Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316544 Inspection date 19 June 2006 Inspector Margaret Elizabeth Roberts

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her son aged eight years in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children who attend on a part-time and full-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park. The childminder has a goldfish.

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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 The childminder supports children who speak English as additional language. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's good health is promoted most of the time because of the good standard of hygiene that is maintained throughout the premises. However children do not learn the importance of personal hygiene because they are not encouraged to wash their hands after playing outside or before eating. Their medical needs are met satisfactorily because the childminder has the necessary documentation in place such as written parental permission to administer medicine and seek medical advice. Children can be cared for if an accident occurs because although the childminder has not trained in first aid she has obtained information on how to deal with any medical emergency. This information is kept close to a first aid box which is easily accessible. Children's healthy growth and development is promoted through nutritious meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder. Children are offered regular food and

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Helping children to be healthy

drink which include fresh fruit and vegetables. Their dietary needs are well met because these are discussed with parents and any special diets or allergies are recorded on their personal detail forms for the childminder to refer to. Children's physical development is very well promoted through many opportunities for outside play where they have access to a wide range of large physical equipment. Walks are taken to the local park and around the community which contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Children's small co-ordination skills are encouraged through activities such as completing puzzles and using different types of writing implements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into an environment that is safe and secure. Space is organised well to ensure that children have access to a wide range of toys and equipment both inside and outside to promote their development in all areas. The home is organised so that children are given opportunities to play energetically or are able to rest undisturbed in cots or beds, according to their individual needs. Children play safely because the childminder has taken reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children both inside and outside are minimised. The home is secure ensuring that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. For example the main entrance is kept locked and the garden gate has a high bolt not accessible to children. The gate also has chimes fitted as an extra precaution to alert the childminder to any unwelcome intruder, therefore increasing children's safety. Dangerous substances such as cleaning materials are kept out of the reach of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children and safety gates are used to prevent access to the stairs. Children are kept safe in the case of an emergency as the childminder has produced a emergency

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 evacuation procedure and has the necessary fire fighting equipment. Children can be protected if neglect or abuse is suspected as the childminder has some awareness of child protection procedures and would seek advice from her local early years advisor. However because she has not yet undertaken training she needs to gain more knowledge and understanding of how to report concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well met through the wide range of play opportunities and learning activities that are available which help to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Children's independence is encouraged through self selection of activities and gentle reminders by the childminder to put away toys that they have finished playing with. Children are confident and their self-esteem is promoted through regular praise by the childminder who values their contribution. Children are supported well in their play and learning by the childminder who works with children at their level talking and listening to them in a kind and caring way. Children use their imagination through role play situations and photographic evidence shows them frequently using the dressing up clothes and expressing themselves freely in creativity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and learn about equality through their play. All children have access to the full range of activities and there is no obvious stereotyping. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder liaises with parents to ensure that children's records contain the relevant information which enables her to give appropriate care. Children behave well most of the time because the childminder manages behaviour positively, by using distraction and intervention techniques. Children learn right from wrong because clear boundaries are given which are age-appropriate. They are encouraged to be kind to one another, to share and take turns. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents are given good information which informs them of how their child will be cared for by the childminder. Their views are sought about their child's preferences and written parental permission is sought

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Helping children make a positive contribution

for several activities and any emergency that may occur. Children's routines are recorded in personal daily diaries and shared with parents at the end of the day so that they are fully informed of what their child has been doing on a regular basis.

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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's welfare and learning is promoted because the childminder has the appropriate skills and experience. Although she has not yet attended an approved childminder's pre-registration course she meets all the necessary standards to ensure that the children she minds are cared for appropriately. Children's needs are met effectively because the childminder organises space and resources well, allowing them to play and learn independently and with support. Overall the needs of children cared for are met. Well organised and appropriate documentation helps the childminder to carry out her work effectively and has a positive impact on the care children receive.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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.

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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): • encourage children to learn the importance of personal hygiene through daily routines • gain more knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures • complete the local authorities approved childminder's pre-registration course to include first aid at the earliest opportunity.

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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 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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