Childminder in Medway

Inspection report for early years provision

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156042 Unique Reference Number 14 June 2006 Inspection date Janette Mary White Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children, two are school age children, and two are adult children, in Walderslade, Chatham, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding 12 children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a range of experiences, which promotes their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. The childminder gives consideration to helping children to be independent with routine self help skills, such as wiping noses and washing hands. There is a risk of cross infection as the children all share the same towel. The use of the garden encourages children's physical skills and they understand why they need to wash their hands after outdoor play. Garden games and visits to local play areas improve children’s physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their bodies and know when they need a drink or a rest. For example, as they complete their aerobics exercise programme. Children benefit from playing in the fresh air and they are not afraid to attempt new challenges for themselves, which in turn promotes their physical development and sense of wellbeing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks at all times and are supported in making healthy choices regarding the food they eat. They talk about their favourite foods and drinks, and the childminder provides children with nutritious choices. Older children ask or help themselves to drinks. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. The childminder has not ensured that parents have given written permission to seek emergency treatment or advice on behalf of their child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a spacious home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. However, smoke alarms are not provided at every level. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, there is an alarm fitted to the front door.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a range of toys and equipment. The childminder monitors their choice to ensure they are appropriate for the child’s age and stage of development. Toys are organised enabling children to freely choose from the varied selection. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues, but is less aware of the procedures. Children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted as some of the required procedures and documents are in place, for example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children quickly settle and make themselves at home in the childminder's house. They show a sense of confidence and self esteem. Children can freely choose from a range of stimulating activities and experiences. These include books, games and puzzles, which provides some positive images of equal opportunities. This offers the children a basic choice when playing

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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 with toys and resources. The childminder does not use the Birth to three matters framework to adapt activities in order to promote younger children’s learning. Children enjoy the time at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to be creative by experimenting with resources and are enthusiastic as they paint with different size brushes or finger painting. They show good levels of curiosity and imagination as they pretend to play families with the dolls and pushchairs, and the toy Hoover. Children have some opportunities to play with basic resources to promote equality of opportunity. They actively communicate with the childminder as they excitedly discuss their favourite activities and interests. The childminder encourages children to care for the resources on offer and to help tidy them away.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are acknowledged and affirmed by the childminder. They demonstrate a sense of belonging and offer their own ideas. Although, not all the information to enable appropriate care is recorded or discussed with parents. Children are provided with a range of toys, resources and experiences, some of which promotes positive images of equality. They have opportunities to learn about themselves and one another because the childminder takes time to talk to children and extends their knowledge through books and television programmes. The childminder has a general awareness of children with special educational needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are respected as individuals and treated with equal concern by the childminder. They feel secure and benefit from consistency of care, which is achieved by the childminder and parents working together. However, she has not obtained or recorded all the children’s details. In addition not all children’s records are readily available for inspection. Children are well behaved because they understand the behavioural boundaries set by the childminder and respond well to frequent praise and encouragement. The childminder has a some understanding of her policy for parents to make a complaint, but she is unaware of the complaints procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within a homely environment. They feel secure and at ease with the childminder and their surroundings. As a result, they make themselves at home, lead in their play and are not afraid to ask for what they need. The childminder has experience of working with children of differing ages and abilities. First aid training is up to date. The registration certificate is displayed. There are details of the times of arrival and departure in an attendance register. However, this is full, and the childminder has some loose pages or has pre-recorded children's attendance for one week. Therefore, not all of the children's attendance is recorded daily. Children's welfare, care and development is promoted, due to the childminder keeping some of the required records and documents. Although, not all the documentation is readily available. The childminder has some Criminal Records Bureau clearance letters. However,

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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 she has not ensured that all persons over the age of 16 living in the household have the relevant checks. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection highlighted three recommendations to; update written information given to parents, extend toys, equipment and resources reflecting equal opportunities, and to ensure emergency evacuation procedures are practised with the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection; the childminder has revised and update written information given to parents, she has reviewed and provides some additional resources reflecting equal opportunities. In addition, she has discussed and practices the emergency evacuation procedures with children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result, children are able to develop their awareness of equal opportunities and their knowledge of what to do in an emergency. Parents are better informed regarding the service she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • ensure good hygiene practices are in place in order to prevent the risk of cross infection. • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. • ensure all the children’s details are recorded and this information is readily available for inspection. • make available a written record of complaints for parents and Ofsted.

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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 • ensure you notify Ofsted of any changes in persons over the age of 16 working or living in the household.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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