Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

250949 Unique Reference Number 25 July 2006 Inspection date Emma Bright 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 1991. She lives with her husband and three children aged nine, 17 and 19 years, a village close to Bury St Edmunds. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 three children under five, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has goldfish, a hamster and a budgerigar, all of which are kept indoors. A rabbit, two guinea pigs and aviary of birds are kept outside.

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 benefit from thorough hygiene procedures as the childminder ensures that her home is clean and well maintained. Their good health is promoted because they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. For example, children wash their hands after petting the rabbit and before eating, which prevents cross-infection. Clear procedures and records are in place to ensure that appropriate medical care is given if children are unwell whilst they are in the care of the childminder and this ensures children's individual health needs are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge of childhood nutrition because she provides them with healthy choices; they tuck in readily to snacks of fresh fruit, which ensures they are well nourished. Children are beginning to understand about making healthy choices; they go shopping with the childminder to help choose and buy fresh fruit for themselves. In addition, they can help themselves to regular drinks, including water so that they remain well hydrated during the day. Babies' individual routines are followed and they are fed according to parents' wishes, so that they are well nourished. All children's individual dietary requirements are recorded and this ensures that their nutritional needs are met.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

All children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy lots of regular exercise in the garden or local park, where they can run freely and develop their physical skills on the wide range of outdoor activities. Children are beginning to understand how exercise contributes to their good health and they benefit from the fresh air on their daily walks to and from school. The childminder has developed good routines so that all children can sleep when they need to and this ensures that they are content and well rested.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe home where risks are identified and minimised, and this means they move around freely in safety. Children are well supervised at all times and this ensures they safely develop their independence in a secure environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder explains about the dangers, both indoors and on outings. Children's safety in case of fire is priority. For example, smoke alarms are checked regularly to ensure they are in good working order and children practise the emergency escape plan regularly so that they all know what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Resources have been well chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. In addition, the childminder rotates resources so children have something 'new' to play with and they use the local library so they can choose from a wider range of books to support their learning. The good organisation of toys and activities means that children can follow their own interests and develop their play.

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 All required documents and procedures are in place and are very well maintained to safeguard children's welfare. For example, clear documents are in place to record any existing injuries, accidents or incidents and these are completed appropriately. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues, which are in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures, and this means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the childminder's care and enjoy warm and affectionate relationships with her: she is sensitive to their needs, offering lots of praise and encouragement and this contributes to their sense of belonging. Younger children enjoy lots of cuddles with the childminder and the comfort of her lap when they are sleepy, which helps them to feel secure. Children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences, for example, they have many opportunities to explore their local environment on their daily walks and socialise with others at the local toddler group. In addition, they enjoy a well chosen range of toys and resources, which is prepared before children arrive and this enables them to develop their play and extend their skills. Although the childminder has not yet obtained a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, she provides good support and activities which meet the needs of younger children.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the consistent daily routines for rest and play and this ensures they readily settle and they look forward to their day. They enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers them good support during their activities and this encourages them to explore and investigate. For example, young children's communication skills are developing well because the childminder makes good eye contact, listens and responds positively to their talk.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are understood by the childminder, who gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are well met. Children have access to a suitable range of activities and resources, which help them to learn about their differences and similarities. The childminder helps children to become confident and develop their self-esteem through lots of positive interaction. All children behave well and learn what is expected of them through regular routines and consistent expectations. For example, they know they take their shoes off in the house and they all help to tidy away the toys and resources. The childminder explains what she expects them to do in a way that they can understand and listens to their views so that they feel respected. Children play happily together, sharing and taking turns with the support of the childminder, who helps them to understand how their

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive and professional relationships between the childminder and their parents, which contributes to their care and well-being, ensuring their changing needs continue to be met. For example, parents know about their child's day because the childminder shares good written information with them and clear written consents are obtained so that

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 parents know and can be sure of the good quality care their child receives. Children benefit from a good settling-in procedure, which helps them to make the transition between home and the childminder's home. The childminder has not yet established a system to record any complaints or concerns that might be raised by parents in the future.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are well met as the childminder has a sound and secure knowledge of child development and of her legal duties, and this enables her to provide good quality care. Children benefit from the effective organisation of time, space and resources, which contributes to their well being and enables them to develop their growing skills.

p.5

Organisation

Children benefit from good adult:child ratios and the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Well-established routines and affectionate, caring support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and settle readily. Required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Records and good information is shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Overall children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to keep the attendance record updated and produce written information about her practice. Children's daily attendance is recorded and includes times of arrival and departure, which ensures their safety. The childminder has developed a written leaflet about her childminding practice, which is shared with parents so that they are informed about her service.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.5

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):

p.5

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 • obtain a copy of the Government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - Summary' • keep a record of complaints relating to the National Standards and any action taken.

p.5

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