Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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250900 Unique Reference Number 16 May 2007 Inspection date Gill Thornton 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 1990. She lives with her husband in Ipswich. The whole of the ground floor of the property, and the upstairs bathroom, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding seven children all on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and nurseries and takes children to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where they learn to follow good health and hygiene practices. Their health is promoted because the childminder obtains appropriate information from parents about children's individual health care needs.

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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 An appropriately stocked first aid kit is readily available and the childminder has attended first aid training to ensure children receive appropriate care in a medical emergency. Parents provide written consent to administer medication, however, the childminder does not currently keep a copy of these. The childminder maintains records of medication administered and any accidents, both of which are countersigned by parents, however, more than one entry is recorded on a page so not respecting confidentiality.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder follows parent's wishes when providing meals and snacks that take account of children's individual dietary needs and preferences. Children have free access to drinks to ensure they are not thirsty and they are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Children enjoy a range of physical play experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy playing in the garden on the swing and slide, or riding bikes and scooters. The often visit the nearby park or enjoy walks on a local nature trail.

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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 safe and secure environment where the childminder has taken steps to minimise their risk of accidental injury. For example, using a safety gate to exclude children from the stairs and fitting cupboard locks where necessary in the kitchen. The childminder accompanies children when they go upstairs to use the bathroom, however, the bolt is at child-height and cannot be opened from the outside, so there is a possible risk of children getting locked in. Fire safety precautions are in place and the childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan to promote children's safety in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a suitable range of good quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder supervises children's play to ensure they are safe and that toys are used appropriately. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder ensures they are familiar with road safety rules, she obtains parent's consent to go in the car and she has business use on her car insurance. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended child protection training to ensure she is aware of the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well-settled in the childminder's care and they respond well to her patient and caring manner. Children are beginning to develop their self confidence because the childminder knows them well and responds sensitively to their individual needs to support and encourage them during their play. For example, helping them to build a garage and encouraging them to choose which cars they are going to put in it.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder encourages children to develop their natural curiosity as learners, whilst they watch the birds and squirrels in the garden. Children enjoy using their imagination during role play activities based on their own experiences. For example, pretending the play house in the garden is a 'drive-through MacDonalds'. The childminder provides children with a balanced range of stimulating play opportunities using her sound knowledge of child development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder reflects aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her good practice. She encourages young children's communication skills by patiently encouraging them to respond to her gentle questioning. For example when drawing pictures together, giving them time

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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 respond to her interest in their pictures and acknowledging what they are trying to say, so they know their views are valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a strong sense of belonging because the childminder knows them and their families well and ensures they are all valued and included. Children have good relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual personalities. She ensures that all children have equal access to an appropriate range of toys and equipment which meet their individual needs. The childminder encourages children to show concern for others. However, children have very little access to toys and activities promoting a positive view of diversity to help them learn to appreciate and value each others similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder is a good role model and has a good understanding of appropriate strategies, depending on their stage of development. Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder fosters with their parents. Most of the required documentation and consents are in place to ensure children are cared for according to their parent's wishes. The childminder ensures parents are familiar with her childminding practices and she is in the process of implementing a system of sharing her written polices and procedures with new parents. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis to ensure children's changing needs are met and to provide continuity of care. The childminder is flexible to fit in with the needs of parents who say she has helped out on numerous occasions. Parents praise the childminder for being kind and approachable and for instilling good behaviour

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment in which children take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. They benefit from regular routines which help them feel confident and secure. Space and resources are organised to provide children with a balanced range of suitable activities.

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Organisation

Most of the necessary documentation is appropriately completed to support the care and welfare of the children attending. However, children's daily hours of attendance are not consistently recorded. The childminder is an experienced childcare practitioner who continues to keep up to date with current childcare practices. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection the childminder was asked to complete a first aid course and to request parent's prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She attended an appropriate first aid course in November 2004, which she intends to renew this year to ensure she maintains a current certificate. Parents now provide consent for the childminder to seek any medical intervention she feels is necessary, so enhancing and promoting children's health. The childminder also agreed to obtain parent's consent before administering medication and to keep records of any accidents and medication administered. These records are now in place, although they still require some improvement to further promote children's welfare.

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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 The childminder also agreed to ensure the children followed good hygiene procedures regarding hand washing. She supervises children to ensure they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet to ensure they follow good hygiene routines. The childminder was also asked to develop a range of activities and resources to promote children's understanding of diversity, this still remains an area for improvement.

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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 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): • review medication and accident records to ensure confidentiality of entries and ensure a record is maintained of parent's prior written agreement to administer medication • ensure children cannot get locked in the toilet • provide children with access to resources which reflect diversity and the wider world • ensure an accurate record is maintained of children's actual hours of attendance on a daily basis.

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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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