Childminder in KentOfsted inspection, 20 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY260855 Inspection date 20 May 2005 Inspector Freeda Wildon

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and four children aged eight, five, three and one in Margate, Kent. She is currently minding four children aged three, four, six and eight years. Overnight care is not provided. 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 walks to local schools and pre-school to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler and childminder's support group, and takes children to the local library and park.

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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 good. Children experience a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Regular outings to the park, local amenities and garden play, improve children's physical skills. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The daily routines, such as hand washing, reinforce good hygiene and act as helpful reminders to encourage children's increasing independence. Children understand that washing hands before eating, after going to the toilet and after playing in the garden, helps prevent the spread of infection. Children are developing independence as they make healthy choices about their food and drink. They recognise the changes to their body, for example they know when they are thirsty and help themselves to water at any time. Children's dietary needs are known; as a result children's religious and cultural requirements are met through

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Helping children to be healthy

effective partnership with parents and children enjoy nutritious snacks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Daily risk assessments are undertaken to ensure safety. As a result children are safeguarded from accidental injury in a well-prepared and welcoming environment. The play equipment available to children each day is organised by the childminder so that children access it easily and safely. The childminder explains simple rules to prevent accidents such as why children should stay on the carpet when wearing dressing up shoes. Children learn about the importance of keeping themselves safe indoors and away from the home, for example, by holding hands when walking to school. The childminder has all the required policies and documentation in place. She is well prepared and organised for outings, for example, she takes first aid equipment and details for the children and herself with her, in case of emergencies. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures helps promote and safeguard children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. Although some of them have just started with the childminder, they have quickly made themselves feel at home. They have formed good relationships with the childminder and relate well to each other. They socialise with other children through regular attendance at local toddlers groups and clubs. Frequent visits to the local amenities such as the beach, Jungle Jims, parks, museum, library, zoo, bird park and music sessions, help children find out about the

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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 environment and the community around them. Children are cared for in an environment that allows them to experience a wide selection of activities. Good opportunities are provided to allow children to explore, communicate and express their ideas freely. However, opportunities have not been extended to allow children to use their own initiative to select freely from the wide range of equipment. Children move confidently and safely, showing awareness of themselves and others, as they play independently in all areas on the ground floor. Children are developing well in their confidence and self-esteem. They are lively, enthusiastic and excited as they share activities and learn to take turns. Children are learning to be independent in personal care, for example taking themselves to the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

toilet and accessing a drink of water when they are thirsty. They are familiar with their routine and developing a sense of time as the childminder regularly refers to what would happen next, for example, snack time and getting ready to go out. Children are interested, excited and confidently speak to adults and their friends. They concentrate and sit quietly when they are involved in their play, helped by the childminder’s encouragement and clear routine.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children from a variety of backgrounds are warmly welcomed. Their individual needs are known to the childminder and met. The childminder shares written and verbal information daily with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to strong partnerships with parents and continuity in their children's care. Children have access to a range of meaningful activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and to increase children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, the childminder provides books, puzzles, play figures and opportunities to explore the local community. Children are learning to value and respect each others' wishes due to the childminder being a positive role model. Children's self assurance is sensitively encouraged by the childminder, for example children learn to say no when they no longer wish to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

play a game. Children receive good support from the childminder and are praised and encouraged appropriately. As a result children behave well, share and play harmoniously together.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in a secure and welcoming environment where they feel at home. Clear routines have allowed the children to settle quickly. The childminder effectively uses the policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. All required mandatory records for the effective and safe

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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 management of the setting are in place as result children are kept safe and their needs are met. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since registration.

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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): • increase opportunities for children to develop independence and to select freely from the wide selection of equipment.

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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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