Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356394 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 mother, father and brother 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 mother, 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 are cared for in a clean and welcoming environment. They learn about the importance of hygiene through the satisfactory daily routines in place. Hand towels are washed regularly and the childminder ensures that each child has their own to prevent cross-contamination. Information about children’s allergies or medical requirements is obtained from parents prior

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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 placement and these are updated as required. A written sick child policy is shared with parents and implemented by the childminder to protect children from cross-infection. Systems are in place to care for children appropriately in the event of an accident. Any accidents occurring on the premises are recorded, dated and signed by the childminder and parents. The childminder has completed relevant first aid training, enabling her to provide appropriate care in the event of an accident. 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

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Helping children to be healthy

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 include meal time discussions about foods which are good for you and those which are not so good. Cooking activities provide opportunities for children to make and try different foods, enabling them to explore their personal likes and dislikes. Children have beakers which are left at child-height enabling them to help themselves easily when they are thirsty and the childminder is careful to monitor their fluid intake.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children move freely around the childminder's home. They have appropriate opportunities each day to engage in physical play both inside and outside to help keep them fit and healthy. All children are able to rest and be active according to their individual needs.

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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 daily checks of all child accessible areas, ensures the environment remains safe for children. Toys and resources are regularly checked and cleaned so they remain in good condition for the children to use. There is plenty of safe child-height furniture enabling them to play in safety and comfort.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are supervised at all times. The childminder takes positive steps to help them understand how to keep themselves safe. For example, they practise fire safety routines so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Whilst out and about in the local area, children practise crossing the road safely and learn about 'stranger danger'. A clear child collection procedure is implemented in practice. The childminder never allows children to leave with any adults other than their parents or carers. Security systems are in place to prevent children leaving the building unescorted and all visitors are checked prior to entry and a record is maintained to protect children from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has completed relevant safeguarding children training and this is updated regularly. She fully understands her role regarding liaising with safeguarding children agencies and with Ofsted in any child protection situation. This ensures children’s welfare is protected. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and knows how to make a referral to social services if she believes a child is at risk. The childminder will act in the best interests of the child at all times.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and secure in the childminder's home. They explore activities independently and the use of child accessible storage enables them to make their own choices. Children have good opportunities to investigate and develop their skills in all areas of learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is careful to organise activities for children to provide choice and variety. They concentrate as they develop their role play ideas, making pretend picnics and meals for the childminder and visitors. Children explore battery operated keyboards and sound equipment, pressing the buttons to see what happens next. They use creative materials, such as paints, exploring their own ideas as they create their pictures. Children have first hand experiences to develop their curiosity as learners as they join in planned cooking activities or make trips into the garden or off to the local park. Regular trips out and about in the town provide opportunities for them to learn about the world on their doorstep and increase their confidence to socialise with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder listens to children, giving them time to share their thoughts and ideas. She helps and encourages them through interaction, facial gestures and intonation in her voice as she joins in their small world play, helping them to extend their ideas and stories. Children ask questions and respond to new challenges by questioning and using their own initiative. The childminder uses positive praise and encouragement to develop their interest and raise their self-esteem. Children try different activities and share ideas without fear of failure. The childminder has clear systems in place to support children under three years.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing good relationships with the childminder. Attention is given to developing the children's growing understanding about the world around them. They explore multicultural resources including, small world toys, books, games and role play equipment. The childminder is careful to ensure that there is no bias in her practice in relation to gender, race or disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Whilst the childminder is not currently caring for any children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, she has previous experience when she worked in a nursery unit and she has good strategies in place to ensure the needs of any child requiring additional support are met. Parents are consulted prior to placement about any special services that may be required in the best interests of their child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Clear behaviour management techniques are shared with parents and implemented in practice to provide continuity of care. The childminder has attended relevant behaviour management training to support her practice with young children. Children are supported by the childminder who is consistent and sensitive in her approach. Plenty of positive praise and encouragement is used to raise confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Open communications are in place, providing parents with an insight into their children's experiences with the childminder. Relationships are strong and emphasis is placed on ensuring that parents feel confident and secure with the care the childminder offers. Discussions and settling-in procedures provide opportunities for parents to provide baseline information which the childminder can build on and use to support children's progress. A clear complaints system

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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 is in place to ensure that any issues or concerns relating to the care of the children are identified and addressed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed training and continues to study towards further childcare qualifications, to ensure children attending her setting have the best possible opportunities and fun. She ensures that she is fully aware of the National Standards and relevant documents, such as the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework. The play space is organised well, enabling children to play, grow and develop in a safe and secure environment. 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 devised a wide 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. All documentation required by legislation is in place and regularly reviewed to meet children's changing needs. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 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 doctor and that clarification regarding specific medical conditions is sought from a medical professional.

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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 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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