Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY279628 Unique Reference Number 10 September 2007 Inspection date Hazel Meadows 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 three children aged five, eight and nine in Ipswich, Suffolk. The whole of the property is used for childminding except for two bedrooms and the back hallway. 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 four children on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She drives to local nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends local childminding groups and takes children on outings, such as to local parks and the beach. The family has pet dogs which are kept in a large enclosure in the garden whilst minded children are present. 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 and hygienic home. They follow simple good health and hygiene practices when encouraged to do so by the childminder. For example, washing their hands using liquid soap after going to the toilet or using wet wipes prior to snack. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines, policies and procedures, for example, wearing gloves when changing nappies. She ensures that pets do not present a health hazard to children by keeping them and their bowls away from children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy diet which promotes their physical development and growth. All children's food, snacks and drinks are provided by parents, but the childminder has a good understanding of healthy food options, such as daily fruit and vegetables. Children are offered regular drinks which are easily accessible to them, ensuring they do not become dehydrated. Their health and dietary needs are well met because the childminder consults with their parents over any allergies or preferences and ensures medication and accident records are correctly administered and documented.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have frequent opportunities for fresh air and to enjoy physical activity. For example, they regularly play in the well-equipped garden and sometimes go to the park or the beach. They enjoy the garden, playing on the seesaws, ride on toys and slide, and use bats and balls to develop and extend their large physical skills and competence. Indoors they play with puzzles, action reward toys and do painting, drawing and crafts, increasing their manipulative and fine physical skills. Children have opportunities to rest and sleep according to their needs. They can sleep in the buggy or a travel cot is available for daytime sleeping and older children use the settee.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Children are relaxed and keen to attend. Most of the toys and equipment are within children's reach, enabling them to self-select and increasing their independence. Toys and equipment are of good quality, clean and well maintained. They are appropriate to the age and stage of the children present to offer interest and a level of challenge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have considerable freedom to move around independently, as the childminder has effectively minimised the risk of accidents in the home and garden. For example, all potentially harmful items and chemicals are out of reach or locked away. The childminder is aware of the children at all times and alert and vigilant regarding their safety, anticipating potential hazards. Fire safety precautions, such as fire blanket and smoke alarms, are all in place. The childminder has considered and practised an emergency evacuation routine

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is paramount on outings, as the childminder considers possible scenarios in advance. When travelling in a car, children are securely strapped in, using appropriate sized seats and restraints. When walking, children hold on to the side of the buggy or wear reins.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is well safeguarded because the childminder has a thorough understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children. She keeps her training updated and local

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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 contact numbers and information are readily available, ensuring she is confident and competent to follow the appropriate procedures should she have concerns about children in her care. She has a succinct child protection policy which she shares with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder treats them with warmth, kindness and respect. She offers children much individual care and attention, helping them to feel valued. She gets to know them well and encourages them to make ongoing progress. She encourages toddlers to use words rather than just sounds, whilst remaining attentive to their needs. Children make positive relationships and are developing consideration for others, for example, an older child 'read' a story book to a toddler after having it read to her by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to select their own resources and initiate their own games from the exciting and plentiful range of toys within easy reach in the lounge. They enthusiastically explore and play purposefully with the wealth of toys and equipment, which offers varying degrees of challenge and progression. There are several action reward toys to interest babies and toddlers, and a broad selection of books suitable for all ages.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is skilled at playing with the children to help focus their attention and increase their concentration, and offers positive praise and encouragement for their efforts, for example, when doing a challenging puzzle with a child. Children have the opportunity to do a range of craft work and take pride from their artwork being valued and displayed in the kitchen. They enjoy playing in the well-equipped garden, which offers a slide, ride on toys, seesaws and a sandpit. Children also enjoy a variety of outings, such as visits to the seaside or local park. The childminder reflects some aspects of 'Birth to three matters', enhancing her existing good practice with children under three years old.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's care is enhanced and well supported by the open and trusting relationships the childminder establishes with their parents. She works closely with parents to provide continuity of care and encourages frequent exchanges of information to promote children's care and well-being. Excellent written references from parents endorse the quality of care given to their children by the childminder and her competence and reliability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder gets to know the children in her care extremely well as individuals, so that she can cater for their particular needs. Children with special needs make good progress, as she provides opportunities for them to extend and develop their skills and ensures they are included and involved. Close communication and effective partnership with parents ensures children's development, and methods to encourage their progress, are shared and monitored.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop an awareness and understanding of their local and wider community through the positive approach and attitude of the childminder and a selection of resources which reflect positive images of diversity. For example, children enjoy listening to a book about guide dogs. The childminder encourages them to share their own experiences of holidays and visiting other cultures to broaden all the children's understanding and appreciation of differences.

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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 Children flourish in a secure environment where boundaries of acceptable behaviour are clear, consistent and fair. The childminder has a calm and firm manner which children respond well to, for example, sitting at the table to eat their food. The childminder knows the children well and is sensitive to their individual personalities. She plays alongside them and offers an array of interesting activities, thereby minimising unwanted behaviour.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very well cared for by the childminder, who has a professional and enthusiastic approach to childminding. She is conscientious, well motivated and has a good knowledge and understanding of child development, and a high regard for the well-being of all children. Children's care and well-being is supported by good organisation. All documentation is orderly, thoroughly recorded and well presented with some succinct written policies, however, the registration certificate is not on display. Training is updated, as required, to further enhance and support the children's care.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her home and time effectively to meet the needs of individual children in her care. She provides a broad range of interesting activities to encourage children's learning and progress. The childminder's caring and attentive manner and her consistent and reliable approach offer security and reassurance for children and their parents. Children thrive and enjoy learning through their play in the secure and fun environment. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure a copy of 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' is in place. She now has this document readily to hand for reference, therefore children's welfare is further safeguarded.

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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):

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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 • ensure the registration certificate is displayed.

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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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