Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316191 Inspection date 07 June 2006 Inspector Gill Thornton

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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 two children aged four and under one, in Ipswich. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder attends local children's groups and takes children to the local library and park. The family has a dog, a rabbit, a lizard and some finches.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home, where they are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through regular routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Children's health is promoted because the childminder is well informed about their individual health care matters and she obtains parents prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has attended first aid training to ensure children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. However, currently an appropriately stocked first aid box is not maintained specifically for childminding, so potentially compromising children's health. Children have their dietary needs met through the provision of nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder provides a healthy home cooked lunch which takes account of individual children's preferences. For example, toad in the hole with carrots and

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Helping children to be healthy

mashed potatoes or their favourite, shepherds pie, with jelly or yogurt for dessert. Parents are supplied with a copy of the three-weekly rotating menu which is also displayed by the front door, so they know what their children are having to eat each day. Children enjoy a good range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Easy access to the well designed rear garden gives them frequent access to the fresh air, with due regard to sun safety and the need for shade. Children enjoy demonstrating their physical skills using equipment such as, a swing, a slide, a small trampoline, bikes and ride-on toys or digging in the sand pit. Babies have space indoors to practise their physical skills in safety using a range of suitable equipment or they play in the garden on a play mat or baby swing.

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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 can move about freely and independently. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken steps to reduce risks to children. For example, safety gates are used effectively to prevent younger children's unsupervised access to the stairs, front door and kitchen when necessary. Children are learning to keep themselves safe and prepare for future independence. For example, they talk about and practise road safety when they walk to school and children understand that they must not climb on the top bunk bed in an upstairs bedroom in case they fall and hurt themselves. Children have access to a good range of high quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder monitors and supervises children's play to ensure they are safe and that toys are used appropriately. Children's welfare is safeguarded

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

because the childminder has attended child protection training and she has a sound

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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 understanding of her role in protecting children and the procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled in the welcoming and child-friendly environment. They have good relationships with each other and the childminder who is sensitive and caring towards them. They play happily together, interacting and sharing ideas with confidence such as when playing together in the garden in the sandpit. Children's self-esteem is promoted because the childminder praises their achievements and encourages children to proudly show off their newly gained skills. For example, a child eagerly demonstrates their ability on the swing. Children are motivated and interested in what they see and do because the childminder provides a wide range of play activities using her sound knowledge of child development. Activities are well organised to ensure all children are able to participate. For example, playing with the playdough on a plastic mat on the laminate floor in the lounge gives all children space to play contentedly, consequently they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

become engrossed in their play and develop their perseverance and concentration. The children enjoy regular outings to the library to choose books and the childminder takes younger children to a local toddler group to give them opportunities for social interaction with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a strong sense of belonging because the childminder knows them well and values what they do and say. Children have positive relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to their individual needs, which helps them feel included. Children have equal access to resources and equipment that meet their individual needs, so they can become confident and independent. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children become aware of the local environment through walks and outings into the local community. They have some access to resources promoting a positive view of diversity and the wider world. Children are developing a sound understanding of responsible behaviour. The childminder uses consistent strategies appropriate to children's individual level of understanding to enable them to understand the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

consequences of their actions on themselves and others. For example, that they are not allowed to play outside unless they wear their sunhats. The childminder gently reminds children to be polite and helps them learn to take turns and share toys and equipment and to show concern for each other. Children benefit from the positive partnerships the childminder builds with their parents. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their wishes are

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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 followed to provide continuity of care. Information is shared verbally on daily basis to keep parents informed about their children's day. The childminder is flexible to fit in with the needs of parents and their children. Parents provide positive references praising the varied menu and comprehensive yet flexible timetable of events and that the childminder has the interests of the children at heart.

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Organisation

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 are happy and enjoy their time in the childminder's care. They benefit from regular routines which help then feel confident and secure. The childminder follows sound procedures to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. The childminder maintains most of the required documentation to support children's care. However, her attendance register does not accurately reflect children's actual daily times of attendance and permission for outings and to go in a vehicle are not obtained in written form. The childminder understands the importance of abiding by her conditions of registration and she has attended all the required training to support

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Organisation

her childminding practice. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • maintain an appropriately stocked first aid kit, the contents of which are checked frequently and replaced as necessary. • improve documentation to ensure register accurately reflects children's actual times of attendance and obtain written consent for outings and to go in a vehicle.

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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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