Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344753 Unique Reference Number 10 May 2007 Inspection date Moira Oliver 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 2006 and lives with her husband in Felixstowe. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under eight years on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and playgroup to take and collect children. The family keep two budgerigars as pets. The childminder is a member of an the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy and cross infection is minimised because the childminder has effective policies in place. For example, she ensures that all food preparation surfaces are clean and clear and foods are stored and cooked appropriately and at the correct temperature. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and wipes are used as an alternative. Children

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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 are beginning to understand about good hygiene and manage toileting, they are supported as they wash their hands after using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Suitable action is taken when children are ill to make sure they receive appropriate care. Policies are in place, which are shared with parents ensuring they are clear about the childminder's practice. Emergency contact numbers and medical consents are in place and there is a well stocked first aid box available to ensure children are dealt with effectively in the event of an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are met and they are well nourished with a range of healthy foods and snacks. For example, the childminder provides freshly cooked meals or sandwiches as a midday meal. Children have yoghurts and fruit as a dessert and all drinks are sugar free, protecting the children's health and teeth. The childminder works with the parents, recording any allergies or food intolerances and finds out the children's food preferences. The children observe vegetables growing in the garden and the childminder is hoping that by involving them she can encourage them to eat a range of vegetables.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a welcoming and safe environment where they have space to play safely. The childminder is vigilant and carries out daily risk assessments to ensure her home is safe. She is proactive, anticipating potential hazards. For example, foam door stoppers are in place to prevent fingers getting jammed and a step ensures children do not hurt themselves when stepping on or over the threshold when accessing the garden. The childminder acts effectively on feedback from the parents and has put a large rug next to the settee after a parent expressed a concern about the tiled floor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe as they learn about road safety and hold hands when they are out. A gate prevents them from accessing the kitchen when the childminder is cooking and children wait by the door until they are told it is safe for them to enter.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder works with a full range of written policies and procedures which enable her to keep children safe. Children are supervised at all times and the premises are secure ensuring children cannot leave them unattended. Children know what to do in the event of a fire and there is a written evacuation plan to follow ensuring they remain safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and overall safety is promoted because the childminder has attended a Local Safeguarding Children Board course and understands her role in child protection. She is confident that she would be able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children confidently access toys and equipment as they choose their play. For example, they find the paints and paper in the storage unit and request a pot of water to enable them to paint. Children enjoy painting pictures and proudly show their paintings of rockets. Their language development is supported as the childminder talks about what they are doing and introduces new vocabulary such as 'astronauts' and 'propellers'. The childminder supports their play by talking to them as they build vehicles with bricks, discussing the shapes of the bricks

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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 and how many wheels they need. As they build walls with the wooden bricks she reminds them of brick walls they see on the way home from play group.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Consistent daily routines are in place which children know. Information is gathered from the parents, at the time of placement, to enable the childminder to provide flexible care, tailored to the individual child's interests and needs. Children enjoy listening to stories and getting involved, they ask questions and fit shapes into the interactive book, triggering an electronic voice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to socialise with others when they visit other childminder's and their children. They enjoy outdoor play and use the slide and ride around in the play car. Children enjoy listening to CD's of children's songs and sing familiar songs such as 'I'm a Dingle Dangle Scarecrow' to themselves as they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children have access to all the resources and the childminder is very aware of anti-discriminative practice and inclusion. For example, she has a clearly written policy which includes a list of resources to promote positive images of diversity. However, in practice she has limited resources and is aware of the need to improve upon them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and relaxed and have settled well. They chat happily to the childminder and have built trusting relationships. The children learn what is expected of them and they behave well. They are aware of the house rules, such as, sitting at the table to eat, to be kind to others and not hurt them and not to climb on the furniture. The childminder understands that children develop at different rates and therefore behaviour management strategies are developmentally appropriate. She uses clear explanations and boundaries to enable children to understand and learn to manage their own behaviour, helping them to feel secure. There is a written behaviour policy to ensure parents are aware of her strategies and discussions take place with parents to ensure consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are supported by a childminder who understands the benefits of working closely with the parents. She shares a folder containing all her policies, procedures, certificates and other information about her setting to ensure they are informed. The childminder is putting together a photograph album to share with the children and the parents. The album will show parents pictures of the children playing with the activities, providing them with additional information. She plans to attend a course about working in partnership with parents, the course will develop her ideas and knowledge in this area to benefit the children further.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who is keen to develop and increase her knowledge in childcare. She enjoys attending training and uses what she has learnt in her practice. For example, developing a range of clear policies and procedures to follow and share with parents.

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Organisation

Effective organisation of time, space and resources ensures children's needs are met and helps them to make good progress. Children move confidently around accessing the resources and requesting additional items such as a CD of children's songs. The childminder provides varied

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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 play opportunities and choices enabling them to develop as individuals. Appropriate ratios are maintained at all times to enable her to support children and provide high levels of attention.

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Organisation

The childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of keeping records and all documentation is organised, available and confidential.

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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. 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): • develop and increase resources which promote positive images of diversity to ensure policies reflect practice.

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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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