Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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250803 Unique Reference Number 05 September 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 1996. She lives with her husband and two adult children and one teenage son aged 13 in Stowmarket, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor of the property and the main bedroom upstairs are 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 eight children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and drop in childminding children's centre. She takes children to the local library, park and museum of life.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the NCMA and has completed the Suffolk Quality Kitemark.

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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 The family have a rabbit and tortoise as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's remain healthy as they are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment which promotes their well-being. Clear policies and procedures are in place which minimise the spread of infection and promote children's good health. For example, children learn the importance of washing their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder there are good procedures in place to inform parents or seek emergency treatment or advice. Accident and medication records are well kept and signed by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have varied opportunities for physical play. There is a good range of resources available for them to use in the back garden which is used on a daily basis. Other opportunities include walks and visits to the local park. Children are able to sleep or rest according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are well met. Clear information is collected on registration with regard to any specific dietary requirements, for example, allergies. The childminder works with parents to ensure children have food sufficient to their needs. She provides a range of healthy snacks for the children, for example, different fruits. Drinks of water are available at all times. Children have access to their own cups which are refilled as necessary through the day.

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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, secure and welcoming environment. The house and garden are regularly checked to ensure risks are minimised. For example, toys are tidied away to ensure floor surfaces are clear and trip hazards removed. Children learn how to keep themselves safe in the house and what they should do in an emergency.

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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 provide them with stimulation. These are well maintained and stored to encourage independence in providing children with easy access and choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings. Younger children are secured in buggies and older children learn to stay close to the childminder. They learn how to cross the road safely. The childminder carries details identifying herself as a childminder and details of the minded children in case of emergency.

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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. She has attended up to date training.

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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, confident and settled with the childminder. They come in and settle happily, making choices from the wide range of activities provided for them. The childminder provides a range of focused activities through the week, both in the house and when taken out. For example, they attend the local toddler group and visit the museum of life, library and park.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well in children's play and asks questions to develop their ideas and interests. She is aware of children's differing levels of development and provides resources and activities at different levels to support their varying needs, for example, in taking and collecting from school and nursery.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are well known by the childminder who works hard to ensure these needs can be met. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are encouraged to be involved in the daily routines. Children respect the behaviour boundaries set by the childminder and respond well to the praise and encouragement she offers. Children learn to share toys and resources and play cooperatively together. Children learn about the wider society through planned activities and access to a wide range of resources which promote their understanding of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships built between the parents and the childminder. Clear information is available for them to find out about the care available. Settling in procedures are flexible and tailored to the needs of the children and their families. Daily information is recorded so parents are made aware of the progress made by their children and develops consistency of care. Although parents are given information with regard to the making of complaints, this is unclear and not in line with the addendum to the standards of October 2005.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child development and the care standards. All of the adults in the house have been vetted.

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Organisation

Appropriate child to adult ratios are maintained so that children form firm relationships with the childminder and develop a high level of confidence in her care. Daily routines are developed to meet the needs of the children attending. For example, the childminder ensures there are appropriate resources and activities provided to meet the needs of the children present.

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Organisation

Clear records are kept. These are well maintained, shared with parents and reviewed regularly to ensure all information kept is up to date. Documents are stored to maintain confidentiality and were readily available for inspection.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to keep a record of medication given to children. This is now in place.

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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 parents are aware of how complaints are dealt with, inline with the addendum to the standards October 2005

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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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