| Inspection date | 08 April 2008 |
|---|---|
| Inspector | Freeda Wildon |
| 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 2003. She lives with her husband in Ramsgate, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.
The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local toddler and childminding groups.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION
Helping children to be healthy
The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm clean environment where they learn about good hygiene practices. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder has introduced paper towels to prevent the spread of infection. Effective procedures are in place for nappy changing and nappies are disposed of appropriately. As yet babies are not introduced to hand washing to help them learn about hand washing from an early age. Current first aid training, a sick child policy, accident and medicine records are all in place to help the childminder act in the best interest of children if they have an accident or become ill.
Children are learning about healthy eating because the childminder offers fruit and vegetables for snacks. Healthy breakfasts and evening meals are also provided. Fruit drinks are offered regularly and water is available to keep children’s bodies hydrated. The childminder organises outings to the park and to toddlers groups where there is large play equipment. In the summer children play in the garden. As a result, they receive plenty of opportunities to develop physical skills and contribute to their health and development. Babies are gaining control of their bodies as they pull themselves up and cruise around the furniture.
Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe
The provision is good. Formal risk assessments are undertaken by the childminder to ensure that children are safe. Any concerns are highlighted and addressed. As a result, children are able to move freely between the main areas exploring the world around them. The entrance is secure so children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised. A selection of information is available in the hallway to keep parents well informed about the childminding service. Effective procedures for the arrival and collection of children are in place, for example, children only go home with authorised adults. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. Toys are clean and well maintained. As a result, children can play safely.
An evacuation plan is in place and fire detection equipment is accessible to promote fire safety. Older children practise fire drills regularly to support their understanding of what to do if they needed to evacuate the building. The childminder has not yet introduced fire drills to the younger children. The childminder applies good safety measures on outings, for example, she takes children’s details and written permission for emergency treatment with her. This allows the childminder to act in the best interest of the children should there be an emergency. She teaches the children about road safety. As a result, children know how to keep themselves safe away from the setting.
Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do
The provision is good. Children are cared for in a caring environment, as a result, they are happy and settled. Young children feel at home with the childminder and stay close by her for support. Children are developing well in their confidence and self-esteem because the childminder praises and encourages them. She helps them acquire new skills and knowledge by showing them what to do and valuing their achievements.
Children have access to a wide range of activities. The childminder has recently implemented the Birth to three matters framework. She observes the children and notices new skills and plans their next steps. Babies are encouraged to select from baskets choosing what they want to play with. Older children can help themselves from a selection. Babies enjoy action – reaction toys, learning about cause and effect. They enjoy pulling themselves up, developing their large muscles. Some paints are available for the children when a painting activity is planned by the childminder. Young children have opportunities to enjoy free access to messy play when they attend toddler groups. Children are cared for out of school and they enjoy many outings during the holidays, such as visits to the Bird Park. After school children are able to relax by watching television or join in the activities. They do their home work if they wish to do so.
Helping children make a positive contribution
The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder because she obtains information from parents to ensure that children’s individual needs are met. Children are developing good relationships with the childminder and others. For example, young children attend social groups where they meet other children and adults in a safe environment. Children are learning to share and take turns to promote positive attitudes amongst themselves. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to encourage good behaviour. However, strategies to manage unwanted behaviour are not appropriate.
Children find out about the local community through visits to the park, shops and outings to local amenities. A range of resources provided by the childminder helps children learn about the wider world, for example books and dolls.
Every day the parents and the childminder chat about their child to ensure that they are aware of their child’s care. Contracts detail business arrangements between the childminder and parents; most of the required permissions are in place. Parents are very well informed about the childminding service and there is an extensive range of policies provided for parents in a parent pack. The complaints procedure is included in this pack but as yet the childminder has not prepared a log to record complaints. She has not had any complaints.
Organisation
The organisation is good. The childminder’s home is well organised to meet the needs of children under eight years. Children are safe and secure in a warm environment. The childminder plans her day according to the individual children she cares for. The daily routine is balanced to include times for outings, rest, play, and for meals.
The childminder’s portfolio and parents pack includes evidence that all adults living on the premises have undergone checks to establish their suitability. The registration certificate is displayed for parents to see the conditions of her registration. Most of the required documentation for the safe and effective management of the setting and to promote the welfare and care of children is well maintained and stored appropriately. The exception is prior consent for medication which is not in line with the current guidance. The childminder is committed to professional development and is currently undertaking the Diploma in home based childcare. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.
Improvements since the last inspection
At the last inspection two recommendations were made; they were to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice, and make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint. The childminder has successfully addressed these recommendations and, as a result, outcomes for children are good.
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):
- ensure that permission for medication from parents is in line with current guidance
- continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework to plan and provide a range of activities for younger children
- ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to manage unwanted behaviour.
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
