Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251167 Inspection date 24 March 2006 Inspector Susan Smith

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 15, 13 and 12, in Ipswich, Suffolk. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s property and the bathroom upstairs is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and park. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 14 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also provides care for children over the age of 8.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they follow sound hygiene routines to ensure that their health is promoted and that cross infection is minimised. For example, children know to wash their hands after going to the toilet. The childminder has procedures in place for recording accidents and for administering medication. However, she has not obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment to ensure the welfare of all children. Children are well nourished. The childminder takes account of children's individual dietary needs and preferences to provide nutritious cooked meals and healthy snacks. For example, fish fingers, spaghetti bolognaise, homemade soup with French bread for the main meal and snacks consisting of carrots, cheese, cucumber or yogurt. She actively encourages children to understand the importance of a healthy diet and to try new foods. For example, children grow vegetables in the childminder's

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Helping children to be healthy

garden. Children have frequent access to drinks to ensure they are not thirsty. Children take part in physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, for example, going for walks and swimming trips. They enjoy activities which develop their fine motor skills such as threading beads and mark making. They are encouraged to rest according to their individual needs.

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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 and secure indoor and outdoor environment where they move about freely and safely. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder supervises their play and takes steps to reduce risks, for example, fitting cupboard locks where required and using stair gates at the bottom of the stairs. Children have access to a suitable range of toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children’s play and choice of toys to make sure they are safe and used appropriately. They are learning to keep themselves safe when out walking as they know to hold the childminder's hand or hold onto the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended child protection training. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and knows the correct procedure to follow if she has a concern.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy and have good relationships with the childminder who is caring towards them. They enjoy playing with the range of toys and resources provided by the childminder, for example, acting out imaginary stories with the dolls and using a range of creative materials. The childminder regularly rotates her resources to take account of the children's individual interests and needs. Children's development is well promoted because the childminder provides meaningful activities giving clear explanation and asks questions to extend their learning. For example, while making candles the childminder explains that it is the warmth of their hands which makes the wax soft and asked the child the colour of the wax she was moulding. The childminder reflects many aspects of 'Birth to three matters' in her good practice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder is interested in their play and praises their achievements. She shows a genuine interest in the children, talking to them about past events, their home life and joining in with their play and activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are all valued and included and enjoy suitable activities to promote their welfare and development. Children are affectionate towards the childminder who responds sensitively to their needs. They are able to make choices and decisions about how they wish to spend their time, for example, children enjoy making their own space by happily snuggling up with a cuddly dog under the throw covering the sofa. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with special needs and understands the need to work closely with parents to meet children's specific needs. Children are developing a positive view of diversity through discussion and explanations about people's differences and similarities. Children are provided with good opportunities to develop their knowledge about the local community in which they live. For example, they visit the local amenities such as the park, shops and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

cinema. Children learn about responsible behaviour through praise and encouragement and the use of clear boundaries of expected behaviour. The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and strives to do so. Information is shared verbally with parents on collection to keep them informed about their child's day and to ensure continuity of care. The childminder has some written policies and procedures that she shares with parents to inform them about her childminding practices and talks through expectations. However, she has not yet implemented a system of recording complaints which can be shared with parents upon their request.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment in which children take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Children benefit from regular routines to help them feel confident and secure. Children's well-being is promoted by the documentation maintained by the childminder. She follows sound procedures to promote children's health, safety and enjoyment. The childminder has attended the required training to support her registration and is committed to attending further training to develop her skills and knowledge. The first aid certificate is in date which ensures medical emergencies are dealt with appropriately. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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): • obtain written prior parental permission to seek emergency medical advice and treatment • devise and maintain a system of recording complaints which can be made available to parents upon their request.

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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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