Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY291851 Unique Reference Number 30 July 2007 Inspection date Lindsey Ann Cullum 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and 13 years, in Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich. All areas of the property, with the exception of two bedrooms upstairs, is registered for use by minded children. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family have a cat, a dog, a hamster and some fish.

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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. Overnight care is not provided. She is currently minding four children under eight years, who attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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 as they are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained home. The daily routine helps children to gain an understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene, as they are reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating meals. Children are protected from the risk of cross-infection as effective hygiene practices are used, for example, paper towels are provided for hand drying and the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies. Pets are kept clean and are well looked after, to ensure children are protected when coming into contact with them. The childminder has a clear policy on health, hygiene and the care of sick children which she shares with parents, promoting children's welfare. Children's health and medical needs are discussed with parents and relevant information recorded, enabling appropriate care to be provided. The childminder holds a current

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Helping children to be healthy

first aid certificate and has a first aid box to hand, ensuring children's well-being should an accident occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's growth and development is promoted as the childminder provides children with regular meals and snacks. Meals are discussed with parents and children's individual likes, dislikes and dietary requirements are catered for. The childminder provides nutritious snacks for children, including a variety of fresh fruit. She has a policy on nutrition which she shares with parents informing them of her commitment to promote healthy eating within her home. Drinks are accessible to children throughout the day, ensuring they remain well-hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities which contribute to their physical development and promote a healthy lifestyle. They have regular opportunities to play in the garden where they enjoy using the slide, swing-seat, see-saw or various wheeled toys. Frequent trips to the park enable children to benefit from the fresh air and promote a positive attitude to exercise. Physical activities are also provided indoors, for example, children crawl through the tunnel, balance on the spinning wheel or enjoy music, movement and dance sessions. The daily routine offers opportunities for children to be active or rest, according to their needs. Quiet, comfortable space is provided upstairs for young children to sleep undisturbed, ensuring they are well rested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, homely environment where they feel comfortable and secure. Effective use is made of space within the home so children can move around freely and access a range of activities. Posters and children's pictures are displayed on the walls of the dining room and bright, accessible storage boxes help to create a child-friendly environment. Children are able to choose the toys they wish to play with, fostering their independence. The childminder monitors the condition of toys and resources, ensuring these are safe and suitable for the ages of the children present. She carefully supervises children's activities, in order to keep them safe. Suitable nursery furniture is available to meet younger children's needs, for example, travel cots and buggies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted indoors as hazards such as those presented by dangerous household substances, electrical sockets and stairs have been identified and appropriate steps have been taken to minimise the risks. The premises are secure at all times children are present, to ensure their safety. Fire safety equipment is in place and the childminder has an emergency evacuation

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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 plan which she practises with the children in order that they are familiar with procedures in the event of a fire. The childminder has a large trampoline enclosed by safety netting in the garden. Consideration was given to the safety of this piece of equipment at the time of purchase and the childminder is aware of the manufacturer's instructions when children use the trampoline. She has gained parents consent and supervises children at all times. However, the childminder has not conducted a full risk assessment, including consultation with the insurance company, compromising children's safety whilst using this piece of equipment. Children are able to easily access the garden through the conservatory door and have suitable space to play either on the paved, grassed or bark chip areas, promoting their welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy regular outings with the childminder who has clear strategies in place to keep them safe. For example, children are securely strapped into a buggy or hold the childminder's hand or buggy when out walking. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as the childminder offers explanations, for example, why they need to stay close by or hold the childminder's hand to cross the road. Children's safety is further promoted as appropriate car seats are used at all times when children are transported in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her duty to report any child protection concerns. She has undertaken training to update her knowledge in this area and has a written policy which she shares with parents, in order to protect children. Children's welfare is further promoted as the childminder has thought about emergency back-up plans and agreed these with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. Her warm approach enables children to seek comfort or support and she responds sensitively to children's needs. Children thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive, building their confidence and self-esteem. Children freely choose what they would like to play with and the childminder is led by the children's interests. She uses children's play to enhance their learning. For example, when looking through a book she introduces new words, such as skeleton, and talks to the children about other parts of their bodies. Children talk about what they can see in the books, compare size and shape, identify colours and find similar colours in their own environment. The childminder uses good questioning techniques to find out what the children already know and make them think, for example, 'which hand picture is like your hand?'. Children are eager to join in activities as these

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are made fun and stimulate their interest. They enjoy completing puzzles and demonstrate pleasure in their achievement. Children are given time to concentrate on activities, explore and learn at their own pace. They have opportunities to be creative, using materials such as paint or coloured pens. Various resources stimulate children's imaginations, for example, small figures, playhouses, dolls or vehicles. They use these to act out their own scenarios and chat about their play. Children explore and make things with dough or construction materials. They enjoy colouring, choosing pictures and selecting the appropriate colours. A small table and chairs encourages children's independence and they sit together and talk whilst playing. Children are learning to share and take turns. They play co-operatively, for example, fitting a puzzle together. The childminder encourages children to care for one another and be considerate, for example,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

asking older children to allow the younger ones a turn. Some friendships between older children are established.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy playing in the garden. They use their physical skills as they climb the slide or operate the see-saw. They dig in the sand-pit or play in the playhouse with the play cooker

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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 and food items. Various wheeled toys enable children to practise their co-ordination skills as they manoeuvre these around the garden. Children frequently go on outings with the childminder to the park, shops or for walks. These create additional learning opportunities as they talk about what they see.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three are cared for appropriately. They can explore their environment safely and use an age-appropriate range of resources which promote their development. Young children are sociable and the childminder is encouraging them to communicate by talking and listening to them. The childminder is familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' framework and takes account of this when setting out activities for children under three.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop positive relationships with the childminder who responds sensitively to their needs, which helps them feel valued. Their individuality is respected and they are encouraged to become confident and independent through the childminder's supportive approach. The childminder knows the children well, is aware of their ages and abilities and adapts activities in order that all children develop and learn. She is aware that some children have additional needs and would ensure adequate steps are taken to promote their welfare and development. Children freely access resources which help them to gain a positive self-image and an appreciation of the wider world, for example, books, dolls and play figures. They are beginning to learn to respect each others' similarities and differences and develop a positive and caring attitude to others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and behave well. They are encouraged to be polite, share and play together through the childminder's caring attitude. Good behaviour is valued and children are frequently given praise. Children receive gentle guidance with regards to rules and boundaries and clearly know what is expected of them. Strategies used to manage behaviour are discussed and agreed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong partnerships that have developed between the childminder and their parents. They chat on a daily basis and exchange information about the children's individual care needs, routine, behaviour and progress. A 'link diary' for each child provides a valuable daily means of communication between the childminder and parents. All the required documents and consents are in place to ensure children are cared for according to parents' wishes. A range of policies are available to parents outlining the effective practices used by the childminder. Parents are informed of the action to take should they wish to raise a concern or make a complaint.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A calm, welcoming and child-centred environment is provided by the childminder ensuring children feel happy and secure. Space is well-organised so children can play, eat and rest in comfort, meeting their needs. Good use is made of the garden where children can play freely, use a range of resources to test their physical skills, explore materials such as sand and play imaginary games in the playhouse. Activities and daily routines are flexibly planned around children's individual requirements and they receive good levels of support and attention, ensuring they enjoy their time with the childminder. Parents' wishes are actively sought and respected, enabling appropriate care to be provided.

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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 The childminder has attended initial training in childminding practice and further short courses, for example, in child protection, food hygiene and health and safety, to develop her knowledge and skills. She demonstrates a sound understanding of the requirements of the National Standards which is reflected in the care she provides for children. Checks have been completed to ensure that persons living in the household are suitable. A range of policies are shared with parents to inform them of the service provided and the care their child receives. Records which promote the welfare and care of children are in good order and filed confidentially. Overall, the needs of the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the record of children's attendance.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder marks children's arrival and departure times in her register, promoting children's safety.

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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): • conduct a risk assessment on the use of the trampoline, including checking that appropriate insurance cover is in place.

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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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