Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343477 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2007 Inspection date Glenda Kathleen Field 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and one in a house in a rural town in South Norfolk. The premises are within walking distance of local amenities. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for one child. Children are able to use all of the house apart from the main bedroom on the first floor. On the ground floor there is a kitchen and living room. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play. The family have no pets. The childminder takes children for walks to feed the ducks and visit the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which promotes their good health. The childminder has a good understanding of protecting children from infection by ensuring her home is kept to a good standard of cleanliness. There are systems in place should a child become ill whilst in her care which parents understand. They know they need to collect their child once notified by the childminder. The childminder has up to date first aid which enables her to act

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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 appropriately in the event of an accident. However, the childminder does not have written permission in place, signed by parents, to seek medical advice or treatment should this be required. This potentially compromises children's health.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to understand simple good hygiene practices through regular routines. They know, for example, to wash their hands before snack and after visiting the toilet. The childminder ensures these practices form part of a child's day with her and gently reminds younger children should they forget.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a varied choice of healthy snacks and meals such as pasta, fruit and yogurts. Children have access to water or juice when they feel thirsty and the childminder supports younger children by regularly offering them a drink. The childminder works with parents to ensure their child's dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's physical development is promoted by opportunities to play in the garden with the good range of outdoor toys. For example, wheeled toys, slide, balls and trampoline. Walks are also taken to feed the ducks and to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are able to rest according to their needs and home routines. Young children are able to have undisturbed sleep in the first floor bedroom or on comfortable furniture in the living room. The childminder will step in and support a child if she feels their energy level is beginning to drain by suggesting they sit and look at a book together or watch a favourite cartoon. This ensures children do not become overly tired.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. Their safety is promoted by the childminder who ensures children have space to move around freely and can access toys easily by ensuring they are displayed at their height. Children are aware they must not run around indoors in case they fall over and hurt themselves or others. Children respond well when gently reminded of this by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes positive steps to protect children from potential hazards by minimising risks in her home and garden. For example, she has in place cupboard locks in the kitchen, smoke alarms on each level of the house and a fire blanket in the kitchen. The back garden is well contained and children cannot leave it unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When on outings to the local park, the childminder is conscious of possible hazards and keeps a watchful eye on where the children are running to ensure they do not speak to strangers.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an understanding of child protection and is aware of what action to take should she have a concern about a child. She is aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and who to contact.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. When they arrive they are given time to part from their parents and the childminder uses this opportunity to talk to the children, letting

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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 them know what is set out ready for them to play with. This enables children to feel confident to part from their parents and enter the playroom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a good choice of toys and resources to choose from. A favourite activity is cutting and sticking which children like to settle at when they first arrive. They quickly then move onto a varied choice of puzzles, table top games or jumping on the trampoline. They enjoy craft sessions which involve painting, gluing and sticking. Children enjoy playing imaginatively together in the playhouse in the garden, which is equipped with an assortment of imaginary play materials.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are beginning to relate well to each other. They are well supported by the childminder who helps them to make decisions by offering a choice of activities. She is clear in her explanations which is very effective in helping children to develop their self-esteem. Children are confident in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework and has started to use this when planning for children under three to ensure they are fully supported.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are welcomed into the childminder's home and their individual needs are valued and met. She works closely with their parents to ensure she has as much information as possible on their likes and dislikes to ensure they feel at home when they start with her. The childminder is aware of the routines children like to go through when they arrive and ensures activities are ready for them. For example, knowing a child enjoys cutting and sticking activities and ensuring these are available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to learn right from wrong through the consistent gentle reminders of the childminder. They know not to run in doors or throw toys. When their play becomes a little too boisterous the childminder intervenes by suggesting an alternative game, giving clear explanations as to why she felt she must stop their play. The children respond positively and their play quietens down.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are beginning to say 'please and thank you'. They work cooperatively together when tidying toys away. They are developing an understanding of diversity through going on outings in the local community, however, resources reflecting diversity are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is beginning to establish a good working relationship with parents. She ensures she keeps them informed as to what their children have done whilst in her care. She has the majority of paperwork in place to support her working relationship with parents. She has a complaints procedure which is shared with parents, however, there is no system in place for the recording of complaints.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment. Children are supported in their care, learning and play. They benefit from regular routines which helps them feel confident and secure. Space and resources are effectively organised to provide

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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 a range of activities. The childminder has most of the required documentation and procedures in place to promote children's health, welfare and safety.

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Organisation

The childminder has attended the relevant training to support her registration and she is aware of the importance of complying with the conditions of her registration. All the required documentation is organised and easily accessed. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection.

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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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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): • obtain written parental consent for the seeking of any emergency treatment or advice that may be necessary • extend children's access to images and resources promoting a positive view of the wider world • ensure procedures are in place to keep a log of complaints, which is shared with parents.

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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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