Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 124336 Inspection date 07 April 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 1998. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, five and one year, in Dunton Green, Kent. All of the downstairs areas plus two upstairs bedrooms are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding a total of four children. She supports children with special educational needs. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and runs the local toddler group. The family has two pet Guinea Pigs.

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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 develop their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example the childminder encourages good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing. She uses antibacterial spray on surfaces to help to prevent cross infection. Children benefit from procedures which ensure they are taken care of if they become ill or have an accident. For example, they do not attend if they have an infectious illness and accidents are recorded. There is currently no written consent in place for the childminder to seek medical advice or treatment. Children's physical development and sense of well being are promoted well. They are provided with a range of outdoor experiences as well as opportunities to rest or sleep 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. A sample menu is available to

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Helping children to be healthy

parents and includes a range of appealing and nutritious meals and snacks. These include children's favourites, such as, spaghetti bolognaise, as well as chicken, fish fingers and fresh vegetables. Lighter meals, snacks and puddings include a choice of sandwich fillers, ice cream, fruit and yoghurt. 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. For example, the childminder has addressed potential hazards in the garden to ensure children are safe and well cared for at all times. Some further attention is required in relation to the pond, fencing, building materials and the family trampoline. Safety matting is used in the large equipment play area to help prevent injuries. Children are supervised closely at all times, both indoors and outside. There is plenty of unobstructed space for them 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. Written consents from parents help to keep children safe. Children are developing an awareness of how to help keep themselves safe. This is because the childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

explains why certain procedures are necessary, such as holding her hand or the buggy when walking near the road, to avoid accidents. Children are well cared for due to effective procedures, which promote their welfare and safety at all times. For example, the childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure, which she practices with the children and an emergency plan to ensure

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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 children are taken care of appropriately should an accident or emergency occur. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. 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, resources and activities. These include construction, games, small world play, books, drawing and art and craft opportunities. Children are creative and use their imaginations as they play, because the childminder provides appropriate toys and experiences. These include a range of role play items including kitchen resources and dressing up clothes. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental learning needs of children of all ages. She has independently obtained the Birth to three matters framework, so that play opportunities can be adapted to meet the needs of babies and young children. Children play purposefully and enjoy their time together. For example, they follow

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

simple instructions when using educational computer activities and enjoy turn taking games such as animal dominoes. The childminder extends social and play opportunities because she spends much of her time playing with the children and asking questions to help them think and respond. Children happily discuss their favourite activities and interests, which currently include drawing and play and learn computer activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed, acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging as they move around and make themselves at home. They are settled and self assured because the childminder attentively promotes their individual needs. Toys and resources promote positive images of diversity and children have opportunities to learn about the wider world. For example, the childminder takes them on outings and to the local toddler group. This means children's social skills and awareness of the local environment are promoted well. 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. Children benefit from consistency of care, because the childminder and parents work very closely together to meet their needs. Parents are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

included and informed. They feel the childminder is attentive, promotes children's development well and provides a professional and caring service. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that parents are kept well informed about all relevant policies and procedures.

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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 The organisation is good. Children are very 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 for parents and a very good range of documentation and records are professionally kept. These include a well presented service statement. The attendance records show clear arrival and departure times for children. The childminder takes positive steps to improve the service she provides. For example, she has addressed previous safety issues, keeps herself up to date with current practice requirements and informs Ofsted of any changes. Children's welfare, care and learning are promoted due to a comprehensive range of policies and procedures, which underpin the childminder's practice. Copies of policies are given to parents.

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Organisation

The childminder provides a professional service and meets the needs of the children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was left with two actions. the first was to ensure all children's names, addresses and telephone numbers were recorded. The second, was to ensure the garden was not used by minded children until it was made safe. Both actions have been addressed. Child record forms have been completed and safety has been addressed in the garden. Building work is complete, the pond has been covered and the childminder supervises children closely at all times. A further recommendation has been left to continue to risk assess children's safety when playing in the garden. The childminder has taken steps towards improving the service she provides and ensuring children are safe and well cared for at all times.

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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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written consent from parents to seek medical advice or treatment • promote children's safety by continuing to risk assess the garden, with particular regard to the fish pond, building materials and missing fence panel as well as obtaining written permission from parents for children to use the family trampoline.

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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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