Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY303317 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Chris Gregson

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 2005. She lives with her child aged seven in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder’s house is 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 four children under five at various times. The childminder walks to local schools daily. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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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 She takes the children to the local library, park and outings to the country park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s are cared for and their good health is promoted through the written information from parents. This ensures the childminder knows about any allergies or information relevant to the children’s individual care and is kept on their personal records. Children are supported and cared for if they become ill during the day or have a minor accident. Children stay healthy as the childminder encourages them to use good hygiene practice, such as washing their hands before eating or after playing outside. However, children are at risk of cross infection as the childminder does not always wash her hands after changing nappies. Children have access to a clean environment as the childminder ensures all areas used by the children are regularly cleaned to prevent cross infection and ensure they stay healthy. Childrens’ physical development is promoted by the childminder’s knowledge and

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Helping children to be healthy

understanding of child development. She provides them with suitable physical activities to encourage their early development, such as a baby gym to encourage babies to reach out and touch or a baby walker to support early walking. Children have daily fresh air and exercise as the childminder takes children out for walks to the park or on outings in the local area where children enjoy using the large play equipment for healthy exercise. Childrens’ dietary needs are met as the childminder works well with parents to ensure there is clear information recorded on their individual records, for example if a child does not eat meat. Children have fruit for some snacks, however, food for the younger children is mainly provided by parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to an area for play indoors in the lounge where they have room to play or sleep safely. However, there is no separate area for children to sleep. Children are able to move safely around and freely access toys and resources from child accessible storage chests. They have sufficient toys, but, will benefit from a wish-list that the childminder has developed to enable her to increase her range of toys and resources. Toys are safe, clean and in very good condition as the childminder checks regularly and removes any broken or damaged toys to ensure children can play safely. Children are able to play in a safe environment as the childminder is aware of

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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 possible hazards and reduces risks, for example by providing socket covers, a smoke alarm in the hall, a fire blanket in the kitchen, cushions on the hearth and a secure enclosed garden where children can play safely. Babies and younger children are kept safe when using a highchair as the childminder uses straps to ensure they cannot fall and hurt themselves. Children are safe on walks and outings as the childminder provides them with wrist straps and holds their hands. She uses a car seat or seat belt when in the car so that the children travel safely. Children are protected from harm as the childminder has an awareness of the signs of abuse and knows the procedure to follow to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with activities to promote their imagination and use messy and creative activities, for instance dressing up and cooking. The children’s day is organised so that they have daily walks or visits to the parent and toddler group where they begin to socialise. They go on trips to local places of interest. Babies have a range of suitable activities that make noises, have mirrors and various feely textures. The childminder moves toys, for instance the baby gym, within reach of babies when feeding older children. This provides an interesting activity to encourage the baby to explore and to reach out and touch the dangling toys. Babies and children are happy and content in the childminder’s company and are encouraged to communicate as she responds to their babbling and chatter with gestures, smiles and by constantly talking to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children are treated as individuals. The childminder knows the needs of each child so that they can feel valued. They have lots of appropriate cuddles and touches to reassure them and help them feel secure. Babies are held close when being bottle feed so that they develop a sense of belonging. Children have access to all the toys and equipment. However, they have limited access to resources that promote diversity to enable children to gain knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences. The childminder works with parents if she has concerns about a child’s development and is prepared to work with other professionals to fully provide for their specific needs and promote their development. Children learn what is expected of them and respond to the childminder’s clear and consistent boundaries. These are shared with parents. Children are looked after according to their parents’ wishes. They are supported to make the transition

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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 between home and the childminder’s through visits and talking to parents before the child starts. This increases their confidence and self-esteem. Daily chats and written diaries ensure the children’s day is shared with their parents and their care remains appropriate to their changing needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children needs are met through the very good organisation of essential paperwork containing information to enable the care of their individual needs to be fully understood and readily available. This contributes towards the children’s good health, safety. enjoyment and achievement and ability to take an active part in their daily activities. Parents are kept informed, verbally and through diaries, daily and this enables children to feel safe are secure in her care. Children will further benefit when the childminder has attended the planned Suffolk childminding training package that provides an excellent comprehensive range of courses, including first aid, food hygiene, child protection and childminding practice. The childminder is committed to her own personal development so that she will further enhance her knowledge to provide children with a wide range of experiences and activities suitable to the childrens’ ages and stages of development.

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Organisation

The children’s day is organised so that they move easily and safely to access toys and equipment in a well prepared environment and have routines that provide for the needs of the individual child. The needs of the range of the children are met.

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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

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 improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the hygiene routines used are consistent throughout the day • provide children with a range of positive images in resources to promote understanding and respect of all people.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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