Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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256415 Unique Reference Number 28 November 2006 Inspection date Lindsey Ann Cullum 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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and one adult daughter, on the outskirts of Norwich, Norfolk. All areas of the property, with the exception of the bedrooms are registered for use by minded children. Each room of the house is located on a different floor. The childminder uses her lounge for childminding which is situated on the second level. A wide secure patio, accessed from the third level, provides an area for outdoor play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. Overnight care is not provided. The childminder is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis.

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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 are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained home. Their health is promoted as the childminder uses suitable hygiene practices. Children are able to independently use toilet and hand-washing facilities and are reminded to wash their hands. The risk of cross infection is minimised during nappy changing as the childminder wears gloves and cleans surfaces after each use. Pets are kept clean and well looked after, to ensure children are protected when coming into contact with them. Systems are in place to record any accidents, medication, existing injuries and children's health needs, which enables appropriate care to be provided. Written policies on children's sickness and emergencies are shared with parents, outlining the practices used by the childminder to promote children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are adequately nourished as they are provided with regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Meal arrangements are discussed with parents to ensure these meet children's dietary requirements and cater for their likes and dislikes. Written statements on meals and nutrition inform parents of the childminder's commitment to promote healthy eating within her home. Children recognise when they are thirsty and drinks are accessible throughout the day, helping to maintain their health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a positive attitude to exercise and fresh air as they frequently go outside. Children walk to and from pre-school, go on visits to the park or walk to the library. The childminder has a patio area where children are able to play with balls, climb through a tunnel or up the small slide and use ride-on toys, contributing to their physical development. Children are able to rest according to their needs, promoting their well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken appropriate steps to reduce the risks to children. Safety gates are used effectively to prevent children's unsupervised access to stairs. The childminder provides good levels of supervision and accompanies children as they move around the home or whilst in the garden, contributing to their welfare. Suitable fire safety measures are in place. The childminder carries out a fire drill annually, setting off one smoke detector and following her emergency escape plan, ensuring appropriate action can be taken in the event of a fire. Children are kept safe as the premises and garden are secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can safely access a range of resources and are able to make independent choices from the selection available. Their risk of injury from toys is minimised because the childminder ensures that they are of good quality and appropriate for the range of children that she minds. Some toys are stored in boxes positioned in the lounge whilst others are set out on low tables. Further resources are stored around the home and are rotated by the childminder to stimulate and maintain children's interest. The childminder monitors children's play to ensure they play safely and toys are used appropriately, contributing to children's safety.

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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 Children enjoy frequent outings with the childminder who has clear strategies in place to keep them safe, for example, holding onto the buggy or using wrist straps. Children are beginning to learn about road safety as they discuss this whilst out with the childminder and seek suitable places to cross roads. All the necessary permissions for outings have been obtained from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder understands her duty and responsibilities in child protection. A written statement is shared with parents to make sure they are aware of her role in safeguarding children. Relevant literature is available for reference.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. They develop trusting relationships with the childminder and are confident to go to her for comfort or reassurance. Children's play is very well supported by the childminder, which builds their self-esteem. They benefit from the individual time and attention she is able to provide, promoting their learning and development. The childminder knows the interests and capabilities of each child and uses this knowledge when setting out resources at the beginning of the day. Children are actively encouraged to become independent as they choose activities they would like to play with and the childminder is guided by what the children wish to do.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are provided with a variety of activities and resources which help them to develop in all areas of learning. They enjoy regular outings with the childminder to the library, shops or park, which provide additional learning opportunities as they talk about what they see. Children's social skills are encouraged as they attend the local parent and toddler group where they play with other children, learn to share and take turns. Children have many opportunities for creative play with glue, crayons, paint and dough. They confidently make a snowman from a variety of materials and are proud of their achievements. Child sized furniture ensure children can access and sit comfortably at their chosen activity. Children acquire new knowledge as they look through books with the childminder, talk about programmes seen on the television or count the number of objects. The childminder joins in children's activities and offers lots of praise

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and encouragement, fostering children's confidence and self-esteem. Toys and play materials are changed on a regular basis to stimulate children's interest and ensure they engage in a broad range of age appropriate activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three are cared for appropriately. The childminder has not received a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, however will seek this as soon as possible in order to develop her knowledge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and treated as individuals. Their needs are acknowledged because the childminder takes time to listen to them and she provides care and activities that help to increase their self-esteem and sense of security. Children are able to make choices, for example, what toys they would like to play with and can access resources, fostering their independence.

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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 Children are beginning to learn about their own culture through play materials and outings. However, there are limited opportunities for children to gain a full understanding of others and awareness of diversity. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and would carefully consider any requests for such care. She would seek additional support and advice, if necessary, so that children's needs could be met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and behave well as they are occupied and interested in the activities on offer. They benefit from high levels of adult attention and support, are given praise and encouragement, fostering their confidence. Children receive gentle guidance with regards to rules and boundaries and behaviour management strategies are discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly relationships which exists between their parents and the childminder. They talk on a daily basis and exchange verbal information about individual children's care, behaviour and routines. Children's artwork and photographs are sent home which helps parents keep up to date with daily events and activities. The childminder gives parents a 'Handbook' containing policy statements and information on her care practices. This helps to provide consistency in the care of young children and promotes their well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Checks have been completed to ensure that persons living in the household are suitable. The childminder attended initial training in childminding practice but has not accessed any other childcare training for a number of years. She has not maintained a current first aid certificate and therefore fails to meet a requirement of the National Standards. Children's welfare in the event of an emergency is compromised.

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Organisation

Children are cared for in a warm, relaxed, homely environment enabling them to feel comfortable and secure. They benefit from the care of an experienced childminder who organises her time and resources well to ensure children are happy and occupied. Children benefit from high levels of adult attention, supporting their learning and development. Parent's wishes are sought and respected, enabling appropriate care to be provided. A range of detailed policies, give parents useful information about the childminder's practises. Appropriate documentation to promote children's welfare is maintained, easily accessible and stored confidentially. Overall, the needs of the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection the childminder agreed to clarify the wording requesting emergency consent from parents, improve fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures and obtain equipment to enable babies to eat in comfort.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has amended the wording used to seek parental permission in line with the National Standards, ensures exits from the premises are easily opened and evacuation drills are practiced annually and has purchased a high chair so that babies may be seated appropriately at meal-times. These actions improve children's safety and well-being.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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 satisfactory. 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 resources which raise children's awareness of our diverse society • complete a first aid course to update knowledge and skills.

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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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