of a cuddle from the childminder as they learn to hold their own bottle. They clearly enjoy their meals and develop independence, for example, as they learn to use fingers and spoons to feed themselves. Young babies sleep in a cot with individual bedding at times according to their individual needs, contributing to their physical well-being. Within the setting children and babies are able to move around freely, acquiring new physical skills and control of their body, for example they particularly enjoy pushing around wheeled toys holding their heads up with pride as they conquer the art of walking. Older and more able children run and play in the garden with a ball, or bounce on the trampoline. Although large garden equipment is limited the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder compensates by regular visits to the local park. Regular outings into the local community such as the park and music and movement sessions, help children develop good attitudes towards exercise, promoting a positive outcome for children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in a calm environment, with toys and resources that are regularly checked and in good condition. Monitoring of the provision; effective procedures for the safe arrival and collection of children; the childminders knowledge and understanding of child protection issues; safe procedures for outings; and the childminder's knowledge and understanding of the recommendations for sleeping babies, help to keep children protected. An evacuation plan, a fire blanket and smoke

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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 alarms contribute to fire safety, but practise of the evacuation plan with the children has not yet been established to ensure that they know what to do when appropriate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are content and settled in the care of the childminder. They readily approach her to seek assistance and share in their play. Children are sociable, they learn to take turns and share through simple turn-taking games, such as placing rings on a stick. Children develop hand and eye co-ordination through play for example, pushing cars along the floor and posting shapes. They learn to explore with their senses, for example, they paint with fingers and giggle as they are gently tickled with the soft brush from the treasure basket. Toddlers find their voices to let the childminder know how they feel. They babble and giggle and shake their arms up and down with excitement. Rewards such as smiles, cuddles and praise encourage children's confidence to continue to develop their communication skills. They confidently reach, push, knock, pull, empty and refill containers as they explore the world around them, with the gentle support of the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder. Older children enjoy art and craft activities such as sticking and painting with brushes. Their pictures are displayed giving them value and promoting the children's self-esteem. Pretend play helps promote children's imagination for example, an easily accessible child-size kitchen and dolls.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's personal cultures are successfully acknowledged; for example, child record forms are complete with details of children's requirements such as comfort strategies, and diet to help the childminder provide the care required. Initial short visits to the childminder’s home and the use of home comfort toys, help children to settle. They clearly enjoy the company of the childminder and are very sociable. Positive actions from the childminder such as praise, promote positive behaviour. Any behaviour management strategies are discussed with parents and together the parents and childminder agree constructive methods that best suit their child; for example ignoring negative behaviour and praising positive behaviour. Children learn to develop positive attitudes towards others through sharing, such as toys and fruit. In addition simple turn-taking games helps younger children share and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develop their social skills, for example posting shapes and placing rings on a stick. Children are confident in the childminder's care and happily make their needs known for instance, pointing, babbling and shouting. There are some toys available to help children find out about different people in our society. Children find out about the world around them through regular visits into the local community such as the park and carer and toddler group.

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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 Contracts are in place recording business arrangements and appropriate parents' permissions have been obtained; as a result children are afforded consistency between home and the childminder. Effective communication from the childminder that includes a daily contact book detailing food intake, nappy changes, and play and outings, informs parents of the care that their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. The daily routine is organised to incorporate quiet times, active times, meal times and outings. As a result children are settled and secure in the childminder's care. Children are able to move around the setting freely. They are given individual time throughout the day to promote their development, for example looking at a book together. Most required documentation, for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare, care, and learning of children, is maintained correctly. In addition a selection of policies, such as the displayed registration certificate and a poster about Ofsted's role, informs parents about the childminding service and the care that their children receive.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder has made good improvement. She was asked to: keep a written record, signed by parents and herself, of all accidents; complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children; ensure that children's attendances are recorded in line with current guidance; make sure that medicines are safe or inaccessible; and request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. A current first aid qualification, parents' signatures and written permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice obtained by the childminder, help her to act in the best interest of children should an accident occur. With the exception of medication records, which do not include parents’ acknowledgement when medication is administered, the required documentation is maintained effectively contributing to children's safety, care and welfare.

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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

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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 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): • promote children's awareness of fire safety by practising the evacuation plan with all the children. • obtain parents' written acknowledgement following the administration of medication, to contribute to a healthy outcome for children.

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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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