Roots-Horton, Heidi

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310904 Inspection date 07 February 2006 Inspector Stephanie Graves

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and children aged eight and two in Snodland, Kent. The whole 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are provided with a range of experiences, which help to promote their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example the childminder actively encourages good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing and keeping noses wiped. Children benefit from procedures which ensure they are taken care of if they have an accident or become ill. For example, accidents are recorded and children do not attend if they have an infectious illness. Children's physical development and sense of well being is promoted well. They are provided with a range of energetic activities, including outings to local places of interest as well as opportunities to rest in comfortable surroundings. Children have access to drinks at all times and the childminder encourages them to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat. They enjoy hot meals such as spaghetti bolognaise, snacks including fruit or yoghurt and choose from a range of

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Helping children to be healthy

sandwich fillers, such as cheese and ham. Older children devise menus during role play, which include healthy options such as pasta, chicken and yoghurt. Treats include hot chocolate and a 'small bowl of chips' for babies. The childminder has a food hygiene certificate which contributes towards ensuring food is properly prepared and presented. Children's individual dietary requirements are respected because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure their needs are met.

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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 safe, secure environment where risks are identified and reduced. This means there is plenty of unobstructed space for children to move around and play, within safe boundaries. Toys and equipment are checked regularly. They are safe, easily accessible and appropriate for the individual needs of the children attending. Children are supervised at all times and are developing an awareness of how to help keep themselves safe. This is because the childminder gives good explanations, such as why they shouldn't climb on furniture. Older children understand house rules are in place to help them remain safe. Children are well cared for due to effective procedures, which promote their welfare and safety at all times. For example, the childminder displays an emergency evacuation procedure and has a sound understanding of child protection issues, which meet with current requirements.

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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 Children are settled and make themselves at home in the childminder's house. They are comfortable and involved in their play. They can move around and make choices from a range of freely accessible toys and resources. These include puzzles, games, construction and mark making opportunities. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental learning needs of children of all ages. She has attended Birth to three matters training, so that play opportunities can be adapted to meet the needs of babies and young children. Children use their imaginations as they play. For example, they create lion faces during an art and craft activity and select resources to make whiskers and a mane. They play purposefully and are confident enough to approach the childminder for what they need. For instance, they ask for tape to 'stick the lion's eyes on'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact well with the childminder because she spends time talking and playing with them. She asks questions to encourage them to think and respond and encourages them to complete tasks independently. Children actively communicate with the childminder as they talk about their favourite activities and interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed, acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder. Even children new to the setting are settled and self assured because the childminder ensures she promotes their individual developmental needs. Children show a sense of belonging and are not afraid to seek support. They learn about themselves, one another and the wider world, during activities, such as making lanterns and dragons for Chinese New Year. Toys and resources promote positive images of diversity, although the range is limited. Children are well behaved and learn right from wrong, because the childminder is a good role model. She encourages and praises children regularly to help promote their confidence and self esteem. A list of house rules is displayed and the childminder encourages children to be involved in making decisions about their preferred activities. Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder and parents work

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Helping children make a positive contribution

very closely together to meet their needs. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures, although the complaints procedure has not been updated to current requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and settled within a well organised environment. They feel secure and at ease with the childminder and their surroundings. The registration certificate is displayed and a good range of documentation and records are professionally kept and shared with parents. These include a well presented service

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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 statement and daily attendance records, which show clear arrival and departure times for children. The childminder keeps Ofsted notified of any changes and takes positive steps to improve the service she provides. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted due to effective policies and procedures, which underpin the childminder's practice. The childminder provides a professional service and meets the needs of the children in her care.

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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.

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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): • continue to promote children's welfare by updating the complaints procedure to current requirements • promote children's understanding of diversity by providing a range of toys and resources which include positive images, including race, culture, gender and disability.

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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:

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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 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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