Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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251168 Unique Reference Number 29 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 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Ipswich, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding 11, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. She also takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted through consistent procedures. Children are becoming aware of personal hygiene and wash their hands regularly to ensure they are clean. Preventative measures are taken when providing personal care to ensure children remain clean and healthy.

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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 Children receive good care if they have an accident or become ill as the childminder follows correct procedures and is attentive and caring. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well stocked first aid box is readily available. Written permission is obtained regarding emergency treatment and any medication requirements. There is a procedure in place for recording accidents, and all parental consents are in place. Children who become unwell are made comfortable until they can be collected. A verbal policy is shared with parents regarding communicable diseases to ensure children are protected from cross-infection. Children can rest and sleep according to their parents' wishes on the sofa or in a pushchair.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating as the childminder provides children with healthy snacks, which feature dried fruit, rusks and breadsticks. Packed lunches provided by parents are stored appropriately at the correct temperatures. Constant access to drinks ensures children remain well-hydrated. Children have opportunities to participate in active play outside which encourages them to get exercise. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries. This enables children to have daily access to fresh air and exercise which promotes their healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in a clean and comfortable environment. The whole of the ground floor is available to children. The toilet facilities are easily accessible which promotes children's independence. A good range of resources are laid out daily and the children are able to make choices about how to spend their time. The equipment is safe, well maintained and checked daily prior to children arriving. A balanced range of resources are rotated to ensure that activities are of interest and appropriate to the age and stage of the children. The childminder is careful to minimise risks to children. She ensures her home is risk assessed daily and the premises meets with requirements. The house and garden are extremely secure and stair gates are fitted to ensure children's safety. Fire prevention equipment is all in place and all requirements are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected from harm by the experienced childminder who has attended safeguarding training. A confidential incident book is available should a concern arise about a child. The childminder shares a verbal policy with parents prior to minding to ensure that all parties are aware of the childminder's responsibilities regarding safeguarding children. However, she does not have current information regarding the correct procedures to follow should she have a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder interacts well with the children, responding to their interests. She gives children good opportunities to learn through play using her good knowledge of child development. Children can independently access resources which enables them to self-select and play with toys and equipment. Activities are spaced out well on the cosy carpeted area in order that children can comfortably play with toys of their choice. Children's confidence and self-esteem are promoted because the childminder praises their achievements and knows their likes and dislikes. The childminder interacts well with the children sharing interactive books and encouraging their language development. Children enjoy sharing books with the childminder and through her encouragement name objects in the pictures. Children have good opportunities

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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 to explore and investigate through messy play which is regularly provided and includes play dough, sand ,water and art and craft. Children benefit from regular outings to the beach, the library and the museum, which promotes learning and stimulates their interest in the wider world. Children are developing their physical skills well through a range of activities. They use large scale equipment such as the slide, trampoline and apparatus at the local park. Ride-on toys and skipping ropes encourage them to further develop their physical skills out in the fresh air.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder promotes equal opportunities, this helps children understand about the wider world. Children's individual likes and dislikes are shared in order that their routines are known and the childminder can provide good care according to the individual needs of the child. Children are starting to learn about diversity through a range of resources. These include dolls, books and discussions promoted by the childminder to help children understand their differences and similarities. The childminder has a very positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Activities are creatively adapted to ensure that all children are included and can enjoy equality of opportunity. The childminder has a good understanding of the need to access support and respect parental wishes in order to promote children's welfare and development.

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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. These are shared with parents to ensure that a consistent approach is taken that is appropriate to the child's age and stage of development. Any incidents are noted and shared with parents at the end of the day. A daily verbal exchange with parents ensures that children's ever changing needs are met. Diaries are available on request to enable parents to have a detailed overview of their child's day. The childminder has a positive working relationship with parents. This is reinforced by letters detailing the many good aspects of the childminder's practice.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her home to provide a safe and secure environment in which children can access a range of activities which support their care, learning and play. Children are settled in a well-organised environment which helps promote their independence. All necessary checks have been carried out to ensure that adults are safe and suitable to be with children. The childminder holds appropriate childcare qualifications in order to comply with the conditions of her registration.

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Organisation

The childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards and her responsibility to comply with them and the conditions of her registration. However, at the time of inspection her certificate was not displayed as required. Good ratios ensure that children are settled and secure and the childminder is comfortably able to meet all of their needs. Children's welfare, learning and care are fostered by sound procedures that are shared with parents. A register is maintained showing children's hours of attendance. All required documentation was available at the time of inspection and is stored securely and confidentially. Overall, children's needs are met.

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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

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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. 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 you comply with the conditions of your registration at all times, regarding displaying your certificate • update knowledge and information regarding safeguarding children.

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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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