Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY231062 Unique Reference Number 17 August 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 was registered in December 2002. She lives with her partner and four children aged six, eight, 16 and 18 in a bungalow in Leiston, Suffolk. The lounge, kitchen/diner, conservatory, bedroom two, utility room and bathroom of the premises are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family do not have any pets.

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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 four children all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and parks. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties.

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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 warm, clean home where the importance of good hygiene and personal care are promoted through the childminder's daily routines. Children are encouraged to have an awareness of personal hygiene, for instance washing hands after playing outside and before meals. Positive steps are taken if a child is ill to prevent the spread of infection. A written policy shared with parents ensures they are fully aware of their responsibilities if their child is ill. Medication administration and accident records are kept and parents sign to acknowledge the entry. However, accident records do not contain the date of the accident. This potentially compromises children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy meals, for example, pasta dishes and wholesome sandwiches. Children receive fresh fruit daily as part of a balanced diet. Fresh drinking water and juice are available to children at all times so they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are given daily opportunities to develop their physical skills and co-ordination through regular visits to the local parks and large play equipment in the childminder's garden, for example, swings, slides and large and small trampolines. The childminder provides bikes and other wheeled toys outdoors, along with a wide range of play materials, so children benefit from being outside. Children also walk to and from local schools each day to further develop their physical wellbeing. Visits are also made to the local shops and library.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is warm and welcoming both for children and their families. The childminder supervises children in their play both inside and outside, balancing freedom and setting safe limits. Children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. The areas used for childminding are laid out with a wide range of resources that children are able to access independently. Resources are safe, clean and of good quality.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is vigilant in maintaining a safe and secure environment for children. For example, child proof safety catches are in place on lower cupboard, the fire is guarded and outside gates are padlocked. Children are protected in case of fire because smoke alarms and a fire blanket are in place, however, there is no written emergency evacuation plan, this potentially compromises children's safety. Children are made aware of their own safety when out because they are encouraged to hold hands or reins are used. The childminder reinforces road safety with children, which helps children become aware of their own safety when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder's clear understanding of her responsibilities concerning child protection issues. Relevant documentation is held and readily accessible, including contact numbers for any referrals that may have to be made.

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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 settle well at the childminders house. She encourages them to be confident and independent by enabling them to access toys freely and becoming familiar with the daily routine. Young children show a strong sense of security in their relationships with the childminder. This contributes to a strong sense of belonging.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that resources are appropriate to children's stages of development for example, mirror toys and rattles for young baby present. Children enjoy a wide range of activities and experiences, for example, art and craft activities, construction toys, assorted books, puzzles and games. Regular use is made of local amenities, such as walks to the park, shops and library. Visits are made to local parent and toddler groups, which provide young children with excellent opportunities to socialise with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers effective support during their activities, encouraging children to develop their skills. For example, children's early communication skills develop through the good quality and sensitive interaction from the childminder. The childminder has a good understanding of the developmental needs of children and uses this knowledge to help children develop and make progress. The childminder has attended ' Birth to three matters' training and uses the inform to inform her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that all children are treated as individuals and with equal concern. Resources that reflect our diverse society are available to children. Children are met with a familiar range of resources to ease the separation from parents. The provision for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is good. The childminder seeks relevant training to care for children's specific needs and adapts activities where necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses effective, clear and consistent strategies to manage behaviour. Clear explanations and age-appropriate reasoning why behaviour is unacceptable provides children with firm foundations to build on their understanding of right and wrong. Children thrive on the praise and encouragement given by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. They receive individual feedback regarding their child's time with the childminder on a daily basis, this ensures consistency for children. Time is taken to discuss the changing needs of the children and daily routines reflect the wishes of the parents to ensure that children receive continuity of care. Children are treated as individuals, their personal routines are identified and activities are adapted to ensure children can reach their full potential.

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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. Children are cared for by the childminder who has a good understanding of the national standards which ensures children are protected. She ensures children are never left unsupervised or in the care of any adult not vetted. The childminder has attended all the relevant training courses which have developed her knowledge and understanding of child development and how to effectively care for children. The children have a high level of support because numbers are purposely kept low so that the childminder is able to support children effectively in their play.

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Organisation

Children are welcomed into a well-prepared environment which enables them to feel comfortable and at home, and provides stimulation for their play. The records, policies and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Contracts and children's records are reviewed regularly to ensure they are up to date. Records are carefully stored to maintain confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to continue to develop toys and resources to reflect positive images of diversity. Books, puzzles, play people and baby toys have been added to the resources.

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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 accident records contain the date of the accident • devise and practise an emergency escape plan.

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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 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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