Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277870 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2007 Inspection date Christine Eglinton 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 and lives with her husband and their 15-year-old son in a house in Mildenhall. The childminder prefers to use the downstairs areas for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is currently minding three children under five years and one child aged six years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family has two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and clean environment where they benefit from good levels of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home which effectively contributes to limiting the risk of cross-infection. Children learn about keeping themselves healthy through good daily routines and appropriate expectations such as washing their hands after using the toilet, and before eating. Children have a good understanding of the possible consequences of not keeping

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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 clean. They confidently explain that washing their hands helps to wash away germs which could make them ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder operates a sick child procedure which involves excluding children from the premises until they are clear of any infectious illnesses. This helps to protect children from infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means she is able to give children appropriate care if there is an accident. Parents give prior consent for the childminder to administer medication to ensure children receive the correct dosage according to their needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet to ensure they remain healthy. Children learn the importance of eating healthily through practical and meaningful ways. For example, they enjoy preparing their own snacks by cutting up cucumber, melon, and grapes and tell the childminder proudly that ‘they have made a lovely fruit salad’. Children have grown tomatoes, cabbages and herbs which they have eaten. This encourages children to try new foods and avoid sweet snacks. Children are able to independently access their own cups and drinking beakers which encourages them to become independent, and start to recognise when they are becoming thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily physical exercise that contributes to keeping them healthy. For instance, older children enjoy riding their bikes to the park and walk to school daily. Large play equipment in the garden such as a climbing frame, slide and scooters, help develop children’s balance and co-ordination. Frequent trips to the local park where children are able to access additional large equipment such as monkey bars, roundabouts and swings give children the opportunity to practice and develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Examples of children’s creative work are displayed for all to see which helps to create a child- friendly setting and shows children that adults value their work. The childminder has created a well organised environment where children are able to access a balanced range of activities while moving around safely and independently. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children’s stage of development. Children do not become bored playing with the toys because the childminder regularly rotates the selection of play materials, which are stored in low-level boxes. This enables children to spend time concentrating at self-chosen activities to support their learning and development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to play in a safe and secure environment because the childminder has identified possible hazards within her home, and minimised these by using appropriate equipment. For instance, she uses a safety gate across the kitchen entrance when she is preparing hot food, and safety caps are used to prevent children accessing electric sockets. The childminder uses simple explanation to help children understand about safety rules within the home and older children show a good awareness of safety. For example, they confidently explain that ‘throwing toys might hurt other children' and show a good awareness of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound knowledge of child protection issues and appropriate policies and procedures are in place with contact numbers readily accessible. This promotes and safeguards children’s welfare.

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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 enjoy and learn from a good range of activities. They independently choose from a range of activities that allow them to explore and investigate, and the childminder engages well with children during their play. For instance, she sits with the older children while they play with the dough and encourages them to learn new vocabulary and develop an awareness of shapes. For example, the children use different animal shape cutters and talk about rhinoceroses having ‘tusks’ and learn to recognise different shapes such ‘hexagons'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to talk about important events and people in their lives and proudly talk about the pictures the they have made following their recent holiday. This encourages children to develop a sense of achievement and belonging within the setting. Children have very good opportunities of socialising with other children and adults because they attend weekly childminding and music groups.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have developed warm and caring relationships with the childminder and are very keen for her to join them during their play. This indicates that trusting relationships have been built. Children receive lots of warmth and affection and enjoy lot of cuddles, which supports their emotional well-being and gives them confidence to explore new experiences. Young children are given good opportunities of sensory exploration. For example, children explore different smells such as curry and chocolate which have been added to play dough. They explore different textures such as wet and dry sand and explore different textures in books. Some of the toys when activated by pushing buttons play musical tunes.This enables young children to make important connections in their learning through using their senses.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder encourages all the children to participate in all the activities provided which ensures children have equal opportunities to maximise their learning and achievement. Clever uses of activities such as topics on different countries, are used as vehicles to support children’s awareness of other cultures. For instance, children have used maps to locate different countries such as India and America, and sampled different foods and discussed cultural traditions. This helps children to develop an interest in the wider world, and enables them learn to appreciate other cultures by discussing similarities and differences. Some of the resources reflect positive images of some members of society although few reflect disability. This does not ensure that children have sufficient opportunities to acknowledge and accept differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses appropriate strategies according to the age and stage of development which help children understand right from wrong. For example, the childminder sets basic ground rules that are consistently applied and uses simple explanation and distraction, that are appropriate to the age and understanding of the child. Consequently, children’s behaviour is generally good and they play well together while learning important social skills such as sharing and treating each other kindly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are friendly and supportive and care diaries that record children’s daily play activities, food intake, sleep and general disposition helps to establish continuity of care. Parents are well informed about the service because they are able to read written policies and procedures. This helps parents make an informed choice. The childminder is using appropriate records to ensure she is aware of any dietary or medical needs. However, although

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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 the childminder has devised an information sheet which asks pertinent questions about children’s individual needs and preferences, this is not being completed by parents prior to children to attending the setting. Consequently, this does not guarantee that she is fully aware of individual character traits which will help to inform her practice more effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is complying with all conditions of her registration. She is meeting the agreed ratio of children and is able to demonstrate her responsibility in respect of notification of changes. For example, she understands the requirement of contacting Ofsted once members of her household reach 16 years of age, to enable appropriate checks to be sought. This helps to promote children’s welfare. The childminder has shown a good commitment towards training which supports her in her role and ensures she has the latest and most relevant information available.

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Organisation

All children receive good support from the childminder who enjoys their company and knows them well helping them feel secure and confident. The day is well balanced giving children ample opportunities for taking part in vigorous physical play, and quiet restful activities.

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Organisation

All mandatory records are in place and stored in a confidential manner. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps to promote their welfare. Regular informal discussions with parents ensures consistency of care for the 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: obtain written permission from parents before administering medication; develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and include the contact details of Ofsted within the complaints procedure.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder now ensures she seeks written permission from parents before she administers medication, and has the appropriate contact details of children’s services in addition to current child protection procedures. This additional information enables the childminder to promote children’s welfare more effectively. A parent poster is now displayed within her home which details the contact number for Ofsted. This helps to promote effective partnership with parents and serves to inform the complaints procedure.

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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 the parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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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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): • continue to develop the range of resources and play materials to ensure it reflects positive images of all aspects of society. • ensure the children’s information form which details their individual preferences is being competed prior to children attending the childminding setting.

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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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