Childminder, Out-of school day care in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251367 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Glenda Kathleen Field

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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 has been registered for 9 years. has been a registered childminder for over five years. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 15 and 12 in a house in the town of Beccles, Suffolk. The premises are situated within walking distance of local shops, parks and schools. Areas of the house used for childminding are the kitchen, lounge, conservatory, toilet and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family has a hamster. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children under 5 and 2 children over 5, all on a part time

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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 basis. The childminder regularly attends parent and toddler groups in the area.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are learning the importance of personal hygiene through regular routines, such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children's health is promoted because the childminder follows the correct procedures for giving medication and recording accidents. However, not all parents have been asked to provide written consent for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment necessary. This may compromise the welfare of some children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They have regular drinks so they are not thirsty and enjoy choosing from a range of healthy snacks, for example, apples, grapes, plums and bananas. Meals are eaten at the table and the childminder ensures that children eat what they can of savoury foods before eating desserts. Children enjoy a range of physical activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

They are regularly taken for walks to the local park and enjoy playing in the garden with the play equipment. They are developing control of their bodies while playing ball games and using play equipment such as the climbing cube, see-saw and ride on toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe, secure and child friendly environment. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder supervises their play and has taken steps to minimize risks. For example, ensuring toys and equipment are safe and suitable and the use of stair gates. Children are learning about keeping safe, for example, by talking about road safety when out for walks and helping to tidy away toys to safeguard themselves and others. Children freely access the safe and secure garden and select independently from a range of good quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has good knowledge of child protection issues and local Area Child Protection Committee procedures, and is fully aware of her responsibilities to report any concerns she may have.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are building positive

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 relationships with each other and the childminder and developing their self-esteem because the childminder is kind and attentive to them. Children are developing their confidence and independence because the childminder gives them praise and encouragement as they play and learn. They have access to a good variety of play and learning activities both inside and outside. Children are able to make choices about what they want to do as the childminder provides toys and activities within their reach for them to self select. Children show enjoyment in their play. Their creativity and imagination is developing through a range of activities such as role play and painting. Children's language is developing because the childminder talks and listens to them, and asks questions to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are beginning to learn about right and wrong through listening to the childminder's explanations of what is acceptable behaviour. They are learning to share and take turns. Children are valued by the childminder as she gives lots of positive praise and encouragement. Their individual needs are met as the childminder gathers information from the parents about their daily routine, such as following their sleeping patterns. Children have some opportunities to experience the wider world through outings in the local community. For example, visits to the local park and parent and toddler groups. However, their understanding of similarities and differences are limited by the lack of resources reflecting positive images of diversity. Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has a good relationship with parents. They benefit from the ongoing communication between the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder and their parents. For example, information is exchanged daily between the childminder and parents about their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder as she makes very good use of the space and resources in her home. They are able to move around easily and safely to access toys and equipment in the prepared environment. She organises her home and toys to ensure children have free access and that all necessary facilities are available. Children are kept safe by the childminder's effectively organised records. She has a clear understanding of keeping her paperwork in good order and up to date. For example the childminder keeps accurate records of children's arrival and departure and ensures they are only released to individuals named by the parents.

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Organisation

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 have continuing support from the childminder to feel secure and confident as she ensures the required adult to child ratios are maintained. Children are safe and protected from any adult who has not been vetted. The childminder ensures she supervises children closely when on outings. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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): • ensure that written parental consent for any emergency medical advice or treatment is obtained • increase resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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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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