Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY346664 Unique Reference Number 28 June 2007 Inspection date Deirdra Keating 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 2007. She lives with her husband and child aged four in Hadleigh, Suffolk. The whole of the childminders house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of a local approved childminding network.

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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 the childminder follows current and appropriate guidelines, policies and procedures. Children understand good hygiene practices and use the readily accessible downstairs cloakroom where individual towels are provided for each child. The childminder shares books about hand washing with the children. This encourages them to understand good hygiene practices from a well illustrated and fun story. Children are protected well from illness because the childminder has a good understanding of infectious diseases which is proactively shared with parents. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box is readily available to ensure children receive good care in the event of a minor accident or emergency. All accidents and given medication are meticulously documented and signed off by parents. Children who become ill are made comfortable by the caring and

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Helping children to be healthy

attentive childminder until they can be collected. A travel cot is available and there is a spacious bedroom if children need to rest or sleep during the day. They are checked regularly to ensure that they are safe and comfortable.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a good understanding of a healthy diet. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to children and meet dietary needs. Meals feature sandwiches and freshly chopped seasonal fruit that is presented well. All food is prepared in the spotlessly clean kitchen where high standards are maintained by the childminder who has attended food hygiene training. Children are offered drinks at meal times and on request, however, they are not freely available for children to independently access. Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise which promotes their health and physical play experiences. They walk to local schools and groups and use a good range of equipment in the garden including ride-on toys, a swing and trampoline enclosed with safety netting.

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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 suitable environment that is organised well to accommodate children comfortably and support their care, learning and play. Children have access to the whole of the house which is clean, well ventilated and has a comfortable and homely appeal. The garden is well maintained and enclosed by a fence and locked gate. There is a good range of toys and equipment which are clean, hygienic and in a good state of repair. Toys are rotated and children are interested and stimulated by the toys on offer. The childminder has a very good awareness of hazards around the home and demonstrates how these are reduced to ensure children's safety. Risk assessments are conducted daily and an emergency action plan has been well thought out and documented. Fire prevention equipment is all in place and checked regularly. Children go on outings with written permission from parents in safe and suitable car

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

seats. They are kept safe because the childminder discusses road safety issues with them and they wear identity bands detailing emergency contact numbers. Children are protected well from potential harm as child protection procedures are understood well and the childminder is aware of her responsibilities. Safeguarding training has underpinned her knowledge and provided the correct procedures to follow in the event of a concern. A clear policy and relevant up to date information ensures that the childminder is confident in her knowledge should a concern arise. Parents are fully informed of the childminders policy prior to admission and a confidential incident book is provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of play opportunities through a balanced selection of resources. Activities are well-organised to enable children to self-select and make choices about how to spend their time. The childminder is warm gentle and intuitive to the needs of the children. Good settling in procedures ensures that children are settled and secure. The children attend a number of groups every week which encourages them to develop their social skills. Treasure baskets full of natural household objects, soft touch mirrors and tactile materials enable young children to explore using all of their senses. Babies enjoy quality time with the childminder using interactive books and puppets. They relish the story and giggle happily as they play with the puppet characters. Children's language development is encouraged with books and discussions. Children are encouraged to recall stories which help them develop their language

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

for thinking and speaking. The Childminder is interested in what children say and do. She talks and listens to the children carefully understanding their early words and gestures well. Children have opportunities to investigate and explore through messy play experiences such as painting, play dough, water and sand. Children's creativity and imagination are supported well through dressing up and art and craft. They are developing their physical skills through a range of planned activities. The children use pens, pencils, scissors and manipulate play dough. A good range of large scale equipment in the garden enables them to further develop their physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a good sense of belonging and are treated with equal concern, this helps them feel valued. Good methods for obtaining information regarding children's individual needs and routines are in place and consequently children settle well. The children learn about diversity through resources such as books, figures and dolls that reflect positive images of people from different backgrounds. The childminder actively promotes equal opportunities, this helps children understand about the wider world. She has a very positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Activities are carefully adapted to ensure they are inclusive for all the children. The childminder actively researches information regarding learning difficulties and/or disabilities in order that individual needs are very well met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of each age group and appropriate behaviour management strategies are in place. Effective, clear and simple house rules enable children to have a good understanding of responsible behaviour. Good use of praise and incentives such as stickers encourage children to respect the childminders behavioural expectations. Sensitive and consistent boundaries are maintained in a gentle and firm manner. A clear and relevant policy underpins practice and is shared with parents prior to minding in a comprehensive information pack. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that individual needs are met and recorded in written agreements. Relevant and up to date information is displayed for parents on a notice board. The childminder has a positive working relationship with parents. This is supported by letters from parents detailing aspects of her

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are cared for extremely well by a motivated and dedicated childminder who organises her day superbly in order to provide a balance of activities both in and outside. Children are very happy and secure as they receive extremely good care and levels of adult support from the committed and knowledgeable childminder. All adults in the house have had the necessary checks to ensure they are safe and suitable to be with children. The childminder is organised and forward thinking to ensure that all requirements are comprehensively met. The childminder is furthering her professional development through continuing courses. She is currently undertaking a level three course in home based childcare practice to enrich her knowledge of children's development. Children thrive in this organised environment, they are secure and confident as they make decisions about how to spend their time.

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Organisation

The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with these and the details of her registration. Recent updates have been understood with relevant information displayed for parents. Registers are meticulously maintained and relevant documentation that far exceeds requirements is stored securely and confidentially. Consequently children's welfare, learning and care are well fostered. Overall the children's needs are met.

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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 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): • ensure that fresh drinking water is available for children to independently access.

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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 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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