Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY314895 Unique Reference Number 25 September 2006 Inspection date Susan Smith Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 with her husband and three children aged 11, nine and four years in Halesworth, Suffolk. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding with the exception of the second and third bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park and library.

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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 warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Well established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. 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.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are satisfactorily met as the childminder takes account of their dietary requirements and the wishes of parents to provide home cooked meals and snacks. For example, spaghetti bolognaise, beans on toast and fresh fruit and raisins. Drinks are offered regularly and children know they can request them at other times, encouraging them to develop an awareness of their own needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to engage in healthy exercise, for example, regularly walking to and from the local school. In the fine weather they visit the local park and enjoy playing in the childminders garden. Children enjoy activities such as completing puzzles and gluing to develop their hand eye coordination. Younger children have their home routines acknowledged, such as eating and sleeping.

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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 welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder is aware of most possible hazards and reduces risks to children. For example, she ensures that children cannot access the kitchen or stairs unsupervised and all electric sockets are covered. However, alcohol in glass bottles is accessible to children in the dining room and therefore poses a potential risk to their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a 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. Children are able to freely and independently move around the premises, this helps to build their self-esteem. Children are learning to keep themselves safe though gentle reminder from the childminder to be careful on the stairs and to sit down properly on the chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder recognises her responsibility in protecting children. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and she has the contact details of the local social services office to ensure she can make a referral if she has any concerns.

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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

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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 environment. They enjoy spending time together and have trusting relationships with the childminder and her family. Children are enthusiastic as they make their choices about their activities. They happily play together sharing resources and follow their own interests. They enjoy different types of role play to express their experiences and feelings. They play imaginatively such as, putting the dolls in the double buggy to sleep and cooking with the play kitchen.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's development is promoted because the childminder provides meaningful activities and asks questions to extend their learning. For example, while the children are making biscuits, the childminder asks the children 'what do we do next?' and 'what is this?" as she shows them a rolling pin. She ensures all children are involved in weighing the ingredients and allows them the time and space to explore the mixture. Children’s mathematical development is supported because the childminder uses the everyday routines to effectively promote children's learning. For example, at snack-time she asks children the colour of the plates, and how many pieces of banana they would like.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder intends to obtain a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further develop her existing good practice with young children. Children’s self-esteem is well developed through the support they receive during their play from the childminder. She shows a genuine interest in the children, talking to them about 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 included and valued. For example, they proudly refer to their bug pictures displayed on the wall. They enjoy activities suitable to their stage of development and they are able to make positive choices and decisions about what they would like to do, such as, playing with their favourite toys and equipment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour through praise and encouragement and the use of clear boundaries of expected behaviour. The childminder uses strategies appropriate to their individual stages of development and gently reminds children to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Children are learning to take account of the needs of others through discussion and explanations from the childminder and they have access to some resources promoting diversity. They are learning about their local community as they go for walks to the park and school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder builds with their parents. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure their wishes are followed to provide continuity in care. She follows the children's individual routine which ensures their needs are met. This is discussed and agreed with parents at the outset. Information is shared verbally with parents on collection to keep them informed about their child's day. The childminder is currently implementing a system of recording complaints which can be shared with parents.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder successfully organises her home to provide a stimulating environment in which children take part in a suitable range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Children are comfortable, happy and at ease with the childminder and in her home. Most of the required documentation and consents are maintained to ensure children are looked after according to their parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended the required training to support her registration. The first aid certificate is in date which ensures medical emergencies are dealt with appropriately. The childminder follows satisfactory procedures to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and ability to make a positive contribution.

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Organisation

Overall the range of children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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.

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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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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): • obtained written permission to seek emergency advice and treatment • ensure that alcohol is made in accessible

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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 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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