Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356364 Unique Reference Number 28 April 2008 Inspection date Lynn Clements 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two older children in a residential area of Haverhill. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. When working with her daughter, who is also a registered childminder at the same address, they may care for a maximum of nine children under eight years at any one time. There are currently seven children under five years and two children over five years on roll. The whole of the house is used for childminding and a secure section of the garden has been made safe to provide outside play-space. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the importance of hygiene through the satisfactory daily routines in place. Hand washing is encouraged at relevant times which prevents cross-contamination. Health related documentation is in place and updated as required to meet children's changing needs. Children benefit from the childminder’s knowledge of first aid, as well as the systems in place

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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 to deal with any emergency situation should it arise. All medicines administered to children are recorded. However, the current system for recording the administration of medicines to siblings is not clear. Currently the children appear on the same page and the childminder has not identified which child has had what dosage and when, which potentially impacts on the health of children as they may be exposed to accidental overdose. In addition to this, the childminder does not ensure that medications are prescribed by a doctor, nor does she obtain specific information from the child’s doctor about recorded medical conditions, such as possible seizures.

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Helping children to be healthy

Opportunities for children to learn about healthy eating are adequate. The childminder encourages them to think about foods which are good for them and those which are not so good during meal time discussions and various cooking activities. Children help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty. The childminder is careful to monitor their fluid intake encouraging them to have more water as necessary. Parents share information about their child's individual dietary needs and allergies. This enables the childminder to provide a balanced diet which respects parental wishes but also protects children from food which could harm them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children move freely around the childminder's home. They are able to rest or join in activities according to their individual needs and interests. They have opportunities each day to engage in physical play both inside and outside. Children climb, run, jump and balance and they construct using a variety of building materials including building blocks and role play resources, helping them to build on their coordination skills and spatial awareness.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The very good organisation of the play-space along with thorough daily checks of all child accessible areas ensures the environment remains safe for the children to explore independently. The childminder provides a range of child-height furniture which enables children to play and learn in safety and comfort. Children are able to make their own choices and move freely around her home. This enables them to develop independence and self-help skills. Toys and resources are checked and cleaned so they remain in good condition for the children to use. The provision of child accessible storage enables children to extend their own play and learning at their own pace.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times, both inside and outside. The childminder takes positive steps to help children understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, children talk about and practise road safety whilst out and about and learn to use utensils and tools, such as scissors, safely. The childminder checks the identification of visitors and never leaves children alone with them. This ensures they are protected from harm. She has a clear child collection procedure in place to keep children safe and only lets children leave with adults authorised by their parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare. She has a clear knowledge and understanding about her responsibilities with regards to safeguarding children and knows how to make a referral if she has a concern about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to investigate and develop their skills in all areas of learning. They freely explore activities and the good use of child-height, accessible storage enables them to

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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 make their own choices and decisions. Children are very confident and secure with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder ensures that she provides activities which develop children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities. They enjoy stories and concentrate during small world play, which helps them to develop their imaginative games. Children explore change as they mix paints and then transfer the paints from the brush to their hands, feeling the different texture and concentrating on what they can create.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular trips out and about in the community provide opportunities for children to explore the world on their doorstep and increase their confidence to socialise with others as they learn about the world in which they live. The childminder listens to children, giving them time to share their thoughts and ideas. She helps and encourages them as they share resources and play games.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses plenty of positive praise and encouragement to develop children’s interest and participation. Children try different activities and share their ideas freely.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are developing their independence physically and emotionally. They are active and are becoming increasingly independent, acquiring control over their bodies. The childminder has a good understanding of the needs of younger children and provides appropriate activities and resources to support their physical and emotional development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding about equal opportunities. She takes time to organise activities which supports children's investigations of the wider world. She has increased her resources to provide children with positive images and play equipment or reference books which enable them to learn about diversity. The childminder works closely with parents, sharing information about each child which enables her to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder does not currently have any children on roll with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. However, she has strategies in place to support children and their families. Prior placement interviews provide opportunities for the childminder to ensure that any special services or equipment is accessed to support the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Discussions with parents prior to placement provide the childminder with relevant background information about each child; this is used to help them make smooth transitions. Children form caring relationships with each other and the childminder. They learn to share and take turns. The childminder is consistent in her approach with regards to behaviour management and she supports children as they begin to learn about boundaries and respecting each other. Positive praise and encouragement helps to increase and develop children’s self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Discussions at hand-over times provide opportunities for parents to learn about their children's achievements and experiences with the childminder. In addition to this, two-way communication records are in place enabling the parent and childminder to have a dialogue even if the parent has to rush off to work. All policies and procedures are shared with parents prior to placement and regular reviews are held to meet any required changes. Written agreements with parents set out the expectations of both parties as to the care of the child, activities provided and the business arrangements which are in place. A clear written complaints procedure has been

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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 developed to ensure any issues that affect the care of children are resolved quickly and efficiently.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has completed some training and continues to study towards a relevant childcare qualification, to ensure her practice, knowledge and understanding about professional childcare remains sound. She has developed her understanding of the National Standards and relevant documents such as the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. The childminder ensures that the play-space is organised well and set up daily, ready for the children’s arrival. The childminder has a clear understanding about the importance of Criminal Record Bureau checks to protect children from harm. She ensures ratios are met at all times. Children are never left unsupervised with visitors.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed a range of helpful written policies and procedures. These are shared with parents and implemented in practice to support the smooth running of her setting and provide positive outcomes for the children. Documentation required by legislation is in place. However, children’s hours of attendance in the daily register are recorded in advance and this does not give an accurate picture as to when the children are actually on site, to ensure they can be safely accounted for and protected from harm. All confidential information is kept securely and updated as required to meet children’s changing needs. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that clear administration of medication records are kept for each child individually; ensure that children are only usually given medication prescribed by a

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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 doctor and that clarification regarding specific medical conditions is sought from a medical professional • ensure daily registers are maintained appropriately and clearly show the actual hours of attendance.

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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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