Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY250990 Unique Reference Number 16 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Cox 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 2002. She lives with her husband and teenage son in a village near Norwich. 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 three children at various times before and after school and during school holidays. She also cares for children over eight years of age. The childminder uses a car to take children to and collect them from local schools. The family has two dogs, rabbits, a chinchilla and chickens.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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’s health is well promoted. The childminder seeks very clear information about allergies, dietary needs and health issues before care commences. Sound hygiene procedures help to keep the children healthy, for example, children manage their personal hygiene with confidence. They understand the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet or helping with the animals and the use of paper towels helps minimise the risks of passing on infections. The childminder is able to respond appropriately to accidents as she maintains a current first aid certificate, her first aid box is well stocked and accident details are shared with the children’s parents. When children are unwell they receive sensitive care and their parents are contacted to agree appropriate action to meet their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating through a range of activities including growing some vegetables such as potatoes and lettuce. They are being tempted to try and enjoy snacks and meals that are good for them as the childminder works with their parents to achieve this. Children drink frequently to meet their own needs and ensure they are well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a balanced range of activities. The childminder supports their attendance at many clubs such as gymnastics and football, and during the holidays there are trips to the park and outings where they can play and be active. When children are tired they relax on the comfortable lounge furniture.

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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 warm and welcoming family home where they relax and play happily. Their safety is often very well promoted. This is because the childminder has taken much action to minimise risks. Children understand that they play on the ground floor and a stair gate at the base of the stairs prevents them going upstairs which is not registered. Potentially dangerous items are out of their reach and the garden is secure. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe as they practise road safety and excellent procedures are in place to cope with the evacuation of the premises and emergencies. However, to further promote a welcoming environment the front door is not locked so children arriving can come straight in. This poses a potential risk to children of unauthorised persons gaining entry or children leaving the home without supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children freely access a good range of resources that are suitable and safe for their use. This helps them organise their own play at times and promotes their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues. She attended a course last year so she is familiar with current procedures and has a written policy to guide her and inform parents of her duty to report concerns. Appropriate literature is available for older children to help them learn about protecting themselves and keeping safe. As a result, children’s safety and welfare is maintained.

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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 are happy and relaxed with the childminder. They enjoy talking to her about their day when they return from school and understand the routines and expectations in the house. For example, they take off their shoes when they come in and know they may help themselves to certain snacks. Children are confident to organise many of their own activities finding resources from appropriate storage. Children play games, sometimes watch television and take part in a very good range of craft activities. The childminder is keen for them to make their own choices as she feels they have been at school and need time to relax and enjoy themselves. Planned activities are organised each day and children can take part if they wish. They have made spiders and webs, finger puppets, octopus mobiles and springy boxes. They have talked about the 'Fire of London' and being in the 'Blitz' to extend learning and made wax resist pictures to represent

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

these events. During the holidays there are walks to the park, cookery activities and trips to local attractions where they have a range of experiences and are able to extend their physical skills on large equipment. Although she is not currently caring for younger children the childminder shows, in conversation, a very good understanding of meeting their needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing good relationships. They enjoy the company of friends who attend and explain that they miss them when they are on holiday. Children chatter happily to the childminder knowing she will listen to them and value and respect what they say and do. They often sit comfortably together for example, to look at an atlas and book about the world, talking about the countries and capital cities which children explain they are learning about at school. Older children are helped with their homework and the childminder enjoys giving this support. Children are learning about right and wrong as they consider house rules and are given sensitive reminders to promote their good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are confident, independent and developing self-esteem. They are treated as individuals as the childminder knows them well and respects their personality and stage of development. Children are developing an understanding of valuing and respecting differences as they learn about the wider world and celebrate a range of special days. Although the childminder has had limited experience of working with children with particular needs she has a very inclusive attitude and is keen to seek advice so that she can work effectively with the children. Children are learning how to manage their own behaviour effectively. This is because the childminder is a positive role model and she implements her behaviour management policy consistently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from a good partnership with their parents which supports their care and welfare effectively. Very comprehensive written information is available to help parents understand the service on offer and a flexible settling in period is used to ensure all get on well together. Although the childminder has not had any complaints, she has a clear understanding of how to investigate any that may be received, to ensure issues concerning the care of the children receive appropriate consideration.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children’s safety is promoted as suitable person checks have been completed on the childminder and her husband and she always supervises them to protect them from persons who have not

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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 been vetted. In order to support children’s care in the event of an emergency, the childminder has an effective plan in place which has been agreed with parents. Children play happily as the childminder has organised her home effectively and she has minimised most of the risks. The childminder provides sensitive care for all who attend and is flexible to meet the needs of a range of children. She shows a commitment to continuing to develop the service she provides by attending training and is currently working towards a degree. Children benefit from her training as she uses skills learnt effectively in the service she provides.

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Organisation

All the required documentation is in place to support children’s care and welfare. This is well supported by a most comprehensive set of policies and procedures covering all aspects and these are available to parents so they can work together with the childminder to meet the needs of their children. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure permission was obtained to transport children in a vehicle and to obtain written parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder now has the required written consents and this contributes to children's safety and welfare.

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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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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): • Improve the security of the house by ensuring the front door is secure at all times.

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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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