Crowhurst, Susan Elizabeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300845 Inspection date 05 September 2005 Inspector Melanie Calway

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged four and ten years, on the outskirts of Norwich. The whole of the ground floor except the dining room is used for childminding as well as the main bedroom and upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She walks to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools and takes children to a nearby park. The family has two cats and a gerbil as pets. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two

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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 children who attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted by clear sickness procedures, which are included in the contracts. Consent for seeking emergency advice or treatment has been obtained. Children's medical needs are met as there is a system in place for recording the administration of medicine and medicines are stored safely. Good hygiene practice ensures that the risk of infection is minimised. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves healthy as they are encouraged to wash hands before snack and individual flannels are used after meals. Children have plenty of opportunities for physical exercise as they play outside in the garden every day unless it is raining. They enjoy running, playing football and playing hide and seek. Children walk with the childminder to local pre-school groups and a playground. Children are well nourished. They are offered a healthy snack of fruit mid-morning and sandwiches for

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Helping children to be healthy

lunch. The childminder informs parents about what she offers and ensures children's dietary needs are met by obtaining the relevant information. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and accessible to children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe and well-maintained environment. Stair gates are in place to restrict access to upstairs and the kitchen. The environment is made welcoming for children as toys are easily accessible. Children are kept safe as the childminder takes care to ensure older children keep toys which may be unsafe for younger ones out of their reach. The childminder maintains a good level of supervision and gently redirects young children who are exploring their environment for the first time. Although the garden is fully enclosed there is a large hole in the wooden fence, which children can squeeze through. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder uses buggies and reins and children are made aware of the safety rules which are included in the behaviour policy. Children are protected from the risk of fire as there is a clear fire evacuation procedure in place and smoke

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

alarms are fitted. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has all the necessary information on child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities, including gardening, cookery and visits to local toddler groups. Inside they can choose from a range of toys, which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children settle well into the setting and are able to explore their new environment. Children's emotional needs

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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 are met as the childminder responds to requests for cuddles and reassurance. The childminder sits with the children and talks and plays with them. Children are interested and motivated in what is available and can easily access toys. Outside they enjoy playing hide and seek and football. Children enjoy playing in the playhouse and with the tunnel and ride on toys. They help gardening, growing fruit and vegetables, which the childminder then prepares for the children to eat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder makes sure she has all the information she requires regarding diet, sleep routines, likes and dislikes. Children learn to respect each other as resources reflect diversity. Children with differing abilities are supported appropriately and the childminder communicates well with parents in order to care for children effectively. Children's behaviour is managed well. The childminder sets out clear expectations in a behaviour policy which she then reinforces with children, for example not to stand on furniture and to sit down to eat and drink. The childminder has produced some useful information for parents, including a personal statement and policies on equal opportunities and behaviour so that parents are well informed about the setting. A daily diary is used to exchange on-going information regarding the care of children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by persons suitable and qualified for the purpose. The service is well organised. All the necessary documentation is in place and is easily accessible and well ordered ensuring that children are cared for effectively. Overall the needs of the children attending are well 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

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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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): • make the garden fence secure so that there is no danger of children getting through it.

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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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