Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY234652 Unique Reference Number 26 June 2006 Inspection date Karen Scott 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 2002. She lives with her husband and four children, two of whom are adults and the other two are aged two and eight, in Warden, near Leysdown. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is 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 provide care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three, part-time. Overnight care can be provided. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler groups. The family have goldfish, a gerbil and a hamster.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has an NVQ in childcare.

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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 understand the importance of good hygiene practices as they are encouraged to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating meals. However, they are not always reminded to do so after playing outside and before eating snacks. Children are able to help themselves to drinks whenever they want and are given gentle reminders throughout the day in order to stop them becoming dehydrated. Children's dietary needs and preferences are catered for as the parents provide their children's meals which are named and stored in the refrigerator. Snacks tend to be brown bread and healthy fillings as well as biscuits and cakes. Children understand the need for regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. They use the garden and large play equipment daily and make regular visits to the beach and parks. On rainy days the childminder ensures that children have physical exercise by supplying, for example, a

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Helping children to be healthy

ball pool and large cars indoors. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate so she is able to administer first aid in the event of an accident. Emergency medical treatment would be sought if required but written permission from parents has not been obtained to do this. Children who are infectious do not attend thus preventing the spread of contagious ailments.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a spacious environment. Children are able to move around freely. They have access to toys and resources appropriate for their age but these are stacked and quite difficult for children to access with ease. Toys and resources are carefully selected to ensure that there are no broken parts that could harm a child. A risk assessment has been carried out and steps have been taken to minimise risks to children. Babies are able to crawl safely and pull themselves up using furniture that does not easily tip over. Children are aware of the procedure in case of fire as they have practised this with the childminder. Children are closely supervised in the garden and rules are in place to keep children from harm, such as not climbing up the slide. The childminder has attended training on child protection and has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, helping to protect the children in her

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

care. She understands her role in the protection of children and shares this with parents through a written policy that does not fully comply with current regulations, but is clear about the procedure that would be followed if there were any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed. They readily approach the childminder for support indicating that good relationships have been built. Children show some independence and make some choices about the activities that they become involved in. For example, the childminder gets out the ball pool and bubbles and steers the children's play in this direction but she also supports children's wishes to extend their play using other resources, such as cushions, which they imaginatively turn into a computer. However, it is hard for children to independently choose toys and resources

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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 to play with as they are difficult to access with ease. Children are encouraged to do things for themselves, such as putting on coats, and are given good support when learning new skills. Children participate in a range of activities that promote all areas of learning. Some of the minded children attend early years settings and the childminder continues with the themes that they are participating in there, thus extending their learning and making a connection between the setting and the childminder's. Their mathematical development is promoted through the daily routine which affords many opportunities for counting and shape recognition. They enjoy regular visits to the library and benefit from various outings to playgrounds, parks, the beach and toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a good understanding of equality of opportunity and a positive attitude towards diversity. Children talk about things that are important to them, for example, birthdays, home life and playgroup, making them feel that what they value is also valued by the childminder. Children have access to some resources reflecting positive images and learn about other cultures, particularly those that have some importance to them. Babies learn about their own capabilities and are given praise when they achieve things. The childminder has some experience and a fair understanding of caring for children with special needs. Children's developmental needs are discussed with parents and any concerns raised quickly ensuring consistency of care for the child. Children benefit from basic ground rules which are consistently maintained by the childminder. Parents are involved in devising strategies to support children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

so that they learn acceptable behaviour. The childminder gathers relevant information from parents before children are placed in her care so that they can be cared for appropriately. Parents are welcomed warmly into the home and their child's day discussed with them. Policies and procedures keep them informed of the childminder's practice but do not tell them how to make a complaint and the procedure involved should they do so. A clear written procedure ensures that parents know what would happen in an emergency.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder attending childcare courses which keep her up-to-date with current childcare practice. Records are easily accessible and well-maintained. Written policies and procedures keep parents informed of the childminder's practice. The registration certificate is on display but it does not reflect the childminder's current conditions regarding the age of the children that she may care for and therefore, could mislead parents. The childminder takes children's safety seriously; their actual times of arrival and departure are recorded and she has ensured that as her children have become adults they have had criminal records checks.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, update the written child protection policy and provide a written special needs policy. The childminder has written a child protection policy that makes it clear to parents the procedures involved should she be concerned about a child in her care. However, it does not make reference to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The childminder has attended training on child protection and has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, helping to protect the children in her care. The childminder has written a special needs policy that informs parents she will work with them and other agencies to provide the care that is required.

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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 childminder 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 that good hygiene practices regarding hand washing are in place at all times in order to keep children healthy • obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment • update child protection policy to comply with current recommendations • write a complaints procedure.

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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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