Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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250996 Unique Reference Number 23 January 2007 Inspection date Glenda Kathleen Field 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 outstanding. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and three children in a house in south east Ipswich, Suffolk. The house is within easy walking distance of local shops, parks and schools. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll of whom three are aged under five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Childminding is contained to the ground floor of the premises and there is a downstairs cloakroom. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and regularly visits the local parent and toddler group and childminders group with minded children. Visits are also made to the local parks and heath, shops and library and local soft play centre.

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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 outstanding. Children thrive because their physical, nutritional and health needs are very well met as a result of effective procedures and practices employed by the childminder. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities and experiences indoors, outdoors and away from the childminding setting which actively contribute to their very good health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for within a well maintained and hygienic environment. The childminder employs very effective and thorough hygiene routines and procedures, which ensures children are kept healthy at all times. Effective procedures are in place in relation to the personal hygiene and hand washing of the minded children. Children understand the purpose and need to keep themselves healthy and are actively encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after using the toilet and after certain activities, for example, after playing outside or taking part in messy play activities. Children independently carry out these tasks with little need to be reminded. Younger children are supported in these tasks by the childminder. The childminder works to detailed, purposeful policies and procedures she has devised in relation to health, hygiene, medication and illness in the children which are clearly reflected in her excellent practice. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder holds a current first aid qualification and complete first aid box helping to ensure that children are cared for safely and that any incidents or accidents are dealt with in an efficient and prompt manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of healthy and nutritious snacks and drinks throughout their day. During the inspection children enjoy a snack of banana and cheese straws. Children access drinks on a regular basis throughout the day and the childminder is pro-active in ensuring that very young children are not thirsty. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers regarding meal provision, allergies, preferences or needs on religious grounds. Children enjoy meal and snack times which are well conducted, safe and offer the children healthy choices, for example, jacket potatoes with assorted fillings, pasta, salad, lean meat and fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and yoghurt.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing competent physical skills and abilities which are particularly well promoted through access to excellent opportunities both within and away from the childminding setting. Regular opportunities are made available during indoor and outdoor play for children to develop and build upon their existing skills and range of physical abilities. For example, walks are taken to the park and heath where children use the large play equipment and collect twigs and leaves for craft work at the home of the childminder. Also visits are made to the beach and local parent and toddler groups. Children develop a range of small physical skills as they competently use a variety of construction equipment, cause and effect toys and creative materials used during craft activities, developing hand eye coordination and finger control. Large physical activities are very well provided for and as a result children's physical skills and

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Helping children to be healthy

abilities are developing well. Children practise climbing and balancing skills as they use slides and wheeled toys in the garden and a variety of equipment within soft play centres and toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

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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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an environment where their safety is given a high priority as the childminder completes regular risk assessments, identifying possible risks or hazards. Identified hazards are dealt with promptly and effectively. This ensures children are cared for in a very safe, secure and supportive environment. The childminder liaises closely with parents and carers discussing children's individual needs in terms of their safety, allowing them optimal challenge to develop new skills. The use of suitable safety equipment, such as fire guards, harnesses for high chairs, child proof locks and safety gates to prevent children having access to the stairs ensures children's safety and well-being is promoted. The childminder conducts daily checks of both indoor and outdoor play space prior to the children's arrival, this significantly enhances their safety. High priority is given to close supervision at all times. Children develop physical

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and skills of independence through the childminder's detailed planning and supervision. The devised and practised evacuation procedure of the premises gives children a clear understanding of the importance of staying safe in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children confidently select toys from the range set out for them on low shelving, in floor based containers and from those offered to them by the childminder. Children access an extensive range of toys and equipment which are age appropriate, safe and hygienic. The regular checking of furniture, toys and equipment ensures that the children are kept very safe at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected because the childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection procedures, this actively contributes to children's safety and well-being. Access to information, training in this area and a written policy which she shares with parents and carers ensures children's welfare is given a high priority. Parents and carers are made aware that the childminder's ultimate responsibility is the safety and welfare of the children she cares for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, settled and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They are motivated, eager and actively participate in and enjoy the activities and experiences offered to them. Children are confident and relate very well to each other. The childminder uses her knowledge and understanding of children's developmental needs to plan an extensive range of opportunities and activities, which are organised around particular themes or interest. Children benefit from the childminder's skilled ability to balance her time interacting with children effectively and at appropriate moments, standing back and enabling children to develop their own fun within the playroom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In planning for children under the age of three, the childminder has found the 'Birth to three matters' framework valuable in helping her to focus on their developmental needs. This is reflected in her differentiated approach which enables children of various ages to benefit from the experiences she provides. Wherever possible activities are adapted to allow younger children and babies to participate at their own level, such as during painting activities. A portfolio of photographs for each child refers to aspects of the framework.

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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 Children access a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences both within and away from the childminding setting which support the growth of children's development across all areas. Children are animated and excited when adults present take an interest and listen carefully to what they are saying and join in with them in developing their play. Access to very good resources and interaction from the childminder sustains children's interest and enables them to successfully develop their play, for example, the introduction of leaves and twigs to the dinosaur park activity.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are offered an extensive range of different play experiences and activities on a regular basis which enables them to learn new skills and consolidate existing ones. For example, children attend a variety of child-centred settings away from the childminding premises, such as parent and toddler groups and soft play settings. These encourage the development of social skills and a range of physical skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder encourages children's behaviour and achievements through the use of positive praise and encouragement. This positive praise encourages children to persevere and practise skills. The childminder uses positive language to actively encourage children's enjoyment, pride in their achievements and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop very good large and small physical skills through planned activities both within and away from the childminding setting. They practise climbing and balancing skills during outdoor play, movement and hand eye coordination skills during indoor activities, such as craft activities, using construction equipment and cause and effect toys. Children experience the wider community as they play outdoors, go for walks, visit local parks, libraries and other places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed and have equal access to all activities and experiences offered which are stimulating and age appropriate. Children play cooperatively together sharing and taking turns with activities and equipment developing an understanding of others and differences. Children access a good range of multicultural resources that help them understand diversity. For example, dressing up clothes, books, puzzles and dolls. The childminder's written equal opportunities policy and practice ensures children's equality of opportunity. The childminder ensures that all children's individual needs are known, enabling the planning and adapting of care accordingly to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very happy and content in their play which is seen as they play happily together and chat with one another, the childminder and inspector. Children's self-confidence is evident and is very well promoted as they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder resulting in their enjoyment and contentment. Children are very well behaved because the childminder is clear about the need to promote children's positive behaviour and self-esteem. A comprehensive written behaviour management policy which clearly identifies strategies used to promote positive behaviour is in place and shared with parents and carers.

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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 benefit greatly from the excellent communication between the childminder and parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail with parents and carers prior to placement and on an ongoing basis as they develop new skills and achieve milestones in their development. Successful relationships with parents and carers support the children's development very well. Observations relating to the children's day, development and general well-being are fed back to parents and carers informally as they collect their children at the end of their minded day. Parents and carers have access to extremely comprehensive information on what the childminder has to offer through her operational plan document, information about Ofsted and records kept.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for within a very well planned and organised environment. The childminder is very clear about her role and responsibilities in providing a high quality service to the children and their families. Adults living on the premises are checked for suitability, reassuring parents and keeping children safe. The childminder is aware of the need to inform Ofsted of any changes relating to her registration.

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Organisation

Children access toys, equipment and activities which are well planned and prepared prior to the children arriving enabling children to feel welcome, confident and happy. Children confidently access and are involved in a range of interesting and age appropriate activities both within and away from the childminding setting. The childminder has attended all the required training to support her registration, and shows a continuing commitment to undertake appropriate training, for example, the 'Birth to three matters' framework, to enhance her existing excellent practice, enabling her to provide high quality childcare.

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Organisation

The childminder has a high regard for the well-being of all the children in her care. Children benefit from her effective organisation of time, space and resources and the balanced range of activities provided to promote their care, learning and play. The childminder is meticulous in maintaining all the required documentation and consents to support the care and welfare of children. Records are stored securely and the childminder has a high regard for issues of confidentiality. The childminder has compiled a substantial operational plan folder containing detailed information about her provision to promote children's good health, enjoyment, achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that contact details for any child protection concerns were available. The childminder has attended safeguarding children training and obtained the required contact details for referrals which ensures children's welfare is effectively safeguarded.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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