Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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257956 Unique Reference Number 27 July 2007 Inspection date Anne Walker 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 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 was registered in February 2001. She lives with her husband and three children in the village of Necton, near Swaffham, Norfolk. The whole of the property is used for childminding except for the master bedroom. There are toilet facilities on the ground floor. A fully enclosed rear garden is available for outside 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 three children under five and three children over five after school. The children all attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight. The childminder has the use of a car to take and collect children from the local primary school and nursery. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Consistent routines and discussion ensure that children understand and practise good hygiene rules. Without reminders they wash their hands before a food preparation activity and after

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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 using the toilet. They use their own towel which is labelled with their name and understand why its important they do not share someone else's. They also clean their teeth after lunch. Children's health is safeguarded as clear records are kept of any medication administered to children and parents are informed. Any accidents they have are recorded and dealt with appropriately as the childminder has a current first aid qualification that enables her to deal with matters in a timely and hygienic manner.

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Helping children to be healthy

During the morning the children have access to a snack bar that promotes healthy eating. They choose from grapes and bananas, seeds or cereal bars. Biscuits are available but children only choose these occasionally and have a good awareness of which foods they need to eat more of and those they should eat in moderation. They take part in preparing the pizza toppings for their lunch, grating cheese and chopping red onion. These activities encourage children to try new tastes and help them influence their own eating habits. Drinks in their own cups are available to children throughout the day to ensure they remain alert and hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The garden is used daily and children play actively. It has a range of equipment, including swings and a trampoline, that foster children's physical skills and help make exercise fun. Outings to local facilities provide children with variety in the equipment available to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are watched over as they play and have their meals and snacks. The playroom has direct access to the garden and the childminder prioritises her time so that children are supervised carefully in both areas. Space in the home is organised and children move around the ground floor easily and with sufficient independence. They understand what to do in an emergency, such as fire, because the drill has been regularly practised and discussed with them. It ensures that even at the busiest times older children can cooperate with the childminder to keep themselves safe. Risk assessments in the home are generally well considered with locks on necessary cupboards, finger guards on doors and stair gates in place. Currently, children only use upstairs if the downstairs bathroom is busy. However, one of the mirrored cupboards in the upstairs hall is not fully secure on its rails and could pose a hazard to children. The garden

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is secure so that children cannot get out. Large equipment is well maintained, appropriately positioned and secure. The surface under the older children's swings has been worn away and provides a less safe area for children than the grass around the rest of the equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a good range of play materials and equipment that are maintained well. Items used are appropriate for the children being cared for, for example, children can be independent because the bathroom has seats for the toilet and steps to the sink.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is maintained as their carer has a sound understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She understands how children can be harmed and has the necessary contact details and guidance to deal with any matters, should they arise, in a confidential manner.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arriving are warmly welcomed so that they feel quickly settle to activities and are part of the group. They are made aware of what is planned for the morning and keenly wash their hands in readiness for helping prepare the pizza for their lunch. Play is readily available to them

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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 so that they make choices and have a range of things they want to do during the morning including dressing up and playing outdoors on the equipment. The childminder is on hand to support them. She talks with them and listens to what they have to say as they chat about home or things that interest them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Different ages of children play alongside each other, with older children sensitive to the younger ones. They encourage them to dress up alongside them so that toddlers have positive role models and emulate the older children. At other times older children create their own games and younger children have the attention of the childminder, who has time to support their developmental needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

During the school holidays the childminder plans regular outings to local venues so that the children have a good balance of free play and planned activities that are stimulating and provide them with opportunities to be out in their community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Information is recorded about the children that identifies their individual needs and parents wishes. This ensures that children are valued and able to partake of the play opportunities that are provided. This includes children with disabilities who are fully included because the childminder has undertaken training to support their specific needs. There is a range of play resources which foster children's understanding of the wider world. Using these toys, discussion and planned activities they have an awareness of their own culture and other peoples and begin to respect peoples similarities and differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children behave well and are cooperative because their carer uses positive behaviour management strategies. These are applied according to their level of development to help them understand the boundaries. Older children have taken part in discussion to produce a 'Friendship Tree'. Working with the childminder they have created a display that outlines how they will get along with each other whilst in her care, ensuring they consider each others feelings and how their behaviour may impact on others. This actively involves the children to help their social skills. Young children's good behaviour is acknowledged verbally and they may get a sticker to show mum and dad so that it is shared.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a range of useful information provided for parents that help them understand how the setting operates. Parental consent is obtained for a range of things including, emergency medical consent and observations and photographs. The minor exception is that parents have only given verbal consent for their child to use the trampoline. Although this activity is supervised and managed appropriately, it has higher risks and therefore written consent demonstrates and ensures that parents are happy for their child to participate. Written policies are in place and discussed with parents prior to their child starting. Children are secure and happy in the setting because the exchange of information fosters a partnership with parents which ensures consistent care for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are looked after in an environment where space is organised with their needs in mind so that they play, rest and have their meals safely and comfortably. They are made to feel

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 at home and part of the family so that they arrive happily and are able to settle and leave their parents.

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Organisation

Children benefit from their carers commitment to developing her knowledge and skills in child care practice. She is currently undertaking an early years qualification and additionally has attended a broad range of short courses pertinent to the children in her care. Required training such as first aid has been maintained to ensure that her knowledge in this area is up-to-date.

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Organisation

Required records are in place and used effectively to underpin the day-to-day running of the business. Children's records are well organised in such a way to be readily accessible if necessary but safeguarding their confidentiality. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop policies to support the good practice that was observed, with regard to health and hygiene and behaviour management. A broad range of written policies have been developed including the ones agreed. The policies reflect the way the setting is organised and provide parents with helpful information about how children are cared for.

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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 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 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): • promote safety in the setting by ensuring that mirrored cupboards in the first floor hallway are safe and that the surface under the swings is maintained • obtain written parental consent for the children to use the trampoline.

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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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