Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY227749 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2007 Inspection date Emily Alderson 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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children in a house in east Ipswich. Local amenities such as schools, playgroups, parks and shops are all within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The children have access to the lounge and kitchen and there is a large rear garden for outdoor play. Children also have access to the computer in bedroom two and bedroom one is used for daytime sleeping in a travel cot. The bathroom is upstairs. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Two of the children are bilingual.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has satisfactory health and hygiene practices in place as she follows clear procedures when preparing snacks. She ensures that her hands are washed and that food

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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 prepared is done so in line with current regulations. Parents provide their children's lunches which are appropriately stored in the fridge until lunch time. Children are developing an understanding of keeping themselves healthy as they wash their hands after toileting and prior to eating. They are able to state that hand washing stops germs from spreading.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive adequate care when they are ill as the childminder comforts them whilst waiting for their parents to collect them. The setting has a well equipped first aid box which is up to date and easily accessible. However, the childminder's first aid certificate expired six months ago, consequently she does not have up to date knowledge of first aid which potentially puts children at risk in a medical emergency. Accidents are recorded and shared with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children's physical experiences are promoted as they have access to a large back garden where they can freely run around. The children can go outdoors when they please, during the warmer weather, as the childminder leaves the back door open to allow easy access. The garden is equipped with adequate resources including slides, balls, pushchairs, dolls, sit on toys, and a large blanket which is currently used to make a den. In addition the childminder walks to school and other groups on a daily basis. This ensures that the children exercise everyday.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have free access to drinks throughout the day and the childminder provides healthy snacks such as fruit inline with dietary requirements and parents wishes.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder's home is inviting with the space arranged so that children can safely and freely move around. The toys available are regularly checked and cleaned to ensure that they are safe for children to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept generally safe as the childminder assesses the hazards in her home and minimises the risks. For example, she uses plug socket covers and stair gates. However, she does not always ensure that the garden is free from risk as there are bricks stacked which are not secured causing a risk to children. Access in and out of the building is secure as the front door remains locked and the back garden secured with a locked gate. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they learn about the highway code knowing that they need to be careful near roads as 'the cars go really fast'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

In the event of a fire the childminder has taken appropriate steps to protect children as satisfactory procedures are in place to evacuate the building. Precautions are taken with smoke alarms fitted and an easily accessible fire blanket in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She is also in the process of updating her knowledge and understanding through training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to be confident and develop their independence as the childminder offers them praise and support, building their self-esteem and valuing their contributions. The childminder interacts well with the children with lots of conversation and discussions during

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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 play. She supports their learning by asking the children leading questions. This encourages them to think and in return ask questions to explore new ideas.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are clearly happy, having fun and are settled knowing where items are kept and helping themselves. They can choose whether they want to be inside or outdoors and freely go between the two. They feel secure which allows them to try new things knowing that they can ask for help if needed. Positive relationships are evident as they approach the childminder to read stories and play with them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and resources are accessible so that children can mostly make choices about their day. However, due to the limited range of resources on offer children do not have the opportunity to be creative and imaginative through activities such as painting, drawing and modelling. The childminder reflects some aspects of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework in her practice as she follows the children's ideas.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are all included and are given the opportunity to share their experiences through the many discussions that take place during the day. Children have their favourite toys and books at the setting helping them to feel a sense of belonging. The childminder takes the children to a variety of places which include the local park, mother and toddler groups, visits to other childminders and the local shops so that the children can experience their local community. Children learn about diversity through the many discussions they have throughout the day. They talk about Diwali and other significant events in the children's lives. However, children's awareness and understanding are not fully promoted as there are insufficient resources available to support their discussions about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She does not currently care for children with special needs. However, in the past the childminder worked closely with the parents to offer the best care possible.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children understand appropriate behaviour because the childminder is a good role model. Children are polite, courteous, kind to one another and well mannered. The childminder re-enforces positive behaviour with praise. Behaviour is dealt with by explaining to the children the consequences of their actions and asking them to apologise. Children are developing a moral understanding which is evident when they discipline one another. For example, children tell each other not to push as it hurts, clearly understanding that actions link to feelings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for by a childminder who works with parents to meet their individual needs ensuring that they are all included in the setting. Parents initially gain information about the setting through the registration form, they later receive information through the informal daily conversations. Parents are very happy with the service offered and are clear about the complaint sprocedure.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a safe and suitable adult as the childminder is fully vetted and suitable to care for them. The childminder has an understanding of the National Standards and her

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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 responsibility to comply with these and the conditions of her registration. However, at the time of inspection the childminder failed to maintain a current first aid certificate.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her home to provide a suitable environment in which children can safely play and learn. They have plenty of space to freely move around in a safe and welcoming home.

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Organisation

The childminder asks parents to provide her with information on their child’s dietary and medical needs along with emergency contact details. This enables her to care for the children responsibly and in line with parents' wishes. Confidentiality is maintained as the childminder stores her paperwork accessibly in an upstairs room. An accurate record is maintained of when children attend the setting including the times they arrive and leave.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the contents of her first aid box. She ensures that the contents of her first aid box are replenished and regularly checks contents so that children are kept safe at the setting.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder is developing her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues by asking the local authority for information about current courses. She intends to book a place on the safeguarding children course to ensure that children are protected and kept safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was asked to monitor the temperature of her lounge and bedroom one in hot weather. She now has blinds which can completely block out the sun in warmer weather. In addition the back door is always open during the summer allowing for a cool breeze to pass through. This ensures that children remain comfortable and healthy whilst at the childminder's.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has not yet purchased resources to reflect positive images of diversity however, she is aware of what needs to be purchased.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has developed her understanding and awareness of learning difficulties and/or disabilities by working closely with parents which enables her to provide quality care for all children wishing to attend.

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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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Complaints 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 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 the range of toys and resources that positively reflect diversity • ensure that hazards in the garden are minimised • ensure that a current first aid certificate is maintained • provide a range of resources and activities to enhance children's creativity.

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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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