Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY265851 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Margaret Elizabeth Roberts

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and four years in East Wretham a small village near to the town of Thetford. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part time basis. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has four dogs, one cat and a rabbit.

p.2

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 takes children to the local park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted because they are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment, which helps to reduce the spread of infection. They are beginning to learn about the importance of personal hygiene because the childminder encourages them to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before snack time. Children's medical needs can be appropriately met because the childminder has been trained in first aid and holds a current first aid certificate. A policy for children who are ill is in place, which ensures that the childminder acts in the best interests of all children protecting them from illness and infection. Children's healthy growth and development are promoted through regular nutritious snacks and drinks provided by the childminder. These include diary products and fresh fruit juices, which the childminder makes herself and are available at all times, which ensures that children do not go thirsty. Children's dietary requirements are well

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

met through the recording of allergies and special diets on their personal detail forms. They are given appropriate opportunities to rest, according to their individual routines. Children's physical development is promoted through a range of outdoor equipment and walks taken in the local countryside. Their small physical skills are promoted through eye-hand activities such as shape sorters and puzzles.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a secure, child orientated environment, where space and resources are organised to promote children's development from an early age. Children are able to play with toys and equipment that are well-maintained and sufficient in quantity, appropriate to the age of children being cared for. This helps to meet the varying needs of children and is important to their development and welfare. Children's safety is further promoted because the childminder is aware of hazards and children are supervised at all times. All electrical and fire safety precautions are conformed to and appropriate emergency evacuation procedures are in place. Children learn about safety as the childminder encourages them to put away one activity before they get out another one, so that there are not too many things to fall over. Children can be protected if abuse or neglect is suspected as the childminder has a

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

good awareness of child protection issues. She has undertaken training and has devised her own child protection policy which follows local guidelines.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's development is promoted through a good range of activities appropriate to their individual needs. All activities are easily accessible, which enables children to make decisions about their play and promotes their independence. Children's individual needs are met through daily plans, which helps to develop their emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. Children are supported in their play and learning by the childminder who works at their level, talking to them and asking them simple questions to promote their thinking skills. They are valued by the childminder, who listens to the children and praises them for small achievements. Children are interested in what is available to play with and show enjoyment by laughing and clapping.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs can be met as the childminder discusses with parents any special requirements and records them for reference. They are treated with equal concern and have access to a range of toys and activities, which reflect positive images of our diverse culture. Children with special needs can be cared for as the childminder works closely with parents to ensure that the needs of all children can be met. Children learn right from wrong because the childminder is consistent in her approach to them and uses positive techniques when dealing with behaviour management. For example very young children are distracted away from situations that may cause difficulties. Children are praised for good behaviour and the childminder takes into account the age of children when dealing with behaviour. Partnership with parents and carers is good. Children's care is enhanced through

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

good, professional relationships with parents. They are kept informed about what their children have been doing through a daily diary and informal discussion.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare and development is supported because the childminder has attended relevant courses and has the appropriate experience. Persons who have direct contact with children are suitable to do so, having undergone vetting procedures. However the childminder's son is still awaiting confirmation that his checks are clear. Children's needs are met effectively because space and resources allow them to choose freely and play independently. They are well supported in their play by the childminder, which helps them feel secure and confident. Overall the childminder

p.4

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 meets the needs of children who attend. All relevant documentation is in place which has a positive impact on the care children receive. The childminder has produced a set of her own policies and procedures which promotes children's welfare and care further.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure that all persons over the age of 16, living in the household, have undergone a criminal records check.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5