Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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250868 Unique Reference Number 24 August 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 13, near Halesworth, Suffolk. The childminder uses her lounge, dining room, music room, kitchen, and downstairs bathroom for childminding. There is a secure garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently minding nine children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to a local toddler group. She takes and collects from the local school and pre-school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have a cat and dog as household pets.

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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 remain healthy because they are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment which promotes their well-being. They have regular opportunities to take part in a varied range of physical activities. For example, in term time they walk to the local school and in the holidays they visit the beach or walk on the local common.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to manage their own health needs. They learn the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder encourages this by providing a range of attractive soaps in different colours and shapes. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their needs, either in a cot or buggy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents are informed as to the procedures should their children become unwell in the care of the childminder. However, they have not given written consent to the childminder obtaining emergency medical treatment or advice. Records are kept of accidents and medication given, and a first aid kit is taken when children go out in the car.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well met. Clear information is collected with regard to children's specific dietary requirements. The childminder works with parents to ensure children are provided with healthy nutritious food and drink sufficient to their needs. Children are able to access drinks at all times from their cups left in the kitchen which are refilled as required. Meals and snacks provide healthy options, including fruit and vegetables, and children are sometimes involved in the preparation of their own snacks.

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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 risks minimised. For example, there is a well thought out emergency plan to follow should there be a problem. Children are made aware of this. Children remain safe on outings. The childminder takes adequate precautions, for example, by strapping young children into buggies when walking, or into car seats when using the car. Older children learn the importance of staying close to the childminder and how to be cross the road safely.

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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 sufficient to the needs of the children cared for. These are well organised and changed regularly to provide stimulation and interest for children.

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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 happy, settled and confident in the care of the childminder. They receive effective support and attention which encourages them to feel secure and develops their self-esteem. Children play well together sharing toys and resources. Older children interact well with the younger ones in their play. Children participate in a wide range of activities which develop their skills and extends their knowledge. For example, children use a variety of materials creatively in making pictures, models and when cooking.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Activities are well planned, but flexible, dependent upon the children present and weather conditions. Children have regular opportunities to take part in local groups, such as singing. They visit the library regularly to exchange books, and resources are provided to develop their own interests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are valued and cared for according to their individual needs. They learn to share and take turns through the daily routines. Children have equal access to all toys and resources which are non-gender specific. Children learn about differences within society through planned activities and access to a broad range of multi-cultural resources which include books and puzzles. Children learn about the local community as they help to deliver village newsletters and find out about the history of the area, for example, how the use of buildings has changed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respect the boundaries of behaviour. Adults and children form firm bonds and children remain calm and settled. Parents are informed of the positive approach the childminder uses with children and any specific problems are discussed with them. Parents are kept well informed as to any outings children go on and ongoing information is exchanged to ensure the level of care is appropriate.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed effective strategies for building good relationships with parents and carers. This contributes positively to children's well being. Settling-in procedures are individual and tailored to the needs of the families.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who has a good understanding of the care standards and child development. She has suitable qualifications and wide experience in caring for children. The high ratio of adults to children ensures children have a good level of support. Records are kept of all children on premises. However, times of arrival and departure are not always clearly logged.

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Organisation

Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised environment and daily routines which are developed to meet the needs of the children present.

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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 Clear individual records provide information which enables the childminder to care for children effectively. Records are reviewed to ensure they provide up to date information and are stored to maintain confidentiality. They are readily available for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused'. The childminder has obtained this and it is ready to refer to should the need arise.

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Improvements since the last inspection

She was also asked to record treatment given in the accident book. This is now happening.

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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): • obtain permission from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice • ensure registration includes accurate times of arrival and departure

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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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