Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY337886 Unique Reference Number 11 July 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 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 has been registered since August 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 10 in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Children have the use of the ground floor of the property only, a ground floor toilet and wash facilities are available. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two dogs, two cats and three rabbits. The garden is fenced off from the animals.

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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. There is currently one child on roll who attends on a full-time basis. The childminder takes children to the local shops, parks, childminder support groups and parent and toddler sessions. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is well promoted. They are cared for in clean premises. Attention is given to keeping toys clean. Effective daily hygiene practice includes hand washing at appropriate

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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 times, such as before eating and after outdoor play and handling pets. Children develop independence as they are able to access the toilet and hand washing facility downstairs and learn about why they follow simple hygiene routines. Children are protected from illness as the childminder follows an appropriate sickness policy, using recognised communicable disease information. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate and records any accidents for parents to sign, subsequently children's health is not compromised.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are developing a positive attitude to physical exercise. They go for walks to the local shops and parks, parent and toddler groups and childminder support groups. They also get fresh air playing in the childminder's garden. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual needs with the provision of a travel cot and comfortable furniture in the dining area.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's understanding of the benefit of fresh food is increased through the provision of healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. For example, fresh fruit and yoghurts are available for snacks and meals of freshly cooked meat and vegetables, which the childminder liquidises for babies. Children's food likes and dislikes are provided for while encouraging them to try different foods. Children have constant access to drinks to ensure they do not become dehydrated, younger children have their beakers replenished regularly by the childminder.

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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 secure environment, where they can move around freely and independently under the childminder's close supervision. Children's safety is enhanced and the risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder has taken effective steps to reduce possible risks. For example, fitting cupboard locks, excluding children from the stairs and using socket covers. Fire safety precautions such as a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place. The childminder has devised an uncollected/lost child statement and emergency evacuation plan.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. These are mainly stored in the dining room which is used as the main play area, the childminder cleans and checks toys regularly. Most resources are stored at child height, babies toys are stored in floor based containers, enabling children to self-select. When on outings the childminder uses buggies to keep younger children safe. Appropriate sized car seats are used when transporting children in the car.

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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 has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children. Recent training and relevant up-to-date information ensures the childminder is confident and competent in following correct procedures, and knows who to contact should she have any concerns about children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Young children are supported well as the childminder incorporates aspects of the 'Birth to three matters' framework in her practice. She provides children with an interesting range of activities and play opportunities based on her sound knowledge of child development. She helps young

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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 children develop their communication skills, for example, mirroring and interpreting their early language skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Resources are made readily available to children from floor based containers and low level shelving, enabling children to help themselves thus encouraging their independence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children build confidence and self-esteem through the development of warm and close relationships with the childminder who is intuitive of their needs. They attend a variety of children's social groups which enhances their social skills. The childminder is very alert to children's needs for consistency and believes in offering plenty of one to one time

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a good sense of belonging because the childminder knows them and their families well and ensures they are all valued and included. Children have built good relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to them and respects their individual personalities. All children have equal access to toys and equipment that meet their individual needs so they can become confident and independent. The childminder has several resources reflecting diversity to help children develop an understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a very positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She works very closely with parents to provide individual care required to promote children's welfare and development. The childminder is willing to work with other agencies to increase her knowledge and would undertake further training to accommodate an individual child's needs and promote their welfare.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a comprehensive behaviour management policy in place which details the positive methods and strategies used to manage behaviour and promote children's welfare and development, for example, praise, redirection and early intervention. The policy is shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are able to share all written policies and procedures. Information is provided by parents to ensure their children are looked after according to their wishes. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis regarding children's meals and daily routines. This ensures children's changing needs are met and provides for continuity of care. The childminder's complaint procedure makes parents aware of how they can make a complaint, however, there is no complaints record for sharing with parents. Therefore, parents are not fully informed of factors that potentially impact on the children's well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for extremely well by a motivated and experienced childminder who organises her day in order to provide a balance of activities both in and outside for children. Children are happy and secure as they receive excellent care and levels of support from the dedicated and knowledgeable childminder. Children thrive in this organised child-friendly environment, they are secure and confident and clearly benefit from the individual care and attention given.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with these and the details of her registration. Checks are in place to ensure children

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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 are cared for by suitably vetted persons and children are never left alone with any person not vetted. The childminder has developed a well-organised operational plan which includes over and above the required information to support her registration. All children's details are stored securely and confidentially and the childminder ensures children are cared for in accordance with their parents wishes. 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 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 a log of complaints is kept and 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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