Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY217506 Inspection date 19 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 2002. She lives with her husband and 2 children, 1 aged 4, the other aged 15 months, in Sevenoaks, 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 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children. She drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local play group. The family has 2 pet cats.

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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 develop their knowledge and understanding of good health issues. For example, the childminder encourages children to adopt 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. 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 comfort. Children have access to drinks at all times and the childminder encourages them to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat. These include a range of appealing meals, such as shepherd's pie and spaghetti bolognaise. Fruit and fresh

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetables are provided daily. Lighter snacks and lunches include sandwiches and vegetable sticks. Food is properly prepared and well presented by the childminder who has a food hygiene certificate. 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. 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 explains why certain procedures are necessary, such as why it is important not to climb on the furniture, or why young children must not be allowed near hot drinks. Children are well cared for due to effective procedures, which promote their welfare

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and safety at all times. For example, the childminder has an emergency evacuation procedure, although this has not been practised with the children. She has a basic understanding of child protection issues and has arranged to update her knowledge by attending a training course.

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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

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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 interested and involved in the play opportunities provided and can make choices from a range of freely accessible toys, resources and activities. These include construction, games, small world play, books, drawing and painting. Children are creative and use their imaginations as they play. For example, they enjoy playing with age appropriate hammers and nail sets and make their own creations. They confidently discuss what they are doing and are heard to make comments, such as ' look, it's not got a hole in it' when trying to tap in a rectangle shape. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental learning needs of children of all ages. She has a positive attitude towards updating her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework, so that play opportunities can be adapted to meet the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needs of babies and young children. Children play purposefully and enjoy their time together. For example, children of all ages are encouraged to take part in art and craft activities, such as making Easter pictures and cards. A range of stimulating, interactive toys helps the very young children to explore and investigate using their senses. The childminder extends play opportunities because she spends much of her time playing with the children and asking questions to help them think and respond. She supports children with activities requested by parents, including reading and homework. Children are sociable and happily communicate as they play with their favourite 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 to places of interest and to the local play 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. This is because the childminder is a good role model and has a set of house rules. 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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

closely together to meet their needs. Parents are included and informed and the childminder uses contact notes for all children. 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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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

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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 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 recommendations, 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 range of policies and procedures, which underpin the childminder's practice. The childminder offers a professional service and meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was left with three recommendations. These included planning a range of activities for children aged five to eight years, to develop children's understanding of disabilities and to ensure the records of attendance contained precise arrival and departure times. All three recommendations have been addressed. The childminder has provided a range of freely accessible toys, resources and experiences. These include positive images of diversity and meet the needs of children of all ages. The daily attendance record shows clear arrival and departure times. The childminder has taken steps towards improving the service provided and ensuring children are safe and well cared for at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 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

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): • promote children's safety by practising the emergency evacuation procedure with them • update the complaints procedure to include keeping a record of complaints.

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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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