Inspection report for early years provision Unique Reference Number - removed for security purposes Inspection date 16 April 2008 Inspector Denys Rasmussen Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding 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. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT? The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband in a house in a residential area of Beckenham in Kent. All of the house is used for childminding purposes except for two bedrooms upstairs. A secure garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Currently there are three children on roll aged from one year to four years. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION Helping children to be healthy The provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through well established every day routines. They know, for example, they need to wash their hands after they have used the toilet and before meals and to use their own towel when drying their hands. This reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder's well written sick child policy is effective at informing parents, this helps to stop the spread of infection. The childminder follows excellent hygiene procedures in the kitchen as she has completed a food hygiene course and understands how food should be stored, prepared, cooked and served hygienically. The childminder is qualified in first aid and requests parental consent to seek emergency medical assistance if necessary. This means accidents are dealt with appropriately. She has all the required documentation in place to record any accidents or administration of medication but has not had to use these to date. The childminder promotes the good health of children very well by working in partnership with parents. For example, she keeps very detailed information about children's health needs so that she can act quickly in the event of an emergency and heed any specific dietary needs. Children are well nourished because the childminder provides a healthy and well balanced diet, she ensures the children are offered fruit and vegetables every day and encourages them to drink water. They use sporting equipment in the garden and the childminder walks everywhere with the children, this promotes their physical development and contributes to children learning about a healthy lifestyle. The childminder's excellent understanding of the children's needs and what they are interested in coupled with her warm interaction and support help to nurture their emotional well-being. Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe The provision is good. The childminder has good systems in place for ensuring the safety of the children. Risk assessments are completed ensuring measures are put into place to reduce the risk of potential hazards. For example, the radiators have been covered, all cupboards housing potentially hazardous substances are locked and an oven guard is fitted. Clear and comprehensive policies and practice are effective in protecting children. The childminder recognises her responsibility to the children in her care and has a good understanding of when to put into place her child protection procedures. She has documentation in place to record incidents, existing injuries, accidents and any concerns she may have about a child's welfare. This is all shared with parents to ensure they are well informed. The children are cared for in a welcoming home where space is organised effectively to create a child friendly environment which enables the children to move freely and explore safely because the childminder supervises appropriately. Children are able to eat, rest and play in comfort. Children play safely because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them and that they are of good quality. Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do The provision is good. Children are involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and learning. The childminder understands what interests the children and exploits this well to provide stimulating activities that the children enjoy. For example, for a child interested in trains, the childminder encourages him to count them as they travel past the back of the garden and helps him make a long train out of paper of which he is very proud. A child interested in pirates and mermaids has made pirate hats to wear when engaged in role play and proudly shows the mermaid outfit he has made for his teddy. The childminder has written a list of activities she hopes to offer the children for parents' information, including activities such as painting, printing, baking, gardening, messy play and role play. She encourages the children's independence through their involvement in the daily routine such as laying the table for lunch and putting on their own coats. The childminder encourages learning as they play, and offers frequent praise and encouragement while being involved in their imaginary games. The children have good relationships with the childminder, who knows them well, is attentive to their needs and responds to them with warmth and affection. Helping children make a positive contribution The provision is good. Children are treated as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their personal needs and character. Although the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment. Although children learn to value diversity when they read books that reflect different backgrounds, positive imagery within play resources is limited. The childminder is careful not to gender stereotype activities and encourages all the children to play with all the toys. The childminder has a written behaviour management policy which she discusses with the parents. Her good use of praise and encouragement helps build children's self-esteem and this, along with realistic house rules, helps children to behave well. The childminder is warm and playful supporting children's imagination by becoming involved in their play, while guiding their behaviour through example. They benefit from good relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder talks to parents every day to exchange information and also keeps a written diary, which provides a full account of each child's day. She also uses e-mail and phone calls to help keep parents informed. This effective communication helps ensure children experience consistent care. Organisation The organisation is good. The childminder's home and outdoor area are well organised for children to play safely with stimulating activities. Children benefit from the time and attention she is able to give them, supporting their play and learning well. All the required documentation is in place and well maintained. Her policies and procedures work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Parents are well informed about their child's progress and the service provided through effective communication systems and written information in her portfolio. The childminder has completed required childminding training and shows commitment to continually updating her knowledge and skills through attending appropriate courses. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Improvements since the last inspection Not applicable. Complaints since the last inspection Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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. THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection: The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT? 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): * improve positive imagery within play resources. Any complaints about the inspection or the report should be made following the procedures 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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