Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY410870 Inspection date 18/11/2010 Inspector Clare Stone

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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.

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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

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and three children in a residential area of Whitstable, near to parks, shops, schools, public transport links and the beach. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, with the exception of two of the bedrooms. There is a small step into the house, and another into the garden, and there is a toilet on the ground floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time, only two of whom may be in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has eight children on roll, all who attend on a part-time basis. There are two children who are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a dog, cats and guinea pigs.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder creates a friendly and welcoming environment for children. She develops a caring relationship, getting to know and value children's likes and dislikes. Children's welfare and learning is successfully promoted through the childminder's good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All relevant documents are in place and up to date. The childminder is keen to attend any training that will improve the service she provides and has started her self- evaluation form to work on her strengths and areas for improvement. Partnership with parents and other agencies is in place with the childminder sharing information to ensure the welfare of the children in her care.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure that children's next steps are clearly identified and used in leading future planning  strengthen the use of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify strengths and priorities for development that will continuously improve the quality of the provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding about safeguarding the children in her care. She ensures they are collected by a named adult and is able to name the signs of abuse and the correct procedures to follow in the event of any concerns about a child in her care. All policies and procedures reflect this. There are risk assessments in place and these are carried out daily, and all concerns are recorded and addressed. This helps reduce the risk of injury to children and shows the childminder is thorough in keeping children safe. Fire procedures are in place and practised regularly. This encourages children to take an active part in protecting themselves.

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the early years provision

All records are well organised and readily available for inspection. Policies and procedures are updated and kept in line with current legislation. The childminder ensures all documentation is available for parents to read and she shares children's achievements and works of art. The childminder has attended regular training in the childcare field and knows the importance of keeping up to date with childcare issue. She uses the information gained to improve the service she provides for both parents and children.

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the early years provision

As the childminder has only been minding for a short period of time, she has just started her self-evaluation form. There are plenty of ideas to move her business forward and she is keen to learn all she can to provide children with a good start in life. Partnership with parents and other agencies are well established and make a strong contribution to children's achievements and well-being. Communication takes place, supporting individual children to ensure information is regularly shared and used to move children forward at a pace that suits them.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity. All children are included in all activities and the childminder works hard to ensure all children are given the opportunity to be themselves and flourish is a stable and homely environment. The childminder promotes good outcomes for the children in her care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settle quickly in the childminder's home. There are plenty of toys to choose from and most are stored at the children's level so they can pick and choose what they would like to play with. All resources are in good order and fit for purpose. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to promote learning through fun, practical and quality play experiences. There are good observations in place, however, children's next steps need to be clearly identified and used in leading future planning. The planning that is in place is detailed and is suited to meet children's interests.

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and outcomes for children

There are displays of children's photographs and artwork around the room that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 give children a sense of belonging. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement for their attempts and achievements. This helps build children's self-esteem and confidence. Children's behaviour is very good and they share very well. Any behaviour issues are discussed with parents to ensure continuity. Good quality interaction and well-organised routines help children become secure in their surroundings.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They really enjoy going for walks with the childminder's dog and visiting the local park. The childminder provides children with healthy snacks and parents provide their main meals. There is great flexibility and the childminder ensures she is aware of children's dietary needs. Children who are unwell do not attend the childminder's, therefore, stopping the risk of cross infection.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides children with lots of opportunities to build skills for the future. They have access to a computer, games and resources that teach them about cause and effect. This helps children progress in communication, literacy, numeracy and communication technology. Overall, children are making good progress in all six areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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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

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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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