Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY253525 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Georgina Emily Hobson Matthews

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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 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 was registered in 2003 . She lives with her father and mother, in a detached bungalow in a village south of Norwich, in Norfolk. Her father, mother and sister are also registered to care for children at the setting. When jointly childminding, she may care for six children under five years and currently nine children attend at different times. Children have access to a dedicated playroom, with en suite toilet facilities, a dining room, a bedroom, a utility room and a large, enclosed rear garden, for outdoor play.

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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 The family has cats, chickens and rabbits that are housed outdoors. The childminder holds a BTEC National Diploma in Early Years. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and a local childminder support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s health is exceedingly well promoted as the childminder displays excellent hygiene practice and follows highly effective procedures to prevent the spread of infection. Outdoor play equipment is cleaned each day before children access the outdoor area. This is jet steamed once a month and boxes of indoor equipment are cleaned every two weeks. A notice in the entrance area requests that outdoor shoes are removed to prevent the spread of infection to babies when crawling on the floor. A clear policy outlining procedures in the event of a child becoming ill is shared with parents in order that that the risk of infection to others is minimised. A well stocked first aid box is held in a labelled cupboard and robust systems are in place to record accidents and the administration of medication. Children actively learn about the importance of personal hygiene, for example, when

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Helping children to be healthy

washing hands before eating, after toileting, outdoor play or handling pets. The childminder makes children well aware of the risk of cross contamination and encourages parents to provide individual wash bags containing a hand towel, flannel, toothbrush and toothpaste. Children learn to take responsibility for their own needs as they are encouraged to access the well organised en-suite toilet area independently, to use easily accessible tissues and to brush their teeth after meals. Younger children who are potty training have access to individual potty chairs and are gently reminded to access these at regular intervals in order to develop an awareness of their individual needs. Family pets are securely housed in the garden to prevent them from fouling any areas used by the children. Children develop a valuable awareness of healthy eating as the childminder includes this topic in everyday conversation and refers to posters depicting fruit and

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Helping children to be healthy

vegetables with 'Five a Day' slogans. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder offers appetising, home cooked meals using organic and home grown produce. Alternatively, she gives useful advice on what should be included in packed lunches, provided by the parents, in order to ensure that children receive well balanced, nutritious meals. The childminder has an in-depth understanding of special dietary needs and food intolerances. Dietary requirements are discussed with parents prior to the commencement of care to ensure that no child is at risk from a reaction to food. Children are able to take responsibility for their own drinking needs as water is easily accessed by each child at all times. Children develop a positive attitude to exercise as the setting's daily routine incorporates vigorous outdoor play. They reap the benefits of testing and developing their physical control in a safe outdoor environment as they climb and slide on small

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Helping children to be healthy

apparatus; negotiate their way around the large garden on cars, tricycles or pushing

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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 dolls in prams and learn how to use age-appropriate swings. The children share lots of laughter as they take turns on a small roundabout. They happily cultivate large physical skills such as crawling, walking, jumping, skipping, throwing and catching using an extensive range of high quality resources. The childminder refers to the 'Birth to three matters' framework when planning for the development of babies and children become skilful in a range of movements. Children rest and sleep according to their needs after careful discussion with their parents regarding the children's routines and their own wishes. They can rest comfortably without disturbance in a peaceful, dedicated sleep room that is set up with a range of good quality cots and a substantial supply of clean bedding.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, child-centred, indoor and outdoor environment that is safe and secure. They have easy access to an extensive range of excellent, developmentally appropriate resources and equipment that is of a high quality and is in meticulous condition. The childminder arranges a selection of her resources in colourful boxes around the play areas and stores additional choices in a cupboard in the play room and in an outdoor shed. A further collection of play materials are stored in the loft and the childminder rotates the selection each week in order to provide the children with a variety of experiences. She replaces her resources and equipment on a regular basis. Prams, cots and highchairs are purchased as new and some resources are acquired at car boot sales and from on-line auctions. These are checked carefully and cleaned thoroughly before use. Broken resources are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

disposed of immediately. Children’s safety is well fostered. The childminder is aware of children's constantly developing abilities and has completed a careful risk assessment in order to minimise children’s risk of accidental injury. Ongoing assessments are carried out and systems are in place to record any hazards that arise and what actions will be taken. Children are supervised carefully at all times including when handling pets. The childminder complies with advice received from a fire safety officer in order to promote children's safety within the setting. Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are provided with clear explanations, for example, of why they should hold on tightly and lift their feet when playing on swings and why they should fasten their shoes properly before moving around. They learn to keep safe in the sun as sun cream is applied. They are encouraged to sit under canopies or in play tents to shade themselves from the hot sun and baby

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

swings are securely attached to sturdy branches of a large tree to provide shade. Children are kept safe on outings. Written consents are in place to transport children in a bus or car and an ample number of car seats that cater for individual children's ages and weights are available. A clean driving licence, valid MOT documentation and insurance for business use are held by the childminder. She is well prepared for any eventualities on outings as she plans these carefully and carries contact details of parents, a first aid kit, toiletries, drinks and spare clothes at all times, in order to

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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 meet each child's needs. Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded. The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines and shares her policy for child protection with parents. She has sound systems in place for the release of children into the care of other adults in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very happy, at ease and eager to participate in a broad range of activities which help them to progress in all areas of development, within the warm, comfortable child-centred environment. They separate easily from their parents as they receive a warm welcome from the childminder. Children are able to make choices from the extensive, well organised and easily accessible resources and to play at their own pace. The childminder works at the children's level, listens carefully to their news and ideas and provides thoughtful support and encouragement as the children explore and investigate. The childminder encourages the children to explore resources, to discover how they work and to talk about their findings. She uses good questioning techniques to develop their ability to recall events and to communicate their ideas. She is consistently gentle and affectionate in her approach and children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

develop a strong sense of self from her attentive care and ongoing praise. They form close bonds with the childminder and are confident and affectionate in their approach with her. Babies' routines are respected and their needs are accommodated well. One child is visiting the setting for the first time. The childminder provides her with warm care and communicates using gentle sounds and small gestures. The child gurgles happily and smiles at the childminder and the other children. She enjoys exploring interesting, age-appropriate resources and feels secure in a comfortable baby nest. Later in the garden, she swings contentedly under a tree, fascinated by the swaying leaves and enjoying watching the other children at play. Children make friendships with others at the settings. Young children play in small groups and have fun during imaginative play, as they push their dolls around the garden and feed them at a picnic. They are beginning to communicate with each

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

other and learning to negotiate as they share resources. An excellent range of resources provides inviting opportunities for pretend play such as, quality wooden kitchen units, a table and chairs and a mixture of utensils made from plastic and natural materials. Children are inspired by these resources and as a result their play develops naturally. They are totally engrossed as they mix imaginary ingredients for a cake, with spoons and a whisk and bake this in an oven. Children show interest in what they do and are able to concentrate as they thread cotton reels and shapes onto laces. They chat confidently with the childminder who offers them lots of praise as they achieve their goals and they acquire new knowledge as she talks about the colours, shapes and number of items that the children are using. Children are encouraged to take turns, to share resources, to communicate using

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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 sounds and gestures and to show consideration for each other and the babies. The toddlers are beginning to observe things closely. They smile, kiss and say quiet words to the baby. They show wonder as they watch the chickens; one is surprised and calls out that they are eating cucumbers. Feeding carrots to the rabbits is an exciting experience; the children are careful and quiet in order not to frighten the pets. They are developing new skills and revel in everyday activities, such as washing dolls' clothes and hanging these on a low linen line with small wooden pegs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's individual needs are accommodated as careful discussions take place with parents, prior to the commencement of care, usually at a weekend when the childminder is not caring for children. Children's routines and individual needs are recorded and displayed on a notice board in the dining area when a child initially attends to ensure that each childminder is aware of these needs. Their differing stages of development are accommodated as the childminder skilfully adapts activities and uses developmentally appropriate equipment to enable each child to participate in activities and to successfully develop independence. Children are able to appreciate and respect others' similarities and differences through a wide range of resources which reflect positive images of culture, gender and disability. They learn about their own community through outings to local shops, parks and school events

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and develop an awareness of the wider society with trips to farms, indoor play barns and ponds where they feed ducks. The childminder has an awareness of special educational needs issues and is proactive in liaising with parents if she has concerns regarding a child's development in order that the parent may obtain specialist help. The childminder uses positive behaviour management strategies which are appropriate to each child's level of understanding and maturity. She has incorporated a behaviour statement within her policies and procedures document which is shared with parents to encourage consistency of care. Children behave well and are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong and to understand responsible behaviour. The childminder helps them to manage their own behaviour through simple explanations when behaviour is inappropriate, such as when a child is not sitting safely on a chair. They are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouraged to respect the needs of others, for example, when difficulties arise with sharing. Parents are able to assess that children's well-being is promoted at the setting as they can view photographs of present and past children at play, displayed on walls and in folders. They are provided with a copy of the childminder's daily routine, menus of meals that are offered to the children, with vegetarian options, a policies and procedures document and evacuation procedures. Parents are made aware of proposed Ofsted inspections and are requested to comment on the childcare provision with any suggestions for improvements. Their satisfaction is reflected in their extremely positive feedback.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from the care of an appropriately vetted, well qualified and experienced childminder who has a high regard for the well-being of children. She holds current first training and is committed to accessing training workshops in childcare to keep up to date with current practice. A subscription to a childcare publication and information downloaded from the internet augments her knowledge. She minds jointly with other members of her family enabling the children to benefit from high adult to child ratios and often with one to one support and care. The childminder does not provide overnight care. The childminder skilfully organises the setting to accommodate children's play in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Children have maximum opportunities to extend their learning as a result. The entrance area contains a low level bench and child-sized coat stand and children are able to hang their outdoor clothing and sit and change

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Organisation

their shoes with competence. The dedicated play area is warm and inviting and decorated with bright posters. Children can rest comfortably on small sofas and look at books that are accessed from a considerable range, housed on low level shelving. Additional child sized chairs are positioned around the room and a small table and chairs are provided in the home corner. Clean, quality carpeting affords an agreeable area for completing floor puzzles or constructing large structures. Children enjoy sociable mealtimes at a large table in the dining room. In addition, this is used to create designs and explore different textures such as play dough, paints and papier-mâché and to prepare mixtures for cooking. Age-appropriate booster seats and highchairs are utilised in order that each child is able to participate and to interact with the others. A comfortable sleep room provides an area for undisturbed rest.

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Organisation

The large, pleasing garden caters well for children's large physical play and creates a number of stimulating areas where they can explore and investigate, for example, in the sandpit or at a water table. The children are able to gain an awareness of animals by observing and caring for the pets and to run around freely in the fresh air. Personal information regarding the children and their families is filed securely to ensure confidentiality. Parents are made aware of the documents and records which are held prior to the commencement of care. They receive a copy of the setting's policies and may have access to any records regarding their child. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to improve her medicine administration records to enhance children's care and she has implemented appropriate systems.

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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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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

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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