Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337921 Unique Reference Number 14 February 2007 Inspection date Pauline Margaret Todd 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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children in a village near to the town of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding with the exception of the main bedroom. 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 four children under eight years at any one time. Overnight care is not provided. She is currently minding six children on a part-time basis. Some attend before and after school and during the school holidays. She sometimes works with an assistant who may, at times agreed and confirmed in writing by parents, take sole charge of the children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog and two rabbits.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 clean and tidy premises. Older children fulfil their own personal hygiene needs. They independently use the toilet and hand washing facilities upstairs or downstairs. Children wash their hands before eating meals and snacks to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. The childminder follows adequate levels of hygiene when changing nappies. Pets are hygienically cared for to keep children safe. The dog has his own bed in the dining room. Children's health details are clearly recorded to maintain their good health. The sickness policy enables children who are unwell to be cared for appropriately to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has current first aid knowledge to ensure children's well-being in the event of an accident. However, full details of injuries and accidents are not always recorded to promote children's well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's healthy growth and development are satisfactorily promoted. They are appropriately nourished and have some opportunities to learn about healthy eating. The childminder provides parents with information about the kinds of food to provide, for example, fruit and vegetables. Children help themselves to a drink from their cups and beakers whenever they wish to ensure they drink sufficient amounts to keep them healthy. Parents provide ready prepared bottles for babies which the childminder heats up.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children play outside in the garden with ride-on toys, bikes, swings, slides, bats and balls which enables them to develop their physical skills. They enjoy going to the local parks and indoor play centres. They walk to school daily to have regular opportunities to experience fresh air and use their bodies. Children are able to rest comfortably on the settees. Babies sleep in the travel cot which promotes their emotional and physical well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children of all ages benefit from being cared for in a homely, warm and welcoming environment. The toys and play equipment are readily available to them on arrival. They can help themselves to items from well-organised containers, storage units and cupboards which encourage independence. Further items are stored in the bedrooms and outdoor play house. The plastic benches positioned in the living room are sometimes moved to make sure young children and babies have sufficient space in the room to explore and play freely. Equipment is available to meet the varying needs of all children, for example, high chair by the dining table, travel cot in the living room, changing mat. The children sit comfortably to play together on the floor of the living room. Children are kept safe because the childminder has identified and minimised risks, for example, stairgates are positioned across the doorways and at the bottom of the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children receive adequate supervision and the premises and garden are secure. Clear plans for fire safety and evacuation of the premises are displayed to protect children in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted. The childminder has an awareness of her responsibilities. Appropriate documentation is available for reference. She would comply

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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 with local child protection procedures if she suspected a child in her care was being abused or neglected.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and well-settled. They spend their time undertaking a range of play experiences indoors and outside. The childminder also takes them out on visits and outings, particularly during the school holidays. They enjoy creating imaginary play situations using the 'small world' toys such as dolls and role play with the dressing-up clothes. They use a variety of games and puzzles, for example, they like to play noughts and crosses. The childminder plans some activities for the older children, for example, cooking apple crumble, cakes and biscuits, undertaking craft activities including painting and sticking. Children have their own box to keep their drawings safe to take home. Children sometimes make decisions about the activities they would like to do, for example, they will ask to use the paints. A selection of interesting books is available and stories are read on demand. Children go out to play in the garden which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extends their choices and maintain their interest. Babies and young children have their own play materials to use such as wind-up toys, cars, building blocks. However, the childminder does not use the 'Birth to three matters' framework for reference when planning activities to help her fully meet the development needs of the younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a gentle, caring environment for the children. She is developing a close relationship with them. She maintains good eye contact when speaking with them and uses friendly language which helps to raise their self-esteem. She works well with her assistant and they both give children lots of support to make them feel secure and confident.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about diversity by using toys and play equipment that reflect a variety of cultural backgrounds. Children have many opportunities to learn about their immediate community by visiting the shops, schools, library, parks and the beach. The childminder knows the children very well and helpful details of their fears, dislikes and routines are recorded to enable appropriate care to be given. The parents complete an 'individual needs form' for their child when they first join. This gives the childminder information about the food the children eat, whether they can dress themselves, their toileting needs and use of comforters. She is aware some children may have specific needs and would ensure adequate steps are taken to promote their welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn right from wrong. They are polite and very well-mannered. They are getting on well together. Some friendships are being formed with the childminder's own children. Clear house rules are established and shared with parents and children to encourage consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive partnerships that have developed between the childminder and their parents. There is a useful exchange of information daily to promote children's well-being and development. They discuss the outings to be held during the school holidays.

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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 looked after according to parents' wishes. Agreement forms are fully completed for all children attending. The registration forms give sufficient details of children, emergency contact numbers and those with permission to collect the children to keep them safe. Consents are obtained to take photographs of the children, to transport them in a vehicle and for them to play outside. The childminder shares many details of her routines and childcare practices. She gives parents a pack containing policies and procedures covering admissions, snacks and medication. Parents receive clear information about the procedures for making complaints and the process for resolving them.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. There have been no changes to the childminder's circumstances and she remains suitable to look after children. She improves and develops her skills by undertaking regular training, for example, handling of medicines, food hygiene. The children are well cared for and supported during their time with her. They feel secure and confident with their surroundings. With the support of her assistant, the childminder is able to make good use of her time. She plays with the children and takes them out.

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Organisation

Good records are kept to ensure the childminder carries out her work efficiently. Detailed contracts and consents promote the welfare and care of all children. Confidential information is stored in filing boxes and folders. These are clearly labelled for easy access as required. An effective registration system is in place which is kept accurate and up-to-date to keep children safe and ensure ratios are maintained. The childminder has well-presented policies and procedures available. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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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Complaints 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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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): • improve the recording of accidents and injuries to promote children's well-being • develop knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under three years, for example through the use of the 'Birth to three' framework.

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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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