Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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256627 Unique Reference Number 31 October 2007 Inspection date Linda Oliver 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 1988. She lives with her husband and son aged 16 years. They live in a house in a residential area on the outskirts of the city of Norwich. The home is within walking distance of local amenities. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently minding eight children on a part-time basis of whom five are aged under eight years, and three are aged over eight years. The childminder walks to collect children from the local school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and local childminding group as well as a part-time tutor for Childminding Matters.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children's good health is extremely well promoted as the childminder's home is warm, clean and comfortable, and standards of hygiene are exemplary. Children are well protected from infection because the childminder is an excellent role model to the children on hygiene practice.

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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 She maintains very detailed records and policies, including medication, sick children policy, notifiable and contagious diseases, waste materials and accident and emergency procedures. Her nappy changing procedures are extremely effective in preventing the risk of cross-contamination as they include using protective rubber gloves, cleaning the changing mat after every use and the safe disposal of used nappies. The exceptional support she gives to children helps them to gain independence and a good understanding of their own personal care. Children are enthusiastic about maintaining good hygiene because the childminder provides well-equipped facilities, such as steps for children to stand on to reach the sink, children’s toilet seat and separate towels for each child. Children wash their hands before eating and after using

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Helping children to be healthy

the toilet and they know the reasons for this as they talk about ‘washing the germs away so that they don’t get a poorly tummy’. The childminder has a clear sickness policy that is shared with parents; she also provides information about infectious diseases and exclusion periods so that they are aware of her expectations.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that all children’s dietary needs are met. Children bring their own lunch in a plastic container that is stored appropriately in the family’s refrigerator. The childminder provides some meals and snacks for the children. They benefit from her clear understanding of healthy eating as she offers a broad, varied and nutritious diet which takes account of their individual likes and dislikes. For example, children enjoy a range of sandwiches, rice, pasta, vegetables and fruit. They are encouraged to try new tastes, such as star fruit, which they call ‘funny fruit’. Wherever possible, all children sit together with the childminder to eat and this is very much a social time which promotes children’s enjoyment of food. Children increase their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as they freely access drinks and make independent choices from healthy snacks. Younger children are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to feed themselves independently, exploring new tastes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children’s health is further safeguarded as the childminder has very clear policies and procedures in place regarding sickness and medication. Also, she has updated her knowledge of first aid through completing a paediatric first aid course. She has a fully stocked first aid kit available for both at home and whilst on local outings to ensure that she can deal appropriately with any accidents that may occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children thrive as they enjoy an extensive range of physical activities and have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They walk to and from school and pre-school and often visit the woods and local park. The childminder encourages them to play outdoors and they have daily access to a wide range of play equipment including a swing, slide, tunnel, rockers, trikes and stilts which help to develop their physical skills. Their finer manipulative skills and control are actively encouraged through interesting art and craft activities, such as icing cakes, painting and play dough.

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Helping children to be healthy

Younger children are developing their independence physically and emotionally. They are active and are becoming increasingly independent, acquiring control over their bodies and new skills, such as walking and talking. There are plenty of opportunities for them to sit, roll, crawl and begin to walk around the furniture as they become more mobile. They join in enthusiastically as the childminder has an excellent understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support to give them confidence to try out these new skills. Children’s needs are met very effectively and sensitively as they can rest or sleep according to their needs. Babies are provided with their own cots in the bedroom where they can rest comfortably and older children can use the ‘comfy chair’ or sofa if they wish to sleep.

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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

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very welcoming, secure and safe environment, where all doors are kept locked to prevent unauthorised access, and the rear garden is fully enclosed. They move and play freely within the spacious family home where risks are effectively identified and minimised. The childminder gives high priority to helping children stay safe and to maintaining their safety inside and outside the home. She carefully checks areas to be used by the children each day to ensure there are no hazards and regularly reviews the comprehensive risk assessment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to an extensive range of developmentally appropriate resources and activities. The childminder carefully supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder has organised a cupboard in the lounge where they can be stored so that children can easily access the resources and equipment as required. Older children can help themselves to books, games, construction toys and small world resources, which are maintained in very good condition, and appropriate to their varying ages and interests. Younger children's care needs are very well met as the childminder has appropriate equipment, such as a highchair, buggy and cot for sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder gives high priority to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe when outside the home. They learn about road safety and not to talk to strangers when out walking or playing in the park. Younger children are able to investigate and explore their surroundings safely and are beginning to understand there are rules and boundaries that keep them safe. Children are actively involved in making house rules to keep themselves and others safe. They also know and understand the procedures for fire safety and the childminder has a detailed procedure in place for fire evacuation or in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children are very well protected by the childminder who has an excellent understanding of child protection and procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board. She is clear about her role, able to recognise concerns and is very familiar with the reporting procedures. She has all the required documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy being with the childminder and enthusiastically join in the activities provided. Children develop their confidence and self esteem as the childminder encourages them to become independent through making choices in their play. Children learn through a wide variety of activities which the childminder offers, such as singing songs together, using play dough, painting and messy play and cooking activities. They also enjoy looking at books together and joining in games that encourage imagination and role-play. Younger children enjoy playing with interesting and safe items in a 'feely basket', such as sponges, ribbons, wooden spoon, nail brush, loofah and plastic measuring spoons. Activities are organised on an informal basis to fit in with the children's daily routine, such as school, play school, meals and sleep times. However, the planning is informal and does

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

not currently fully enhance children's learning and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very good knowledge of child development which means that children are able to develop their social, personal and emotional skills. She supports the younger children very well and they develop affectionate relationships with the childminder who is very involved

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 in their play, interacting well with them. The childminder has a good understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and incorporates this into her practice to support children's learning and development. Early communication skills are well supported and the childminder extends younger children's language by listening and talking to them, encouraging them to become vocal through imitation, rhymes and singing. The childminder models good language and gives children the opportunities and time to use their language skills, such as at mealtimes, which are social occasions when all children eat together with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

There are very good relationships between the childminder, children and parents which promotes a strong sense of belonging. Children are familiar with the routine and feel at home in their surroundings. Children confidently ask questions and are motivated and stimulated in their play. The childminder is sensitive to their needs and know the children extremely well from the regular and effective communication with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder provides excellent opportunities for the children to learn about themselves, each other and the wider world around them. They develop a good understanding of different cultures through activities and discussions about traditional food such as bread and fruit. Positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability are experienced through a wide variety of resources such as books, playing with small world people as well as opportunities to experience and taste food from around the world. Children learn about the local community through outings, such as walks to the park or shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She is very confident in her childcare knowledge and experience and has been willing in the past to care for children with additional needs. She talks to parents and outside agencies to ensure all the children's care needs are met and uses a daily diary to inform parents of their children's daily care routines and activities. The childminder is committed to working closely with parents which results in children's individual needs being appropriately met at all times. She knows the children very well and takes this into account when organising activities so that she can incorporate their favourite resources. Children make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do, helping themselves to drinks and independently visiting the toilet.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are highly valued as individuals and are confident and settled with the childminder. They feel secure and their self esteem is very well promoted through the excellent use of praise and encouragement as they learn new skills, such as walking and trying out new words. The children behave very well at the setting. They are made aware of the boundaries and are involved in deciding the 'house rules'. Children are helped to understand between right and wrong and learn what is reasonable behaviour through the childminder's consistent handling of incidents as they occur. She has high expectations, gives good explanations and sets clear boundaries which are shared and agreed with parents. This helps children learn to take responsibility for their own behaviour. The children feel comfortable and at ease; they are learning to share and respect each other and their surroundings. They get on very well and enjoy their time together

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The excellent partnership with parents and carers contributes significantly to the children's well being. The childminder ensures that parents are kept fully informed of their children's progress. She shares all her comprehensive policies and procedures to make them aware of all

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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 aspects of the care provided and which contributes to the continuity in the children's care. Children who are new to the setting are very well supported when coping with separation from their parents. They benefit from frequent cuddles and enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder who recognises their individual needs and different personalities. All children are included and treated as individuals with self-help skills encouraged from an early age.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is very well organised. She has a high regard for the children's well-being and uses her extensive knowledge of childcare to provide a child-centred environment where children can feel secure and take part in a wide variety of activities. The childminder is committed to developing her practice, knowledge and skills to further enhance the already very good quality of the care being offered. Children benefit from the childminder's participation in regular training to update her skills. She has attended many relevant courses including 'Food Hygiene', 'Baby Play Ideas', 'Messy Play' and 'Behaviour Management'.

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Organisation

The childminder organises her time so that children receive very good levels of care and support. She makes effective use of the space within the premises and all areas of the home are safe and resources are easily accessible to the children. This allows them to play freely and make independent choices from the many activities available. She cares for children well within the expected registration ratios which means that children enjoy individual and small group attention, supporting their care, learning and play very effectively.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed an extensive collection of written policies and procedures which are individual and fully support her childcare practice. They inform parents about the care she offers and underpin her very good practice with the children, ensuring they meet all the outcomes well. All necessary information, children's records and parental permissions are acquired to enable the childminder to care for the children in accordance with parent's and wishes. Records of children's attendance and individual needs are detailed and accurate and are stored confidentially but easily accessible. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to maintain and further develop the excellent practices identified at the inspection that enable a high standard of care to be provided. She has kept all policies and procedures up-to-date and has attended regular training to ensure that her childcare practice is constantly reviewed and improved. The childminder has made relevant changes to her practice as required and is aware of recent changes in legislation. Furthermore she has incorporated much of the 'Birth to three matters' framework into her practice to improve the outcomes for the younger minded children. Consequently, children's care, learning and development are continually being promoted, ensuring they meet all the outcomes well.

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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

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 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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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): • improve planning for the provision of activities and play opportunities to further enhance children's learning and development.

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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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