Childminder in KentOfsted inspection, 16 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY236425 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Lesley Theresa Watts

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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 since 2001. She works from the home of another registered childminder, where they work in partnership. The property is located within easy reach of local shops, schools, pre-schools and the park. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for no more than 4 children under 8 years; of these not more than 3 may be under 5 years; of these not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. The number of under 8s increases to 6 when the

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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 co-childminder is present. At present the childminders jointly care for 11 children under the age of 8 years, on a part time basis. The childminder has completed the Kent quality kite mark and is an accredited childminder. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a qualification in childcare and education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted in premises that are maintained to a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness. Effective systems are implemented within the home to help prevent the transmission of communicable diseases. For example, the use of disposable gloves when changing nappies and the careful disposal of nappies. From an early age children begin to learn the importance of good personal hygiene; they are supported to wash their hands before eating and individual towels are provided for hand drying. A healthy and balanced range of snacks are provided for children, supporting them to develop an awareness of food that is good for them. For example, children regularly enjoy fresh fruit at snack time. Dietary requirements are met because, in most instances, parents provide meals for their children. However, a range of balanced and nutritious meals are provided if required. The childminder adheres to easily

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Helping children to be healthy

accessible information relating to allergies and preferences. Children begin to learn the importance of keeping their bodies hydrated; the childminder offers drinks on a regular basis and gentle reminders ensure younger children remember to take a drink, contributing to their good health. Younger children spend much of their time playing in the back sitting room; as a result the space available for children to move around freely inside is limited. Access to the garden is restricted to fine weather. However, children do receive regular opportunities to participate in vigorous physical exercise and experience changes that occur in their bodies, through planned visits the play gym and park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are safe and secure, contributing to keeping children safe. Children develop their spatial awareness within a safe environment. Children move around the ground floor of the property freely, making effective use of the available play space, whilst using developmentally appropriate toys and resources. In addition the downstairs bathroom affords children good opportunities to develop their independence and self help skills, whilst managing their own toileting needs. A clear and consistent routine enables the children to develop a sound awareness of the boundaries implemented by the childminder to keep them safe. For example,

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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 know they sit at the table to eat snacks and meals. Systems to ensure the safe departure of children are good. Details of those authorised to collect children are documented and a password system is used to confirm authorisation of other adults. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted appropriately because the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. She has a good knowledge and understanding of issues and procedures relating to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The carefully prepared, well-organised and nurturing environment helps children to settle quickly. The childminder is attentive and caring in her approach and the children are content and settled in her care. The children clearly enjoy exploring the range of brightly coloured toys that the childminder provides. With the support of the childminder they look at books, sing songs, dance to music and prepare cake mix as part of a baking activity. Effective questioning techniques helps children to develop their language and to consolidate their learning fully. The childminder ensures she shares her time equitably amongst the children, supporting and encouraging them in their play and learning. She ensures the children receive lots of praise and positive intervention, helping to build on their self-esteem and confidence. Regular visits out in to the community help children learn about the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

environment. For example, children enjoy walks to the park and regular visits to the play gym. Opportunities for children to explore with their senses are restricted to planned activities. In addition, opportunities for children to self select and make independent choices from the range of toys available are hindered, by the lack of space and storage available within the main play area. However, the childminder has started to use the Birth to three matters framework to prepare planning for children under the age of three years. Ensuring they receive a broad and balanced range of activities that promote all areas of learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and babies are settled and enjoy a consistent and organised routine, that affords them opportunities to be active and relax. Realistic expectations and a consistent approach by the childminder helps the children to learn about right and wrong. Strategies for managing unwanted behaviour are tailored to meet the individual needs of the child; as a result children’s behaviour is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals, differences embraced and each child treated with equal concern. A child record form details children's dietary requirements, medical needs, likes and dislikes, all of which help the childminder provide the appropriate care. There is a small range of toys and resources that reflect positive images of society. The childminder has introduced the celebration of festivals from

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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 around the world, helping children to develop their awareness of different lifestyles, beliefs and traditions. The childminder has, in the past, cared for children with special needs and she demonstrates a strong commitment to provide an inclusive service. A strong commitment to work in partnership with parents, building positive relationships and effective communication, contributes to meeting the individual needs of all children. Details of policies and procedures are included in a well organised resource folder. This is shared with parents in the first instance, ensuring they are fully informed of the service provided. However, as yet the complaints procedure has not been updated to ensure parents have been informed of recent changes. Written permissions for appropriate aspects of the childminder's service

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Helping children make a positive contribution

have been obtained and contracts detail business arrangements to ensure the care required is provided. In addition formal written references confirm parents are well informed and very happy with the service provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The organisation of the setting is good and contributes to positive outcomes for children. The environment is well organised and carefully prepared to ensure children's individual needs are met. The childminder works alongside another registered childminder. Together they work well as a team, providing a consistent and organised routine, which accommodates children’s individual needs and preferences throughout the day, helping them to feel secure. The childminder is able to show that all adults living in the household have undergone checks to establish their suitability. Most of the required mandatory documentation and consent forms for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and well maintained. However, the childminder has not yet displayed her certificate of registration to enable parents to confirm details of her

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Organisation

registration. The childminder has completed the Kent quality kite mark "Investors in children, quality assurance scheme" and she continues to review and monitor the quality of the service she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection two recommendations were made. These were to obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. The childminder has reviewed her procedures for administering medication and updated her consent requests from parents. As a result these recommendations have been addressed fully.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop the complaints policy to reflect recent changes • ensure all required documentation relating to the organisation of the childminding service are in place, completed promptly and kept up to date.

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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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