Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299143 Inspection date 03 October 2005 Inspector Mary Gilbert

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2004. She lives with her two children aged 3 and 5 in Oulton Broad, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding except the utility room and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children and is currently caring for three on a part time basis.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 stay healthy because the childminder follows clear procedures which promotes their well- being. Children learn the importance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder there are clear procedures in place to advise parents or to seek advice or treatment. Children enjoy physical activity on a daily basis, either in the back garden or on outings to the park or other local facility. Children's dietary needs are met. The childminder works with parents to provide healthy snacks and meals. Drinks are available for children to access at all times.

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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 warm, welcoming and safe environment. The new extension has provided a well organised play room with storage for a wide range of resources, encouraging children's independence as they make appropriate choices from the provided range. Resources are well maintained and kept clean. Children are protected by the childminder who is safety conscious. Risks around the house and garden are minimised by regular checks to ensure all areas are safe for children. Good procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when taken out. Children are protected by the childminder's understanding of child protection issues and procedures which need to be put into place should there be a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident, happy and settled in the setting. They are able to make independent choices from the provided range of activities. Toys for babies are laid out and changed regularly to provide sufficient stimulus and interest for them. However there are few planned activities provided for children on a regular basis. The childminder supports children, interacts well in their play and provides for their needs within the daily routine. For example, she takes and collects them from school and ensures they have opportunities to eat and relax.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and the childminder works hard to ensure these needs are met. Children develop a sense of belonging. They respond well to praise and encouragement and respect the expected boundaries of behaviour. There

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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 a some resources to support children's understanding of diversity, although there is a need to review and extend these. Children benefit from the warm relationships between the childminder and their parents. Daily exchanges of information between the parents and the childminder ensures confidentiality and continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's good organisation. Children are given a high level of adult support which has a positive impact on their well-being. Registration processes are in place, but are not clear in identifying times present. The daily routine is organised around children's individual needs. The records, policies, and procedures work in practice to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Records are reviewed and updated when necessary. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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): • develop a suitable range of activities for younger children, for example by using the Birth to three framework • develop a procedure for logging times children are present on a daily basis

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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 • review resources and extend to include those which promote positive images of other cultures, ethnic groups and disabilities

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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