Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320234 Inspection date 01 August 2006 Inspector Lindsey Ann Cullum

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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 satisfactory. 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 in Norwich, close to a local park and shops. All areas of the property, with the exception of the main bedroom upstairs, are registered for use by minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a hamster, three cats and some tropical fish. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Overnight care may be provided for two children under the age of eight years. The childminder is currently caring for four children overnight, on a part-time basis.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home. Their health is promoted as the childminder uses appropriate hygiene practices. Individual flannels, towels and bed linen are provided which reduce the risk of cross-infection. Children are able to independently access the toilet and suitable hand washing facilities are provided to encourage children to wash their hands. However, children's understanding of good hygiene and dental health is not fostered through night-time routines as children are not encouraged to wash or clean their teeth before settling to sleep. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has first aid boxes accessible, in order to deal effectively with any accident should this occur. Children's health and medical needs are recorded, enabling appropriate care to be provided. Written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children is not in place, which

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Helping children to be healthy

compromises children's health in an emergency. An informative booklet for parents outlines the childminder's practices on administration of medication, managing accidents or emergencies and children's sickness, in order to promote children's health. Children are adequately nourished. Meals are discussed with parents to ensure that any meals provided cater for children's dietary needs, likes or dislikes and parents wishes are respected. The childminder encourages children to eat healthy foods by providing low salt and sugar cereals and offering fruit for breakfast. Children are provided with regular drinks, promoting their well-being. Children benefit from a range of activities which contribute their growth and physical development. They enjoy playing in the garden where there are slides and swings, catering for children's differing ages and abilities and providing suitable challenges to promote children's skills. Indoors they are able to play games of hide and seek or

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Helping children to be healthy

throw and catch the ball, enabling them to channel their energy positively when they are unable to use garden. Children are provided with a comfortable bed or cot in which to sleep and their individual night-time settling routines are followed, contributing to children sleeping well when cared for overnight.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, child centred environment where they feel safe and secure. Their development and comfort is promoted through the well organised use of space. Craft activities are set out in the kitchen on a small table, enabling children to access these independently. Children use the lounge for a range of age appropriate activities which promote their development. Two bedrooms upstairs are available for children to sleep when staying overnight. These are close to the

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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 childminder's room, enabling her to monitor and supervise children whilst asleep, contributing to their safety. Children benefit from having the space to run, use physical play equipment or explore the sand-pit in the garden, which has recently had turf laid to provide a more suitable and safe surface for young children's play. Toys and equipment are developmentally appropriate and maintained in a suitable condition to protect children from harm. The childminder supervises children's play and offers explanations to help children develop an awareness of their own and other children's safety. Children's safety is maintained indoors as hazards, such as those presented by low glass, dangerous household substances and stairs have been identified by the childminder and appropriate steps taken to minimise the risks. The premises are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

secure at all times children are present and children are appropriately supervised, to ensure their safety. Fire safety equipment is in place on both floors of the home and an emergency evacuation plan devised. This has not been practised with the children so they become familiar with the routine and to ensure evacuation routes are kept clear, compromising children's safety in the event of an emergency. Children are protected whilst playing outside as suitable security measures have been implemented, for example, a padlock is used to secure the gate. Clear strategies are in place to protect children whilst on outings with the childminder, for example, children are suitably restrained in the buggy or hold the childminder's hand. The childminder makes sure she is able to contact parents immediately, if necessary, when out of the home by having relevant telephone numbers to hand. Children are protected as the childminder has a sound knowledge of local child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection guidelines and procedures. She makes parents aware of her duty to safeguard children through the written information she provides during the child's settling-in visits.

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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. They benefit from the consistent, warm and considerate care given by the childminder, fostering their confidence. The childminder involves herself in children's activities, is patient and supportive, enabling children to explore and learn new skills. Children are frequently praised, for example, when they find the correct shape or finish assembling a kit car, fostering their self-esteem. The childminder listens attentively as the children talk about their day or interests and, as a consequence, she knows the children well. Children are encouraged to be fully involved in activities, enhancing their enjoyment and learning. Children have opportunities to undertake a broad range of activities which promote their development. They enjoy creative activities, such as painting, making fridge magnets or models, stencilling or drawing. Children achieve a sense of pride in their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

work as this is displayed around the childminder's home. Children are able to choose the activities they wish to undertake, enabling them to pursue their own interests. The childminder uses skilled questioning to enhance children's learning, for example,

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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 which is this letter or what shape is this one. Children are given time to concentrate on activities, for example, building the train track and chat confidently about what they are doing or share their ideas with the childminder, contributing to their development. Children benefit from time in the garden where they can use various pieces of equipment, for example, slides or swings which provide children with suitable challenges to promote their physical development. They have a small area of the garden in which they can dig and a further area where they have planted vegetable plants, for example, tomatoes which they harvest and eat when ripe. This helps children understand their natural environment and encourages them to eat healthy foods. Children's routines are respected. They settle to quieter activities prior

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to bedtime, for example, listening to a story, ensuring they are happy and relaxed as they go to sleep. Children under three are cared for appropriately. The childminder provides a selection of toys and activities which are appropriate for their age, fostering their development. She is not familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework, however, will seek the information and training for the future to develop her skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel confident and at ease in the childminder's home. Their individual needs are met because the childminder knows them and their routines. She obtains information from parents on their individual preferences and needs at the start of the arrangement and through ongoing discussions, enabling appropriate care to be provided. The childminder treats children with respect and gives them praise and support, fostering their self-esteem. She acknowledges individual children's interests, for example, playing rugby and listens attentively whilst they share details of a game or training session. All children have access to appropriate toys and play materials which contribute to their development. Some resources help children to become aware of diversity and acknowledge cultural differences, including books and dolls. The childminder has not cared for children who have specific needs but would seek

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Helping children make a positive contribution

advice or training, if necessary, so that she could meet their needs. Children behave well as they are kept busy, supporting positive behaviour management. They are learning right from wrong and to respect each other as the childminder provides explanations of why behaviour is unacceptable. Parents are informed of the strategies used to manage children's behaviour, to encourage consistency. The childminder works in close partnership with parents and ensures they feel welcome within her home. Children are cared for according to parents wishes as relevant information is discussed and recorded at the start of the minding arrangement. Children's continued well-being is assured through the valuable daily discussions with parents as children arrive and leave. Parent's are kept informed of how well the child has slept or eaten and the activities enjoyed that day. The childminder provides a booklet for parents with details of her childcare experience

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and the childcare practices she uses. Systems are in place to receive comments or

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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 complaints from parents, enabling them to raise any concern if they are unhappy with any element of their child's care. Parent's were made aware of the proposed Ofsted inspection and encouraged to comment on the childcare provision. Their satisfaction is reflected in the positive feedback received.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children and parents are welcomed and feel comfortable in the childminder's home. Space is organised effectively so children can play, eat and sleep in comfort, meeting their needs. The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all the children attending, organising her time and resources appropriately to ensure children are happy and well occupied. Parent's wishes are sought and respected, enabling appropriate care to be provided. A friendly and informative booklet is available for parents, outlining the childminder's practices when caring for their child. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the requirements of the National Standards which is reflected in the care she provides. Checks have been completed to ensure the childminder is suitable to care for children. Records of children's daily attendance are not accurately recorded in the register, compromising children's

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Organisation

safety and welfare. Documentation relating to children's care needs are easily accessible and stored confidentially. Overall, the needs of the children who attend 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 the 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 satisfactory. 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): • promote children's understanding of good personal hygiene and dental health through night-time routines • obtain written consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children • improve fire safety precautions by practising the emergency escape plan with children • make sure the daily attendance register is accurate.

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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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