Morter Amanda Louise

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256384 Inspection date 08 June 2005 Inspector Christine Ann London

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered since 1991. She lives with her husband, her daughter aged 17 years and her son aged 15 years. They live in a detached bungalow, in Sprowston, Norwich. Minded children have free access to all the rooms, including supervised access to the kitchen. The rear garden provides an enclosed outside play area for the children. The property is situated close to local schools, parks and day care provisions. The family have a dog, which is kept separate from the children.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and occasionally attends the local support group. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. The childminder ensures children are protected from cross infection by regular hand washing and other hygiene routines. This is managed well after any contact with the family dog. The childminder provides a variety of snacks and meals using information from parents, this ensures the children's dietary needs continue to be met at all times. Children are encouraged to drink throughout the day, the water in their beakers is changed frequently to ensure it remains fresh. Older children can help themselves to drinks encouraging them to take care of their own health needs. Children enjoy and benefit from physical activity and exercise as they play in the garden and on outings outside of the home. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident when using

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Helping children to be healthy

contents of her first aid box. She holds and uses all relevant consent forms, accident, incident and medication documentation all dated with relevant parental signatures ensuring children are protected and standards are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks within the premises are identified and minimised, children are able to move around freely and safely which encourages their independence. The childminder assists the children to understand the need to keep themselves safe by discussion with the older children and developing routines with the younger ones. The space is well organised for the children to play safely, the rear garden is fully enclosed, this ensures children are protected. Children select activities independently from a wide and varied range of good quality resources, which meet safety standards. Toys are stored in storage boxes and in a hall cupboard, resources with small parts are kept in containers with secure lids ensuring resources are age and stage appropriate for children. The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a secure understanding of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

child protection and holds appropriate documentation including local contacts in line with the Area Child Protection Committee procedures, therefore protecting the children.

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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 are happy and settle well at the childminder's house, they are confident and join in the activities provided. The children are involved with many activities from the broad range available to them, this ensures they are happy and settled in their play. They choose their individual play resources, which encourages them to try new skills. The children relate well towards each other and have opportunities to socialise with other childminders children when they have visits outside the home. Children have time to relax as well as being active, a separate room for children to have undisturbed sleep is provided to ensure children are well rested. Children respond well to what they see, hear and taste, such as the listening to the sound of a bird in the garden and trying to see where it was, promoting their awareness of the wider world around them. The childminder uses birth to three matters framework to adapt activities to suit all

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's individual needs, which promotes younger children's learning. The children have stories read to them and good interaction was observed throughout the inspection. The childminder promotes children's learning and achieving by encouraging them to try again and by using positive praise to raise their self esteem. Low level tables and chairs are available for children to use as individuals or as a group, this encourages children's development of social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder offers consistency to the children by ensuring their routines are maintained. Children's individuality is respected and supported, she encourages children to be independent and confident. Their needs are met well as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed and agreed with their parents. The childminder has a behaviour management policy in place which is followed by the children, as a result they are caring and well behaved towards each other. The childminder has not cared for a child with special needs, but has the basic knowledge to do so. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, this increases children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Books reflecting disability are available, but this limits the children's understanding and awareness. Children learn about their local community by visits to the post office, library and local parks.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children and parents benefit from being with a child minder who has worked with children for a many years, ensuring care and concern for their welfare. The children

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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 relaxed and confident within the well organised homely environment, as a result the children are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning with confidence. Although plans are made for the day these are flexible and are changed to accommodate the needs of the children while maintaining sleep and feed routines for the children. The children only have access to suitable persons with clearances this ensures their protection. Policies and procedures are used effectively, daily sharing of information ensures the children's welfare, care and learning are promoted in partnership with the parents. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall the provision meets the needs of all children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection set an action for the childminder to obtain a copy of the letter from Broadland District Council confirming that she operates within their guidelines. This was seen and checked, letter is dated 29/07/2003. The childminder has since found her original letter dated 24/05/2002, she has both copies in her working file for reference.

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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): • provide children with an appropriate range of activities and resources to raise their awareness of disability.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website:

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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 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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