Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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251157 Unique Reference Number 23 August 2006 Inspection date Deborah Kerry 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 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 1996 and she lives with her family in a house in a residential area of Ipswich. The premises are within easy walking distance of local schools, pre-schools and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding activities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside physical play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding ten children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the local childminding organisation.

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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 good. Children are well protected from the spread of infection as the childminder has clear procedures in place around hygiene. The childminder has the appropriate safety equipment in place which effectively protects children from any potential hazards. Children's health is given a high priority as the childminder provides each child with their own flannel and towel that are changed every day, minimising the risk of cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further promoted as the childminder ensures the toys and resources are cleaned regularly. The childminder promotes children's physical development as they have regular exercise, through going on walks and they are able to access the garden to run and play. Children can sleep upstairs in a travel cot depending on their ages or can rest and sit quietly in the lounge if needed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is effectively promoted by the childminder as she gathers information from parents about any health or dietary needs they may have. Children are provided with a range of healthy food for snacks to promote their growth and development. Parents provide packed lunches for children each day, that are stored appropriately. The childminder prepares a freshly cooked meal for all minded children each night that meets their individual dietary needs. Weekly menus are displayed and adapted to meet any specific dietary requirements that children may have.

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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 child friendly environment. Children can independently select activities and resources from the range provided that are suitable for their stage of development. The childminder ensures that the equipment and toys are well maintained, this minimises any risks to children's safety. Children have access to a secure enclosed garden for outside physical play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe from hazards in the home as the childminder has put in place the necessary equipment which protects children from dangers and keeps the home and garden secure. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder supervises them at all times. She has in place clear written procedures to follow in an emergency that are practised with the children. For example, children know that when the childminder blows the whistle this is a signal for a practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a written policy on child protection and she has a good understanding of the local safeguarding children procedures which includes contact details. She has undertaken training on safeguarding children and if she has any concerns she is aware of the procedures to follow to ensure children's welfare is given priority. A statement on child protection is displayed and shared with parents.

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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 relaxed in the care of the childminder. The childminder plans activities each day that are suited to the children's level of development. Children are developing their confidence and independence as the childminder gives them positive praise and encouragement. Children can make choices about what they want to do, as the childminder provides them with a wide variety of activities that they all enjoy.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved and enjoy their play. The childminder responds to their suggestions which promotes their play and development. Children's imaginations are being developed as they dress multicultural dolls in a variety of colourful clothes. Children play outside in the sand pit and the play tent. The childminder listens and chats freely with all the children. She gets down to their level and joins in with their play. The childminder is developing her planned play activities for children under three, after attending training on the 'Birth to three Matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing their understanding of our wider world through regular outings within the local community and through accessing appropriate resources. All children are welcomed and looked after according to their individual needs. The childminder ensures that all activities are adapted so all children are included and can participate. Children with additional needs are fully supported by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. There is a written policy in place that is shared with parents, so they are made aware of the ground rules that the childminder has in place. Children are given clear guidelines and boundaries so that they know what is expected of them. All children are encouraged to share and take turns, this helps them to behave well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has developed friendly relationships with the parents. The childminder writes daily diaries for minded children about each milestone they have achieved and what activities they have done whilst in her care, keeping parents fully informed about their child. Parents also use the diaries to keep the childminder up-to-date about any matters that would impact on the care of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are kept safe as the childminder keeps children's records all together. Children’s individual needs are promoted as the childminder records any dietary needs or allergies they may have. The childminder has several written policies and procedures in place to promote children's well-being. All the necessary documentation is kept in good order and kept up-to-date. Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder, as she makes good use of the space and resources in her home. The childminder's daughter is to register as her assistant,

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 but as yet no forms have been submitted. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities when working with an assistant to maintain children's welfare.

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Organisation

Children can access equipment easily and independently as they are well organised and resources are prepared ready for their arrival each day. The childminder ensures that the required adult to child ratios are maintained. This helps children to feel secure and confident when in her care. The childminder ensures that parents are fully involved with the care of their children by keeping all information confidential and discussing children's day with parents when they are collected.

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Organisation

Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the Department of health booklet 'what to do if you are worried about a child'. The childminder has attended training on safe guarding children. she has developed a written policy and a statement on child protection that are both shared with parents. Local contact numbers and referral procedures are displayed on the notice board ensuring children's welfare is effectively safeguarded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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 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 assistants undergo the required checks to ensure that they are suitable to work with children.

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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

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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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