Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY365212 Unique Reference Number 07 July 2008 Inspection date Lindsey Ann Cullum 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 satisfactory. 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 three children aged 3, 5 and 7 years in Bury St Edmunds. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family has two cats and a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. Overnight care is not provided. The childminder may work with an assistant who, on occasions agreed with parents, may have sole charge of minded children. The childminder is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a suitably clean, warm and well-maintained home. The daily routine helps children gain an understanding of the importance of personal hygiene as they are reminded to wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet. Hygiene routines in relation to pets are appropriate and the children are learning to treat animals with care and respect. Children's health and medical needs are discussed with parents and relevant information recorded, enabling appropriate care to be provided. Systems are in place to record any accidents or medication administered to children, contributing to their well-being. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a well-stocked first aid box to hand, in order to deal effectively with any emergency should this occur.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with regular meals and snacks which promote their healthy growth. Meals take into account children's dietary needs and children's likes and dislikes. Fresh fruit or vegetables are included within the daily menu and the childminder encourages children to eat a balanced diet. Children recognise when they are thirsty and drinks are accessible in their own cups throughout the day, ensuring children remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities which contribute to their physical development and promote a healthy lifestyle. They make good use of the childminder's garden where they are able to run around freely, climb up the slide, use the swing or bounce on the large trampoline. Children enjoy playing outdoors in the sand and water tray, small playhouse or ride wheeled toys, benefiting from lots of fresh air. Regular trips to local parks and indoor play areas ensure children are able to access a wider range of more challenging physical equipment, promoting their physical and co-ordination skills. Children are able to rest according to their needs. Older children rest on the sofa whilst watching television whilst younger children are provided with comfortable and quiet sleeping space upstairs, ensuring children's well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being looked after in a bright and welcoming environment where they feel at home. Effective use is made of the space within the home so children can move around freely and access a range of age-appropriate activities which promote their development. The lounge is used as the main play area and in good weather this provides easy access to the garden so children are able to choose either inside or outdoors. Children are able to select from a choice of suitably maintained toys and equipment, which promotes all areas of their development. Some toys are stored in boxes within the lounge whilst further resources are stored around the home and are rotated by the childminder to stimulate children's interest and offer variety. The childminder supervises children's play and, where necessary, offers simple explanations to help children understand how to keep themselves and others safe, for example,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is promoted within the home as suitable action has been taken to minimise the risks. Dangerous household substances and electrical sockets are inaccessible to children and the premises are secure. Risk assessments have been carried out on some activities, for example, using the large trampoline, electrical safety and outings in order to safeguard children. Fire safety equipment is in place however the fire blanket is not easily accessible, compromising

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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 safety in the event of a fire. The childminder has a clear emergency evacuation plan which she practises with the children, ensuring they are familiar with the procedure in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings. The childminder is aware of potential hazards when out with children and has clear strategies in place to keep them safe, for example, children are strapped securely into buggies or know they need to hold the childminder's hand when walking. Children are learning about simple road safety when out, for example, they know they need to stop and look before crossing the road.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected as the childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children. She has attended initial training and has relevant literature available for reference. A written statement is shared with parents outlining the measures the childminder has in place to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They actively seek her attention to help with activities, for example, finding a particular toy or playing a game. She responds in a caring manner, building children's confidence and self-esteem. She knows the children's interests and capabilities and adapts activities so all children are able to join in. Children receive frequent praise and encouragement, for example, 'you are clever at building with these' encouraging children to persist with activities. They are proud of their achievements and gain pleasure from showing these to the other children. Children are learning social skills such as sharing and taking turns. Older children show care and consideration for the younger ones and children of all ages are learning to play together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a range of age-appropriate and stimulating resources. The childminder selects a variety of resources and sets these out in the lounge so they are accessible to children. Children busy themselves selecting their resources and are actively engaged in activities. Familiar favourites are available, for example, Aqua Draw. Children enjoy drawing with the pens and delight as they observe the patterns made as they drop the pens onto the special mat. The childminder uses spontaneous opportunities within activities to enhance children's learning. For example, she counts the number of splat shapes the children make when dropping the pens. Shape and colours are also introduced, for example, children identify the shapes made with the Magnetics and play games where they learn to match colours. The childminder plans some activities such as cooking, providing additional learning opportunities. Children regularly

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

attend an Aqua fun session at the local swimming pool promoting their physical skills and helping them to become confident in the water. They frequently go on outings, for example, visiting local parks, the library or Toddler Group. Children relish opportunities to play outside. They enjoy building sandcastles in the sand tray and experiment as they pour water from one container to another in the water-tray. Children benefit from being physically active and energetically bounce on the trampoline or ride small wheeled toys. Children become engrossed in their own imaginative games, for example, with the toy rocket and are actively engaged in play which promotes their learning and development.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder knows the individual needs of the children and is attentive to their respective care needs. Children are given appropriate support, contributing to them becoming confident and secure within the childminder's home. They are encouraged to make choices, for example, what they would like to play with, increasing their independence. Children respond well to the praise given and are encouraged to try new skills. They are helped to develop positive and caring attitudes to others through the childminder's caring approach and access to some resources which reflect our diverse society. The childminder is aware some children have specific needs and would seek advice, if necessary, so that she could meet their needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are happy and sociable. They are learning to share and take turns. Older children are encouraged to be kind and considerate towards younger children. They receive gentle guidance from the childminder with regard to rules and boundaries and clearly know what is expected of them. The childminder discusses with parents the strategies she uses to manage behaviour in order to promote consistency.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from strong partnerships which develop between the childminder and their parents. The childminder liaises closely with parents to ensure she is familiar with children's ongoing needs and parents' wishes are respected. The childminder makes time each day to talk to parents, share the day's events and discuss children's well-being. Effective communication is ensured, through use of a daily diary, where a child is cared for by the childminder and within a group setting during the day. The childminder provides valuable reassurance to parents and keeps them up to date with the day's activities by sending photographs via their mobile phones of the children happily engaged in activities. Parents are informed about the service the childminder provides through clearly written policies, however, some of these require updating in line with recent changes.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare and learning is enhanced because the childminder has appropriate skills and experience. She has completed initial training in childminding practice to broaden her knowledge of the National Standards. Checks have been completed to ensure that all adults in direct contact with children are suitable and children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety. Space and resources are suitably organised to allow children to enjoy a range of activities of their own choosing. Children benefit from good levels of support and attention and are confident and relaxed in the childminder's home. Records which contribute to children's health and well-being are available and stored confidentially. However, children are not fully safeguarded as the childminder does not maintain an accurate record of children's attendance. 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

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 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 satisfactory. 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 the fire blanket is easily accessible • update the information provided for parents on children's sickness and the procedure for receiving and recording any complaints • ensure the register accurately records children's 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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