Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY266051 Unique Reference Number 30 November 2007 Inspection date Georgina Emily Hobson Matthews 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children, aged seven and 14 years, in a village close to Bury St Edmunds. The family has a cat, rabbits and guinea pigs.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a five children at any one time and is currently minding four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to all parts of the childminder's home. An enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 promoted well. They are cared for in a warm, clean environment. Children are protected from becoming ill as the childminder displays good hygiene practice and has effective systems in place to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has procedures in place to take appropriate measures if children are ill. Their welfare is promoted as the childminder can respond to accidents appropriately. She holds current first aid training and a first aid box is easily accessible. However, children's welfare is not assured as a list of contents is not available to ensure that the first aid kit meets with the requirements set on a first aid course.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of personal hygiene and to take responsibility for their own personal needs as they wash their hands before snacks, meals and outdoor play. The childminder talks to the children of the importance of hygiene. Tissues are easily accessible and children learn to use and dispose of these appropriately. Cross-contamination is prevented as children are supervised carefully when handling pets. Appropriate arrangements are in place for feeding animals and preventing them from fouling any areas used by the children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Although parents provide packed lunches for the children, the childminder discusses the contents if she has any concerns in order that the children receive a balanced diet. Special dietary requirements are identified prior to the commencement of care to ensure that parents’ wishes and any religious needs are met and that no child is at risk from a reaction to food. Children are provided with nutritious snacks and encouraged to try different types of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drinks are accessible to the children at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop a positive attitude to exercise as they walk to and from school each day. They have opportunities to explore a variety of physical movements in the childminder's garden and in the local park. Children learn to throw, to catch and to use racquets. They enjoy playing games such as football. Children develop confidence on equipment that provides challenge as they climb and balance on a log and rope path. Young children stretch, run on the spot and learn to jump indoors with the aid of the childminder. Children are able to rest or sleep according to their individual needs on sofas or in a travel cot.

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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 welcoming, secure, safe, indoor and outdoor environment. They have sufficient space for free movement and to spread out activities and there is ample storage space for equipment. Children use a wide range of developmentally appropriate, safe and suitable resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe as they are provided with clear explanations about safety issues within the setting and outside. The childminder carefully explains house rules and the procedures for outings to the children, and they learn about road and fire safety. Children’s safety is fostered as the childminder carries out an ongoing risk assessment of her home to reduce hazards and to minimise the risk of accidental injury.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities in the area of child protection. She has a sound understanding of the procedures to follow if she has child protection

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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 concerns. However, a copy of the Government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' is not available in order to comply with local child protection procedures. Systems are in place to release children into the care of other adults in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and as a result children are involved in a broad range of activities that support their development and learning. They are able to make choices from a range of well-organised resources in a dedicated play room and to play at their own pace.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in their play. They concentrate as they make 'shiny' paper chains with the childminder and are very proud as they decorate the play kitchen with these garlands. Children immerse themselves in their play as they make tea and laugh with glee as toast pops up from the toaster. Children's language is developed as they match cards with the childminder. They talk about the characters and the clothes of 'Santa', an angel, a snowman and 'Rudolph' and learn to find cards that are 'the same'. Children enjoy listening to songs and ask for their favourites. They are encouraged to explore and investigate. Children roll dough and cut this into pieces with small, plastic scissors. The childminder encourages them to count the pieces and to think about how many they will have if they add one more.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and at ease in the childminder’s care. They develop confidence and their self-esteem is raised as she listens carefully to their ideas. The childminder is attentive to their needs at all times and supports the children's play. She is caring and affectionate and offers the children lots of praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a sense of belonging in the childminder's home as they have easy access to a range of interesting activities. The bright play room is decorated with child-friendly friezes and examples of the children's creative work. Their individual needs are identified prior to the commencement of care. Children are valued and activities are adapted to accommodate their developmental needs. They are developing positive attitudes to diversity as the childminder includes images of the different people that make up our society within her resources. Children become aware of their local community as they meet others at a local toddler group. They walk to local shops, to the park and go on outings by bus. The childminder has an awareness of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder uses positive behaviour management strategies that are appropriate to each child’s level of understanding and maturity. She is consistent and offers children lots of praise, for example, when resources are cleared before commencing a new activity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's ongoing progress is supported as the childminder works with parents and provides opportunities at the end of each day to share information regarding the children. Parents’ satisfaction is reflected in their positive feedback.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the care of an appropriately vetted childminder and checks have been completed to ensure that persons living in the household are suitable. They are never left alone with anyone who is not vetted. The childminder has accessed an introductory course on childminding in order to develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare.

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Organisation

She organises her home effectively to accommodate children’s play. They are able to move around easily and safely and to access activities in a well-prepared environment. Documentation to promote the welfare and care of the children is organised and stored securely to ensure confidentiality. Overall children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has obtained more information on this area from a child protection training module in order to safeguard children.

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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): • check the first aid box frequently to ensure this meets with the contents determined on a first aid course • obtain a copy of the Government booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused' in order to comply with local child protection procedures.

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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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