Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY236670 Unique Reference Number 19 July 2006 Inspection date Mary Gilbert 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 November 2002. She lives with her three children aged 16, 13, and eight in Yoxford, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor 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 four.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children out in the local environment.

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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 remain healthy as they are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment which promotes their well-being. They have opportunities to take part in a range of physical activities. For example, they play outside using a wide range of resources. On hot days the children go outside early before it gets too hot, and parents ensure they are covered in sun cream to prevent sunburn. Other physical activities include walks in the local environment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn how to manage their own health needs. They learn the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Daily routines provide flexible opportunities for children to sleep or rest according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder there are clear procedures in place to inform parents or to seek medical advice or treatment. Accidents and medication given are clearly logged and records signed by parents. The childminder ensure procedures are in place to maintain a healthy environment in which to care for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well met. Clear information is collected as regards to any specific dietary requirements or allergies. The childminder works with parents to ensure the food they provide is healthy and nutritious. Drinks are provided regularly and the childminder encourages children to drink frequently, particularly when the weather is hot.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment. The house and garden are checked regularly and the childminder is pro-active in ensuring risks are minimised both in the home and on outings. Emergency plans are in place should there be a problem either in the house or on outings. For example, the childminder carries a card which identifies herself as a childminder and contact details for children. There is also a card readily available in the house providing emergency contact details should there be problem in the house. Children remain safe on outings. For example, they are strapped into buggies or into car seats as appropriate. Older children learn they must stay close to the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources which are suitable for their purpose. These are organised well, both inside and out, which encourages children to make independent choices. Children help to maintain their toys as they help to tidy them away when they have finished using them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has an understanding of child protection issues and the processes which need to be implemented if there is a cause for 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 confident, independent and developing their self-esteem. They respond well to the childminder who supports them effectively in their learning and play. Children have opportunities to use their initiative and make appropriate choices. For example, they ask for cutters when playing with playdough. Children have access to a wide range of toys and resources which supports their learning and play in all areas of development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder plans specific activities and first-hand learning opportunities which provide children with stimulation. For example, children visit the local farm to watch lambing. Creative activities are organised regularly and children attend the local toddler group which provides them with social experiences. The childminder has attended training for the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses ideas from this in her planning. The childminder encourages the children to share their toys and resources and asks open-ended questions which develops their communication and thinking skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing good relationships with adults and other children in a setting where the childminder works with parents and carers to meet children's needs and fully involve them in the life of the setting. Children are developing a sense of belonging as they become aware of the routines and boundaries provided by the childminder. For example, they help with the routines in getting out plates for snack times. Children learn about the local community by making visits and are becoming aware of the wider community by accessing resources which promote diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to understand responsible behaviour and respect the boundaries set by the childminder. For example, they know they sit down when they are eating. Children learn to say please and thank you and share toys and resources.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder collects clear information from parents before children start. She is beginning to develop a file to share with parents to show the service she offers. Although she has developed some information for parents, this does not include information about how they can make a complaint or a log to record any complaints made.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who has a good understanding of child development and the care standards. She ensures the children are provided with a well organised and welcoming environment in which they can play and learn. All adults in the household have been cleared to care for children and never left with any person who has not been vetted.

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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 A high child to adult ratio is maintained so that children form firm relationships with the childminder and become confident in her care. The daily register is well kept showing times of arrival and departure of children.

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Organisation

Records are well kept to ensure children's needs are met effectively. They are reviewed regularly, stored in folders to maintain confidentiality and are readily available for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review her resources to support diversity. She has purchased a variety resources which include play food, dolls and books.

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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): • develop information for parents which includes a complaints log in line with new regulations.

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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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