Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

251178 Unique Reference Number 12 May 2006 Inspection date Glenda Kathleen Field Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and adult son in Ipswich, Suffolk. Areas of the premises used for childminding are the playroom, kitchen, dining area and cloakroom facilities, all on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a raised, covered Koi Carp pond.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 8 children, most attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children to and from local schools. Visits are made to the local parent and toddler groups, library, park, play areas and beach.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from cross infection because the childminder has effective hygiene routines in place. Children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. All areas are maintained at a high level of cleanliness for children as the childminder uses stringent hygiene routines such as wiping tables with appropriate cleaning materials, before food is served. Effective food preparation routines ensure that children's health is not compromised.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to learn about the importance of personal hygiene routines because the childminder carefully explains why hand washing is important. Sleeping children receive appropriate care and they are checked regularly. Children on medication are safeguarded as detailed documentation is maintained with all the necessary parental consents. Children can be protected in emergency situations because the childminder has a current first aid certificate and written permission from parents to seek emergency treatment. However, some items in the first aid box need replacing. This may potentially compromise children's good health. Parents are informed of the policy for the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious and the procedure followed if a child is taken ill at the childminders.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children have their nutritional needs very well met because the childminder has an excellent awareness of healthy eating issues and provides freshly cooked snacks and meals. Children receive fresh fruit and vegetables every day as part of a balanced diet. Fresh drinking water and juice is available to children all day so they do not become dehydrated.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are given frequent opportunities to develop their climbing and balancing skills through regular visits to local parks where they are encouraged to use the park climbing equipment. Large equipment at parent and toddler groups also help them develop their large motor movements. The childminder provides bikes and other wheeled toys outdoors, along with a wide range of play materials, so children benefit from being outside. Visits are made to the local library, shops and other childminders to further develop children's physical well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is very warm and welcoming for children and their families. There is a playroom where every opportunity has been taken to cater for children's learning and care needs. The rooms used for childminding are laid out skilfully and include an excellent range of resources that encourage children to make progress in all areas of their development. All resources are easily accessible to encourage children to independently access them and explore their own interests. The resources appear safe, clean and of a high quality and are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe for children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates a very good awareness of child safety. For example, socket covers are in place, locks are fitted to cupboards and drawers containing household cleaning items, and sharp objects are stored out of children's reach. Children are protected in case of fire

p.3

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 because there are smoke alarms fitted and a fire evacuation procedure is in place. Children are made aware of their own safety in the event of fire because regular fire drills take place.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues. A detailed file containing all the necessary contact details is readily available, should she have concerns about a child. A written child protection statement is in place and shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle extremely well in the childminder's house. They confidently make themselves at home and form warm relationships with the childminder and each other, which contributes to their sense of belonging. Children enjoy a wealth of activities and experiences, for example, their physical development is supported by a wide range of outside play resources. Regular use is made of local amenities, for example, walks to the park and shops, along with visits to other childminders which provide children with excellent opportunities to socialise with others. Children are able to explore the resources independently, making their own decisions and developing their own interests. The childminder monitors and reviews activities, this ensures children are provided with an extensive range of activities across all areas of their development.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the consistent daily routines, which help them to settle and feel secure. They enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers them very good support during their activities, which encourages the children to develop their skills. For example, children's early communication skills develop well through the effective and sensitive interaction from the childminder, who responds positively to their talk. Children spend their time purposefully engaged in their activities. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the developmental needs of children and uses this secure knowledge to help children develop and make good progress. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is used by the childminder to inform her planning of activities for this age group.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children have access to a wide and varied range of activities and resources which meet their individual needs. Children are provided with a positive view of the wider world through regular visits in the local community. Children have access to toys and resources that reflect diversity in the community, such as books, puzzles and small world play materials. Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder gathers comprehensive information from the parents regarding children's daily routines, such as following their sleeping and eating patterns from home.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn right from wrong through listening to the childminder's explanations of what is acceptable behaviour. For example, when a child hurt another child, the childminder explained that '"we do not do that, it hurts", and the child was asked to say sorry. Children are learning to share and take turns. Young children's efforts are valued by the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 childminder as she gives lots of praise and encouragement. Behaviour management, which includes appropriate strategies used to modify unwanted behaviour, is shared with parents.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has an excellent relationship with parents. They benefit from the good methods of ongoing communication between the childminder and their parents. For example, daily feedback is given to parents on their child's day through individual children's diaries kept. The childminder regularly gathers information from parents about their child, ensuring this is kept up to date and confidential. A file of information on the care provided for children is made available to parents, however, there is no complaints log in place. Parents show a very high level of confidence in the childminder and the care she provides for their children, for example, excellent testimonials and thank you notes have been received by the childminder.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very well cared for and fully supported by the childminder who has lots of experience in caring for young children. They benefit from the very good organisation of time, space and resources which help them to make good progress. Well established routines and affectionate caring support ensures children are comfortable and settled. Children's needs are met by good adult-child ratios and children benefit from the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Children's care is enhanced as the childminder has excellent knowledge of child development. Her commitment to attending relevant training has a positive impact on the children's care and well-being.

p.5

Organisation

All legal documentation is in place and regularly updated to ensure children's safety and well-being. Comprehensive records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Parents' awareness of the childminder's practice is enhanced by the written policies and procedures of the setting made available to them. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has continued to attend relevant training which has a positive impact on the children's care and well- being.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since April 2004.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 first aid equipment is replaced as necessary • develop a system of recording any complaints received, and make available to parents.

p.6

The quality and standards of the care

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

p.6

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

p.6