Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY357531 Unique Reference Number 15 August 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and five years in Feltwell, Norfolk. All areas except for the main bedroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and the local park. The childminder has a dog, a rabbit and two hamsters. 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 satisfactorily because the premises and equipment are kept in a clean condition. Children learn about personal hygiene through the daily routines where they are encouraged to wash their hands regularly. The family pets do not pose a health risk to children because the dog is kept in his own area and the hamster and rabbit are kept in a clean hutch and cage. Children's medical needs are compromised because the childminder has not

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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 requested written parental permission from parents for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment and not all medication recordings have been signed for by parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures that children do not go thirsty by offering them regular drinks. Children bring their own packed lunches and snacks provided by their parents to eat throughout the course of the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's large physical skills are promoted through visits to the park and walks in the local area which help to contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Older children often bring their bicycles and ride alongside the childminder as she walks with younger children. Hand-eye coordination skills are promoted through the use of small tools when playing with the dough or creating models out of 'junk'.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into an environment that is secure and suitable for their purpose. Their independence is encouraged as they are able to access the bathroom facilities on their own. Comfortable seating allows them to rest quietly should they wish to do so. Young children's varying needs can be met through a range of appropriate furniture and equipment such as a travel cot and pram.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play safely because the childminder has taken reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children are minimised. For example, dangerous substances such as cleaning materials and medicines are inaccessible to children. Children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised because good security measures are in place. External doors are kept locked and the high garden gate has two bolts, one of which is out of children's reach. There is a small enclosed paved area that children can play in and the childminder has recently made her garden secure so that it can be included in the registration allowing children to play outside safely. Fire fighting equipment is available in the kitchen and the home is fitted with a smoke alarm. However, the childminder has not devised or practised an emergency escape plan.

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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 has an awareness of safeguarding children and has information to refer to should she have concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children play happily together during their time spent with the childminder. They enjoy 'junk' modelling sustaining interest for long periods of time. Children are confident and at ease within the setting, talking to the childminder and visitors, asking questions and making suggestions whilst creating their models. Children are provided with all the necessary materials to create their constructions and are supported by the childminder who helps them to cut out or holds models steady whilst children add to them. Children have opportunity to develop their social skills and imagination through role play when playing in the play house and dressing up in different outfits. Story times and writing materials help to promote their intellectual capabilities. Children's physical skills are further promoted through activities such as musical movement when dancing and singing.

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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. Children are treated with equal respect and liaison with their parents enables the childminder to give appropriate care. Although children have access to the range of activities and facilities available, toys and play opportunities for the male gender are limited and do not reflect diversity. The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and would be proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken should such a child be identified. Activities would be adapted so that any children with additional needs can play alongside their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well because they know what is expected of them. The childminder sets realistic boundaries and uses positive techniques when dealing with behaviour management. Intervention and distraction methods are used and children are given explanations as to why some behaviour is unacceptable.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships that the childminder builds with their parents. Written agreements are drawn up so that both parties know what to expect from the service provided. Children's needs are met through discussion with parents and the recording of this information entered onto their personal detail forms.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has undertaken the necessary courses to become a registered childminder and has appropriate experience. Children can be accounted for at all times because a register is maintained with hours of attendance. All relevant documentation is in place and available for inspection. 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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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

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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): • request written parental permission for the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for every child being minded • ensure that all written records of medicines administered to children are signed by parents • devise and practise an emergency escape plan • provide suitable toys and play opportunities for both genders which also reflect diversity.

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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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