Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY276639 Unique Reference Number 04 October 2006 Inspection date Marianne Gascoyne 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 2004. She lives with her four children aged 13, 11, eight and two years in Kings Lynn. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to the local school and nursery to take and collect children.

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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. The childminder has experience of children with severe allergies and children in her care are therefore, very aware of the need to practise good hygiene procedures within the daily routine to prevent any risk of an allergic reaction or cross infection. Just being touched by another child who has not washed their hands after eating an egg could cause a reaction. Children's health is safeguarded by effective nappy changing procedures and the home is generally maintained in a clean and hygienic manner. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate and therefore has the knowledge to respond to any accidents appropriately, these are recorded and parents informed to safeguard children's welfare. Adequate procedures are generally in place to prevent the spread of infection and the childminder's policy with regard to sick children is discussed with parents. Appropriate procedures are in place to safeguard children's welfare

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Helping children to be healthy

if they are unwell and written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment obtained.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children are generally well nourished by meals provided by parents and snacks given by the childminder. The childminder holds a food hygiene certificate and is therefore aware of the need to store food provided by parents appropriately to ensure it is safe for children to eat. Children are aware of the need to eat fresh fruit and vegetables to keep themselves healthy through discussions with the childminder and parents ensure these items are included in their lunch boxes. Children are able to access fresh drinking water at all times to keep them healthy and are encouraged to drink regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a positive attitude to fresh air and exercise as they walk to and from school on a daily basis, whatever the weather. They enjoy visits to the park and play in the garden to develop their physical skills on the available equipment or walk to the duck pond to feed the ducks. Challenges are provided by using a pedometer to set a target for walking a number of steps.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies are held in comfort to enjoy their bottle. They sometimes sleep in their pushchair or are able to choose to sleep on a comfortable quilt on the floor and their individual sleep routines respected. They are active and rested as they choose.

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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 environment with toys, which are easily accessible, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Space is used effectively to provide for the needs of the wide age range of children attending and ensure babies can play in safety. The garden provides space for children to run and practise their physical skills. Toys and equipment are well-organised in storage units which can be accessed by children. They are clean, well maintained and developmentally appropriate. A small table and chairs enables children to sit and play or eat in comfort and the dining table is used by the older children for craft activities to provide a suitable surface.

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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 learn to keep themselves safe as they practise road safety procedures on their way to and from school. They are made aware of the need for younger children to hold onto the double buggy and when it is necessary to walk, stay safe. The fire evacuation procedure has been devised and practised occasionally to raise children's awareness of action to take in an emergency. Fire safety equipment is installed appropriately to safeguard children's welfare. Risks in the home have been assessed and action taken to minimise dangers to children, for example, stair gates prevent access to the kitchen or stairs. However, written consent to use the large trampoline has not been obtained from parents and confirmation obtained that this activity is covered by insurance held by the childminder, in order to safeguard children. Dangers

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

are minimised when children travel in the car as appropriate restraints are in place, consent is obtained from parents and insurance cover obtained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected by the childminder's awareness of the procedures to follow if she has any concerns regarding their care or well-being. All the information necessary to enable her to make a child protection referral is easily accessible and she would contact the appropriate authority if parents were unable to provide reassurance for any concerns she may have regarding their children's well-being.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children and childminder plan the activities they wish to undertake during the week and are provided with a balance of active and quiet activities which help to develop their capabilities. They dance and sing, dress up and role play, undertake craft activities, play games or complete puzzles and use their imagination with small world play materials. Children are provided with challenges as they fly kites and design clothes from waste materials. They have fun with 'silly soap' and bubble blowing. They are able to choose the activities they wish to undertake from the wide range of toys and equipment which is well-organised and easily accessible. They benefit from going on outings, for example, to the Sea Life Centre and farm parks to widen their knowledge and experience.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are confident and enjoy good relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder encourages children's conversations and a wide range of subjects is covered. The childminder asks questions and provides information to develop their knowledge and understanding. Children are learning right from wrong by explanations given by the childminder and the positive role model she provides. They play well together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder does not have a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework. However, babies are happy and secure in her care. She talks to them and encourages and develops their play, has fun with them, for example, playing peek-a-boo. They enjoy sharing experiences with her and are confident and learning to communicate verbally.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very secure in the childminder's care with a good sense of belonging. The childminder is flexible in meeting their needs, established by information obtained from parents and observing and talking to the children. She enhances their self-esteem by praise and encouragement and values them all as individuals. The equipment is all accessible to the children and some good quality resources are available to help them develop positive attitudes towards differences in people. These, together with explanations given by the childminder and opportunities to socialise with children from different cultures help develop their understanding. The childminder has experience of caring for children with medical needs and will be proactive in offering care for children with disabilities or learning difficulties. She will work closely with the parents to enable her to provide for them as necessary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well occupied, friendships are in place and they behave appropriately. Strategies used to handle any difficult behaviour are developmentally appropriate to ensure children gain an understanding of the way to behave. Praise is freely given for the behaviour the childminder wishes to encourage and stickers used to reward children. Children are encouraged to remember good manners at mealtimes to help develop their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Information about the training undertaken by the childminder and insurance which is in place is held together in a file and shown to parents to provide reassurance regarding the childminder's ability to care for their children. The childminder completes a daily diary for babies to keep parents informed about the way their child has spent the week. The childminder and older children complete a diary which is taken home by children to complete and share events from home as well as with the childminder. Photographs are also used to share information about what children have done while at the childminder's home. Positive relationships are in place and good lines of communication set up, including talking to parents at the end of the day and the daily diaries which benefits the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A stimulating, caring environment is created by the childminder and children are happy to attend. The childminder has completed all the required training which has given her the necessary knowledge and understanding of her role to care for children and safeguard their welfare. She has a high regard for the well-being of the children, organising her space, time and resources to enable their needs to be met and ensure they enjoy their time in her care. She has considered action to be taken in an emergency situation and children would continue to be cared for appropriately. When taking children out the childminder always keeps a notebook with emergency information about children and doctor's details on her. Emergency contact numbers are also recorded on her mobile phone to ensure parents are always able to contact her and enable them to be contacted to safeguard children's welfare.

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Organisation

Documentation is well-organised and stored confidentially. All the records required by regulation are in place and maintained effectively to safeguard children's welfare. Clear records ensure

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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 children's individual needs are known as parents provide all the necessary information to enable them to be met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to obtain permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and provide secure and confidential storage for children's records. Written permission is now obtained from all parents and records are stored in a locked box file to safeguard children and ensure confidentiality. She was asked to increase her resources to provide positive awareness of different cultures and disability and books and other resources are now available to help develop positive attitudes in children. The childminder was asked to develop her partnership with parents by providing information about the service provided and childcare policies used. Parents are given information about care and activities in the National Childminding Association contract which is completed. Diaries are now used to exchange information about activities at home and with the childminder. Verbal policies are fully discussed

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Improvements since the last inspection

with parents, none are written. The provider now has a copy of 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused' as recommended.

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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): • ensure a comfortable accessible place where babies can rest or sleep when they want to is always available • review the risk assessment to make sure it includes all the activities provided with particular reference to the trampoline

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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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