Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330666 Inspection date 13 July 2006 Inspector Deborah Kerry

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and children in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor, one bedroom and the bathroom on the first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 family have a cat, tortoise and two rabbits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are substantially protected from the spread of infection as the childminder has written procedures in place for sick children and for promoting a healthy diet, which are shared with parents. The childminder also ensures that children have access to play each day which promotes their physical development. The childminder takes proactive measures if they become ill whilst in her care by contacting parents so that they can collect them. Children are effectively cared for in a warm, clean environment and the good health of children is promoted by the good hygiene practices in place. Children are learning about personal hygiene through the daily routine. For example, they are encouraged to wash their hands before having meals, after visiting the toilet or touching the pets. Each child has their own hand towels. Children's need for rest and sleep is promoted by keeping to their home routines. Children sleep in a travel cot and the bedding is

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Helping children to be healthy

changed each day, effectively minimising any risk of cross-infection between children who attend on different days. Children's healthy growth and development is effectively promoted by the childminder as she gathers information from parents about any dietary needs they may have. They are provided with a variety of food and drinks which are essential for and promote their good health. For example, children have fresh or dried fruit for snacks. Any meals provided for minded children contain a variety of healthy options, tea is always a freshly prepared home cooked meal that the whole family eat together. Children's physical health is promoted well as the childminder ensures they have access to the park and walks within the local community. Children are able to access the garden to run and play each day, where they can select from a range of equipment. For example, they have access to bikes, a low climbing frame and slide,

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Helping children to be healthy

helping to promote their physical development well.

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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 warm and welcoming home environment, which is safe and secure and is set out so they can move around freely and safely. Children are able to independently select activities from the large range of good quality toys and equipment that actively contributes to their progress. Their safety is further enhanced through the written health and safety policy which ensures the equipment and toys are well maintained and are suitable for children's age and stage of development. Children are kept safe from hazards in the home as the childminder is vigilant and has put in place measures and the necessary equipment which protect children from

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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 dangers and keeps the home secure. For example, all the doors are kept locked and the keys are accessible, but out of children's reach. The childminder has excellent practice in relation to fire evacuation procedures, as these are regularly practised with the children and recorded. Children are developing a mature awareness of keeping themselves safe, as the childminder is proactive in talking to them about tidying up toys off the floor in case they trip over them. They have access to a secure enclosed garden for physical play and the childminder is vigilant of the children at all times. However, the hose pipe could be a potential hazard if they were left alone. Children's welfare is further safe guarded and promoted as the childminder has a thorough and clear understanding of her role in protecting children. She has

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

developed her knowledge by attending training and has used her increased understanding to develop a written child protection policy which follows the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. There are clear procedures to follow, with contact numbers if she has concerns for the welfare of minded children.

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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 and are involved and enjoy their play. They are building positive relationships and developing their self-esteem, as the childminder interacts well with the children present. She gets down to the children's level and joins in with their play, as she support them in building 'a monster', drawing and playing with cars, encouraging them to persevere. Children are developing their confidence and independence as the childminder gives them praise and encouragement. They have access to a wide variety of play and learning activities that challenge and stimulate the children, meeting their individual needs. Children are involved and interested in what they do. They are able to make active choices about what they want to do, as the childminder knows the children well and she uses this knowledge in the planning of the day. She provides easily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

accessible toys and resources which capture their interests. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are met well as the childminder asks the children what they would like to do, making several suggestions for activities that she knows the children like and enjoy. When playing outside, she ensures the resources used are accessible and suitable for their ages and that the children are supervised at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are listened to as the childminder chats freely with them, asking questions about their morning at nursery, she makes suggestions on activities to do that she knows they like, which helps them to build on current achievements. Their art and craft work is displayed, ensuring the children's efforts are valued and supports the positive development of their self-esteem.

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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 Children have opportunities to experience the wider world through regular outings within the local community and through a range of positive images of a multicultural society in the toys and the art activities provided. Children are beginning to learn about right and wrong through listening to the childminder's appropriate explanations of what is acceptable behaviour. They are learning to share and take turns and are encouraged to tidy up by the childminder as she gives lots of positive praise and encouragement for their efforts. Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has developed good relationships with the parents. Children benefit from clear, ongoing communication between the childminder and their parents, they are given feedback on their child's day on collection and children under three years old have a 'contact

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Helping children make a positive contribution

book' where the childminder writes detailed information about their day as a record for parents to keep. All information about minded children is kept up to date and confidential.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder's records and certificates for training are well organised. The childminder has prepared a folder with written policies that helps to keep parents thoroughly informed. Her paperwork is in excellent order and all up to date. Children’s individual needs are met effectively through the keeping of clear, accurate records, for example, by recording children's arrival and departure times in her register each day. Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder as she makes effective use of the space and resources in her home. They are able to move around safely and access equipment for their development easily. She organises her home and toys to ensure children have free access to age appropriate, stimulating resources that meet their individual needs. Children have continuing support from the childminder to feel secure and confident

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Organisation

as she ensures that the required adult to child ratios are maintained. The childminder ensures she promotes their well-being and development as she has effective procedures for supervising the children at all times, especially when on outings and when playing outside in the garden. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report since registration.

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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 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): • ensure that potential hazards in the garden are not accessible to children.

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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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