Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY255781 Unique Reference Number 28 July 2008 Inspection date Margaret Elizabeth Roberts 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 13 years in Brandon, Suffolk. All areas are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local park. The childminder has two cats. The childminder supports children who speak English as additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted as they learn about the importance of personal hygiene through the daily routines. They are reminded to wash their hands regularly by the childminder and are given reasons why they need to do so. Children's medical needs can be attended to as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and parents have given written permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. The risk of infection to

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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 children is minimised as the childminder has a verbal agreement with parents that she is unable to care for children if they are ill.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with meals by the childminder should parents require this service, although most children bring packed lunches prepared by their parents. Healthy eating is promoted by the childminder through a balanced diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. Children are offered a variety of drinks including fresh water to ensure that they do not go thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's large physical skills are promoted through outdoor play in the garden or walks taken in the local area which helps to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Hand-eye coordination skills are encouraged through threading activities and the use of small tools when playing with the dough.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the home which is safe, secure and suitable for its purpose. Their independence is encouraged as they are able to access downstairs bathroom facilities. Very young children are able to rest undisturbed in a cot upstairs and older children relax on comfortable seating. The childminder has a range of toys and activities which are made accessible to children at the beginning of the day when they choose freely from the storage area. Furniture and equipment that is available helps to meet the varying needs of all the children attending.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because the childminder has taken steps to ensure that hazards to children are minimised. For example, children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised because the entrance door is kept locked and they play in a fully enclosed back garden. Dangerous substances such as medicines are kept on a high shelf in the larder, out of children's reach. However, the cupboard where the cleaning materials are stored in the kitchen has a broken child-proof catch and those stored in the downstairs bathroom area can be reached by older children. The home is fitted with smoke alarms and a fire blanket is available which keeps children safe in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can be protected should abuse or neglect be suspected because the childminder is aware of the procedures to be followed should concerns arise.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to a range of activities which help to meet their individual needs. This is because they choose the activities that they wish to play with guided by the childminder. At the beginning of the day they collect what they wish to do from out of the garage and bring it into the home. Children attending are interested in what they have chosen and are able to sustain that interest for long periods of time. Children are supported in their play when required by the childminder who also recognises that there are times when children are happy to play on their own. For example, when one child is building a gateway to the 'car park' with building blocks, the childminder helps him to build a barrier for the cars to drive up to. At other times children are allowed to play on their own inventing different games with the cars and blocks.

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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 liaises with parents to ensure that appropriate care can be given to the children and that their individual needs are met. Children are allowed to play with any of the activities available and there is no obvious stereotyping. Although the childminder has had no experience of children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she would be proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken should such a child be identified.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well within the setting. The childminder gives clear consistent boundaries so that children know what is expected of them and are taught to share and take turns. Explanations are given as to why some behaviour is unacceptable which helps children to learn about what is right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships are built with the parents of the children cared for through information sharing which helps to promote children's well-being and development. Time is set aside for when parents collect their children to allow for the childminder to inform them of what their children have been doing during their time spent with her. For example, the activities that they have taken part in and the food they have eaten. Children's personal details are recorded and agreements drawn up setting out the expectations of both parties.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The organisation of the home allows children the maximum space in which to play and meets their needs satisfactorily. The childminder has attended further training to update her knowledge and which helps her to meet the needs of children more effectively.

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Organisation

All relevant documentation is in place and the childminder maintains an up-to-date record of children's attendance so that they may be accounted for all times should an emergency arise. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure the first aid box had sufficient contents which are frequently checked and replaced as necessary; ensure the child protection booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary' is available and that any concerns can be reported without delay; demonstrate how a record of complaints will be maintained and improve knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good improvements. Children's medical needs can now be met as the first aid box now has sufficient contents which are replaced as necessary. Children's safety has been enhanced as the childminder is aware of the procedures for reporting concerns because she has obtained the child protection booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - summary'. Systems are now in place for the recording of complaints and children's welfare is promoted more effectively because with the support of the local authority the childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations.

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Improvements 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

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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

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 dangerous substances such as cleaning materials do not pose a risk to children.

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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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