Childminder in Medway

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY334719 Inspection date 08/09/2010 Inspector Janette White

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.3

Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

p.3

Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and two school aged children in Gillingham, Kent. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are steps to different levels on the ground floor. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over eight years to 11 years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has an adequate understanding of how to support children's care and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Overall she has some procedures in place to consider their welfare. Parents are kept informed of the children's daily activities and she has forged links with outside agencies. The childminder values the partnership with parents and other agencies. This supports children's individual needs and their all round development. Children seek comfort in a secure environment and are at ease with the childminder. They play with a range of resources some of which reflect the world around them. The childminder has the capacity to build upon her continuous improvement to develop her potential future improvements as well as her strengths.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 make a record of risk assessments clearly stating when they were carried out, the date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 22/09/2010

p.4

further?

 carry out a risk assessment for each type of outing and review it before embarking on each specific outing (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 22/09/2010

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop systems further to clearly identify the child's next stage of their development and ensure this is used in leading future planning  continue to improve the children's understanding of fire evacuation drills.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge of her policies, such as child protection and the complaints procedure. She describes what action she would take in relation to child protection and is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. The childminder works in partnership with the parents and has developed links with other settings, and outside agencies. She has implemented a new system regarding written permission to seek emergency medical treatment. As a result, all parents provide the relevant written permissions. The childminder regularly discusses with the children the house rules. She explains that they are aware of the safety aspects when using the trampoline and how they do not open the front door. She describes how she carries out her risk assessment of home environment, although she does not maintain a record. In addition, there is no clear process for how she carries out a risk assessment for each type of outing. As a result, there

p.5

the early years provision

are no details of how children are kept safe within the home and garden or whilst on outings. The childminder's first aid certificate is up to date, which makes sure appropriate first aid care is given to children. Her first aid box is now easily accessible and she also takes separate emergency equipment when accompanying children to and from school or pre-school, and also when they are on an outing. Although, essential information is not always readily available when outside the home. She has a system to maintain details of accidents and medication, and she makes sure that sick children do not attend which reduces the risk of cross infection.

p.5

the early years provision

Equality and diversity is considered and the childminder explains how all children are treated as individuals and she has written details of their background needs, such as religion and language spoken at home. The childminder makes sure each child is valued and she supports each family according to their circumstances. As a result, no child is disadvantaged and all children are treated with equal regard. The childminder describes her approach to behaviour management by giving appropriate examples of how she deals with a variety of different situations. The childminder is continuing to establish systems for self-evaluation and describes areas for continuous improvement, such as extending her knowledge of how her observations are used in the child's next stage of development. She is aware of her strengths and has noted areas to re-assess further. The childminder has implemented new procedures for ensuring she obtains all the required written

p.5

the early years provision

permissions. Parents work together with the childminder. They mention that she keeps them informed of the activities and places of interest they visit. In addition, they say their children are happy to be with the childminder and have fun while learning as they play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children take part in a number of activities which support some areas of their learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities provides opportunities to be active, inquisitive and independent learners. The childminder continues to strive to develop her system to record children's observations covering most areas of the early learning goals and generally gathers some information about their starting points and capabilities. However, the observations do not always effectively link to the next stage of their progress and development. Parents discuss the general routine of the child, their likes and interests. They are kept informed of the activities through verbal discussion and have opportunities to access the child's learning and development records. Children play with a balance of resources which are stored and labelled in order for them to have easy access and free choice. Outside equipment is

p.6

and outcomes for children

organised each day to reflect daily opportunities for them to play and explore the outside environment. There are notices and labels displayed in a child friendly fashion to aid all children's early recognition skills including elements of positive images reflecting diversity.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children as they achieve to their own satisfaction. They are supported when making decisions, such as choosing the ride on toys or which plastic animals they wish to hide in the sand pit. Children are developing new skills and learn at their own pace because activities are adapted to suit each child. The childminder carries out and maintains a record of when emergency evacuation drills take place. She has a 'fire notice' in words and pictures for all children. However, an articulate four-year-old is not able to describe the emergency escape fire plan. There are posters for all children to gain an understanding of the house rules including hand washing. Children explain the importance of washing germs off their hands and use paper towels to dry them. However, they do not always use soap from the pump dispenser when washing their hands prior to eating. This is because the soap is stored out of their reach unless the childminder is present.

p.6

and outcomes for children

As a result, there is a risk of cross contamination and an opportunity for children to be independent in their self-care is not always fostered.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder describes how children learn about their boundaries and she reminds them of the danger of climbing on the furniture. Children say they might fall and hurt themselves. Through discussion they explain how they cross roads safely. For example, how they look left and right to see if any traffic is coming. The childminder regularly offers drinks and she supports their awareness of healthy foods. The childminder is developing activities to promote children's economic well- being as she describes how children care for the environment as they water their plants and gauge how much they grow. She has identified an area of future improvement, for example, how she promotes the importance of recycling and how this affects their carbon footprint. The childminder describes how children have many opportunities to be outside in the fresh air, for example, as they use the garden everyday, walk to their pre-school or visit the local park. As a result,

p.6

and outcomes for children

children learn about the benefits of physical exercise and have plenty of occasions This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to be outside in the fresh air. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

Stage

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9