Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256016 Inspection date 20 October 2005 Inspector Pauline Margaret Todd

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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 is well established. She lives with her two children in the town of Fakenham, Norfolk. The whole of the childminder's house, apart from 2 bedrooms, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children under 8 years at any one time and may provide care for 2 children overnight. She is currently minding 3 children under 5 years and other children over the age of 8 before and after school. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children and takes children to play at the local parks.

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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 She holds an NVQ level 2 qualification and is in the process of undertaking the Norfolk Quality Kite mark.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and tidy home where they gain an understanding of the importance of keeping healthy. Children are adequately protected against the spread of infection because the childminder follows appropriate hand washing procedures and children have their own flannels and towels to use. Children's health details and medical requirements are clearly recorded to maintain their good health and useful discussions are held with parents on arrival, for example, tummy ache. The childminder has current first aid knowledge to ensure children's well-being should accidents occur and procedures for sick children enable appropriate care to be given. Children's healthy growth and development are satisfactorily promoted because the childminder provides them with nutritious food, for example, they ask for a banana and plum at snack time. Young children are able to take control of their beakers to

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Helping children to be healthy

promote their independence and the childminder is mindful of the amount they drink to ensure they have sufficient to keep them healthy. The childminder has a good understanding of children's dietary requirements and meets these needs sensitively. Children take part in regular walks to the school and visit the parks to use their bodies and energy. Young children have space indoors to practise their crawling and climbing skills and older children use ride-on toys as part of their play situations which encourages them to move confidently and develop an awareness of space. Children play in the garden with sporting equipment which provides them with ample opportunities to be active. Young children are placed in cots for their naps and older children can rest on the settees to promote their well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel at ease and secure in the safe, warm, homely environment where risks are identified and minimised, for example, sockets fitted with covers, pond area enclosed. Children are given adequate supervision to ensure their safety at all times and the childminder has undertaken risk assessment training. Fire fighting equipment is available but the childminder has not devised and practised an escape plan which would protect children, particularly those staying overnight, in an emergency. There is appropriate documentation for the childminder to use her car but written permission from parents to transport children has not been clearly obtained to ensure the arrangements meet with parents' wishes. Children can reach their toys and play equipment easily from well-organised containers stored at child-level to encourage self-selection and independence. Items

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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 conform to safety standards and are clean and well maintained. Equipment is available to meet the varying needs of all children, for example, stair gates, buggies and feeding chairs. The children can sit or lie comfortably to play and join in activities together at the child-sized table, dining table or on the floor. Children's welfare is satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has attended recent child protection training and has an appropriate understanding of procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and confident to leave their parents on arrival and join the other children. They enjoy playing in the large ball pit and making cups of tea which encourages them to use their imagination. Children have access to a good range of play equipment and activities including construction bricks, small world toys, board games, puzzles and books. Children take part in everyday activities such as hanging out the washing, visiting the local shops and picking up the post which helps to promote their learning and understanding. The childminder provides a caring environment for children and is developing a close relationship with them. She positions herself on the floor and talks to them constantly to develop their confidence and independence. She is able to give them freedom to use the toys and equipment as they wish and intervene as appropriate to ensure the play remains purposeful, for example, when using the ride-on toys. She interacts

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

affectionately with them and maintains good eye contact which raises their self-esteem. The children get on well together, have fun sitting in the ball pit and play cooperatively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about their local community as they play at the park and visit the local shops and schools. Children show preferences and interest in the things that they do and all have access to the full range of activities and play equipment. The childminder knows the children well and good details of their likes, dislikes, fears and health needs are recorded to ensure they receive appropriate care. The childminder treats children with respect, is sensitive in her handling and responds warmly to their actions to help them feel good about themselves. She is aware some children may have special needs and would ensure adequate steps are taken to promote their welfare and development. Children learn right from wrong and rules are established so children know what is expected of them. The childminder encourages good behaviour by acting as a good role model and using distraction techniques. The methods used are shared with

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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 Children benefit from the positive partnerships that have developed between the childminder and their parents. There is a useful exchange of information daily to promote children's well-being and development, for example, how they have slept. The childminder shares details of the daily routines and activities by using diaries which are given to parents to take home to read at the weekends. These include details of food intake, nappy changes, and sleep patterns as well as the play opportunities and activities undertaken to keep parents well informed about how their children have spent their time.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. There have been no changes to the childminder's circumstances since her last inspection and she remains suitable to look after children. The children are well cared for and supported during their time with her because she organises her space and resources well and makes good use of her time to be able to play with the children and take them out. Appropriate records are mostly kept to ensure the childminder carries out her work efficiently and detailed contracts and consents promote the welfare and care of all children. Documentation which contributes to children's health and well-being are available and stored confidentially. The register is accurate and up-to-date and shows when children are present on the premises to ensure their safety. Overall, the needs of the children attending are being met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the condition of the outdoor toys and play equipment. These have now been replaced and children have access to appropriate resources which are clean and safe. Written permission has been obtained from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for the children to ensure the wishes of parents are followed.

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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

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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 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): • devise and practise an emergency escape plan • obtain written permission from parents to transport children in a vehicle.

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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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