Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY236606 Unique Reference Number 06 July 2006 Inspection date Glenda Kathleen Field 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and four children aged 17, 14, 12 and 3 in a residential area of Carlton Colville, Suffolk. The childminder may care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll, all attending on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, together with the secure outdoor play area. Bedrooms, one and two are used by minded children for undisturbed sleep. The family have one pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children are taken out on outings in the car to the beach, park and other places of interest in the locality. The childminder also attends two local parent and toddler groups with children.

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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 cared for in a clean and comfortable home where the childminder follows sound hygiene procedures to promote their good health. The childminder has attended first aid and food hygiene training to ensure she is aware of the correct procedures to follow to maintain children's health and prevent the spread of infection. The childminder obtains prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, and parents give written consent to administer medication. Medication and accidents records are in place and parents sign these to acknowledge the entry.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs satisfactorily met. Parents currently supply children's meals which the childminder may occasionally supplement with a snack of fruit if a child does not eat their lunch. The childminder ensures she complies with children's dietary needs and the wishes of parents. Children are offered frequent drinks of water to ensure they are not thirsty. They are able to rest or sleep according to their individual needs undisturbed in a travel cot.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to develop their physical skills and acquire control of their bodies, through playing in the garden or using equipment at the park. The childminder successfully organises her home to provide babies with space to crawl or pull themselves up in safety and encourages them to practise and demonstrate their increasing skills. For example, helping a baby take their weight on their feet, and then praising their attempts while she held their hands.

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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. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder supervises their play and has taken all the necessary steps to reduce risks to children. For example, ensuring cleaning materials are stored in locked cupboards, stair gate in place and having sound procedures in place in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safely and are beginning to understand there are rules and boundaries that keep them safe. The childminder has an appropriate range of toys and equipment that meet safety standards and she is vigilant in ensuring that these are suitable for the ages of children attending. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder ensures she always takes emergency contact details, has parental permission and a first aid kit with her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended child protection training. She is aware of her responsibilities in protecting children, the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and the action to take if she has a concern.

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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 and child friendly environment. They have good and trusting relationships with the childminder, who is sensitive and caring towards them. This helps them develop their self-confidence through enjoying time with a familiar and trusted adult. Children are supported and encouraged by the childminder, who spends her time interacting with them and joining in with their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is familiar with 'Birth to three matters' and reflects some aspects of the framework in her good practice. Children's development is promoted because the childminder skilfully extends their play. For example, encouraging a baby to press buttons on a toy, and another child to sort out the doll's clothes, asking the child to show her all the pink clothes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Young children develop a sense of self-worth because the childminder enjoys spending time with them and praises their achievements, for example, when attempting to stand on the childminder's lap. The childminder makes everyday activities, such as nappy changing, into a game and talks about what she is doing so babies learn to link words with actions. The childminder provides children with a range of suitable toys and play opportunities to interest and motivate them using her sound knowledge of child development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are valued and included. The childminder recognises and responds to their interests and encourages them to make choices and decisions. They have equal opportunities to access resources and equipment that meet their individual needs, so they can become confident and independent. Children become aware of the local community, for example, through walks in the village and visits to local parent and toddler groups. They have access to toys and resources promoting a positive view of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour, for example, by the childminder gently emphasising the words 'thank you' when passing toys backwards and forwards with a baby. The childminder has a sound understanding of appropriate strategies dependent on children's stage of development which she shares with parents. The childminder recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents to ensure children's specific needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder ensures that children are cared for according to their parents' wishes and written consents are in place to support this. Policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure they are well informed about the care provided. However, there are no procedures in place yet regarding the new regulation requiring keeping a record of complaints which is shared with parents. The childminder shares information with parents about their children's day via a daily diary to promote continuity of care and to ensure children's changing needs are met.

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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 good. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment in which children take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities to comply with the National Standards and her conditions of registration and she has attended all the required training to support her registration.

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Organisation

Children's well-being is promoted by the well-maintained documentation which is shared with parents to provide continuity of care. The childminder follows sound procedures to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Overall, the provision meets needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to extend resources to meet the needs of older children. Books, puzzles and games suitable for older children are now available.

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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): • devise and maintain a system of recording complaints, and make available to parents.

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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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