Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256116 Inspection date 09 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 1993. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and adult son, in the town of North Walsham. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She walks and drives to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools and takes them on regular weekly outings with a childminding group. She is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently caring for 17, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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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 good. Children stay healthy because there are clear sickness procedures in place, so that the risk of infection is minimised and a list of communicable diseases is available to share with parents. Children's medical needs are met, as there is a system in place for medicine recording and parents written permission is obtained, although permission for specific medication is not always obtained in advance. Children begin to learn about good hygiene practice as they are encouraged to wash their hands after the toilet and before meals. However individual towels are not used, which could increase the risk of cross infection. Children have plenty of opportunities for physical exercise as they have free access to two outside areas where they can play on slides, trampoline and ride-on toys. They learn about the effects of exercise on their bodies as the childminder reminds them to have a drink after jumping on the

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Helping children to be healthy

trampoline. Children are able to access drinks of low sugar squash independently and the childminder will monitor their intake and provide drinking water when necessary. Children are protected from the effects of the sun as parents are reminded to supply sun cream and hats in hot weather. Children are well nourished as the childminder provides a wholesome and well balanced diet. Some children bring packed lunches and some have an evening meal provided by the childminder.

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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 well maintained environment. Children's pictures and models are displayed in the playroom so it is welcoming for them. Children have access to a wide range of equipment which is suitable for their age and stage of development. Toys are checked regularly for safety. Children are kept safe as the childminder supervises well, while allowing older children their independence. Children begin to learn how to keep themselves safe as they are reminded of safety rules and given explanations, for example to be careful of younger children when bouncing on the trampoline. Children are protected from the effects of fire as there is a clear evacuation procedure in place, which is practised with older children. Children are kept safe on outings as they are well supervised and know the rules. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures which ensures

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's independence is encouraged as they are given plenty of choices in what they can play with. They can access all areas of the setting freely, including two well resourced outside areas. Children are interested and motivated with what is on offer. The childminder caters well for different age groups and supports them in their

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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 activities, for example sitting to do puzzles with them. Children ask questions and show interest in their surroundings. They ask about the position of the clock hands and how their pictures are held up. Children are given challenges in line with their abilities. An older child is allowed to undo the safety gate to collect the post for the childminder. The child then enjoys reading the names on the envelopes and taking the post to the childminder's husband. Children form positive relationships with each other, for example helping a younger child find her drink, and also with adults who provide good role models for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by adults who know them well. Children are encouraged to develop respect for each other's needs. Children begin to learn about the wider world as resources reflect diversity. Children are appropriately supported as the childminder knows their abilities. Children behave well as clear boundaries are set and the children understand these, for example not climbing on furniture with shoes on. Children's self-esteem is fostered, as praise is given and independence encouraged. Good communication with parents ensures that children are cared for effectively. Diaries are used to exchange information on younger children and regular newsletters, backed up with verbal reminders, keep parents up to date. In addition a folder of information about the setting is available for parents to see.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are protected because all members of the household have been vetted. The childminder keeps up to date with current developments by attending courses when she can or seeking advice from a childminding mentor. The premises are well organised enabling the childminder to provide a service which meets children's needs. The childminder works with her husband who is also a registered child minder. Together they are able to cover pick up times and busy periods well. All the necessary documentation is in place and is well ordered and well maintained. A set of policies and procedures are in place and are made available to parents. Overall the needs of the children attending are well met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve security so that persons who are not vetted are not able to access the premises. The premises are now secure and children protected from the risk of intruders. She was also asked to provide information on infectious diseases. A clear Health and Safety policy is now in place together with information on infectious diseases to share with parents so that children are protected from the risk of infection.

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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 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve the medicine recording system so that prior written parental permission is always sought for specific medication • further promote children's health by providing individual towels and ensuring fresh drinking water is available at all times.

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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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