Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310398 Inspection date 17 February 2006 Inspector Mary Van De Peer

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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 satisfactory. 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 daughter in Ashford, Kent. 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding five children. She walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/carer and toddler group. The family has a pet dog and a cockatiel bird.

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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home with a welcoming environment. Children are kept safe from infection and disease. The childminder operates a sick child policy and children do not attend if they have sickness, diarrhoea or a childhood illness such as chickenpox. Medication is stored safely and the childminder has appropriate accident and medication record books. Satisfactory personal hygiene procedures also ensure that children learn about hand washing and why they need to be kept clean. Children are offered a selection of food which is healthy and nutritious. They are able to choose from a variety of snacks and fruit. The childminder works with parents in this area and they have the option to provide meals if they want. Children learn about healthy eating. The children are able to play with toys which help further develop their fine motor skills, for example drawing, painting and shape-sorters. However, there

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Helping children to be healthy

are not daily opportunities for children to play outdoors to extend their physical development and play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children can move around and play freely between the lounge/diner and hallway, where the toys are stored. The toilet upstairs is also easily accessible. Although daily risk assessments are carried out by the childminder, these are not recorded. Safety measures are in place throughout the childminder's home. Children are looked after in a safe environment. The equipment being used is suitable and appropriate. High chair, pushchair and car seats all conform to safety standards. An emergency evacuation plan has been developed and the children practise it on a regular basis. Children are able to keep themselves safe in an emergency. Children are kept safe from harm and neglect as the childminder has an appropriate knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, which are discussed with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a warm and caring relationship with the childminder. They smile and laugh and interact well with her and her family. They receive lots of hugs and cuddles. The older child enjoys helping the childminder care for the baby. They are treated as individuals and their needs are well catered for. Children can independently choose from a range of quality toys and resources that are easily accessible. However, some of the activities do not consistently challenge all of the children appropriately. Children relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular visits to local toddler and support groups. The local library is

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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 also visited on a weekly basis. This helps children learn how to treat and use different types of books. The childminder keeps examples of children's work in a folder, sharing these regularly with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has developed a clear service statement with several relevant procedures. Parents do not receive their own copy of this. Information on children's development and behaviour is shared with parents, verbally at the end of each day and is also written in a daily contact book. This ensures that whichever parent collects, both are aware of requests and information. Children receive continuity of care. The childminder has written behaviour management strategies which help give children clear boundaries. They are beginning to develop good self-esteem. Older children help the childminder with the care of the baby. All children receive appropriate attention and are learning to care for each other. Although the childminder has not cared for a child with special educational needs, she has a positive attitude towards this. There are books which reflect positive images of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

people's cultures and lives. However, there are no additional resources to help children learn about the diversities in today's society.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed an Introducing Childcare Practice (ICP) course and has a current paediatric first aid certificate. Her registration document is displayed and all adults in the household have been vetted. The childminder has acceptable levels of paperwork completed on each child. The attendance register is completed daily and all relevant paperwork is shared with parents. The childminder has completed a service contract with parents which is regularly reviewed. Although there is a service statement and policies, the childminder acknowledges that this could be made more accessible to parents. There is no procedure for keeping a record of complaints. All documentation is confidential and stored appropriately. The childminder organises her routine and home to ensure children are well supervised at all times. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints 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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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 satisfactory. 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): • consider providing children with more daily outdoor activities • review provision of resources which reflect positive images of different cultures and disabilities • ensure resources and activities are challenging all children appropriately

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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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