Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY225020 Inspection date 30 November 2005 Inspector Andrea Caroline Snowden

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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?

This childminder has been registered since April 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and three years in Thetford, close to local amenities and schools. The whole house is used for childminding purposes and there is access to an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder belongs to the Keystone Childminding Cluster Network and is a

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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 member of the National Childminding Association. The family keep a small dog and a cat as pets.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted because the childminder seeks clear advice from parents regarding children's medical and dietary needs before care commences. Children learn about personal hygiene through their normal daily routines and the childminder talks to them about the importance of washing hands, for example after using the bathroom, to remove germs which might make their tummy ache. She has thought through the care of poorly children and ensures that children are not at risk from spreading infection by adhering to her sick child policy. The childminder can respond to children who have had accidents as she is appropriately trained and has the necessary equipment. Children's physical development is well promoted. The garden is well resourced and child friendly with safety surfaces under larger play equipment. Children rarely miss an opportunity for outdoor play as they dress up in their wellington boots, and take

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Helping children to be healthy

umbrellas and enjoy splashing in puddles. Visits to local parks and the forest centre give children opportunities to run around in large open spaces and use more challenging apparatus, developing their physical skills. Children's meals are provided by parents, and at present all food is given according to parents' instructions. The childminder has a positive approach to healthy eating. She is able to provide healthy options and displays a sample menu which includes well balanced meals made from fresh ingredients.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are settled and relaxed in the safe environment created by the childminder. They are closely supervised and older children are allowed more independence in their play, for example they use the play house in the garden, whilst the childminder ensures she can hear them through the use of a listening device. There are good risk assessment procedures in place to ensure risks to children are minimised. The childminder considers children's safety very carefully and is vigilant both indoors and when out with the children. There are good emergency plans in place and parents are aware of these, however the fire drill has not been practised with the children meaning that children's safety could be compromised by issues which could have been addressed through a practise. Children benefit from a wide range of play equipment which is appropriate to their individual age and needs. Older, school aged children are encouraged to play at the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

table, or upstairs if they prefer, with intricate activities to ensure the safety of younger 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 Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a very clear understanding of her role in child protection issues. She considers the safety and welfare of the child as paramount and as a result children are well protected. She is able to act properly in the event of having any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy lots of free play with the childminder. She understands their play needs and preferences and interacts with them according to this. There is a warm relationship between the childminder and children, and the children are happy and confident. Children's self-esteem is being fostered well as they receive praise and encouragement in their play. Children's choices are respected and the childminder values their contributions. Children enjoy visits to the fire station and to the farm which helps them with their learning through first hand experiences. Activities are planned around such visits to extend children's learning and knowledge of the world around them. Children are building positive relationships and their social development is enhanced by attending sessions at the local toy library where they mix with other children and adults. Children use a good variety of play equipment which meets their developing needs.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is observant of the children and ensures that they access a balanced selection of toys and that they are appropriately challenged and stimulated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal regard and the childminder sees all children as unique and special. There is a positive attitude towards diversity and children's awareness of this is developed through access to some nice resources and supported discussion from the childminder. Activities are presented in a way which all children can be included and enjoy taking part. Although the childminder has no experience of working with children with special needs she demonstrates a sound understanding of working with parents to meet the child's needs effectively. Children benefit from a good partnership with parents. Regular liaison and helpful information recorded in communication books means that parents are well informed about their child's day. Written information to parents is excellent. It professionally sets out clear policies and helps parents understand how the setting works for them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and their child. A notice board is situated in the hall which conveys important information to parents at a glance. There are positive strategies to manage unwanted behaviour which are agreed with parents. Children are encouraged to think about how they could have acted more positively and simple house rules set manageable boundaries in which the children operate. As a result they will learn how to manage their own behaviour more

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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 effectively.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well qualified, holding a National Nursery Examinations Board (NNEB) Certificate. She regularly attends training workshops to update her knowledge and skills, thus ensuring that children have access to good quality care and education whilst in her care. She is suitably vetted and children's safety is maintained because they are not left alone with any person not previously vetted by Ofsted. The register is maintained, but this is completed in advance of children attending. As a result the precise times of arrival and departure are not recorded which may cause confusion in an emergency situation. The remainder of the record keeping is maintained accurately and in a professional manner ensuring children are cared for according to parent's wishes and their health and safety promoted effectively. The provision meets the needs of those attending.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to take action to minimise risks to children. A long wall mirror which posed a hazard has been removed, the first aid box now contains all the required dressings enabling children to be treated following an accident and the car is now ensured for business use.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further promote children's safety by practising the emergency evacuation procedure with them • review the method for keeping the register to ensure that children's precise times of arrival and departure are recorded.

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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: 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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