Wilson Paula

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251323 Inspection date 29 September 2005 Inspector Glenda Kathleen Field

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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 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 has been registered since 1998. She lives with her husband and son aged 13 in a bungalow which is situated in a residential area of Oulton Broad, Suffolk. The premises are within easy walking distance of local shops and parks. Areas of the home used for childminding are the kitchen, playroom, conservatory, master bedroom, second bedroom and toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Overnight care is not offered. The family have 2 small dogs as pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time,

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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 currently there are 11 children on roll of whom 7 are aged under 8. All attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is a regular attendee of the local childminder's support group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are very well cared for in an environment which is exceptionally clean and hygienic. The good health of the children is actively promoted by the very good hygiene practices in place. For example, the childminder ensures surfaces in her home are clean prior to children's arrival and that any animals do not pose a health risk. Children are extremely well protected from the spread of illness and infection as the childminder has a very clear policy about the exclusion of children who may be ill. The childminder takes proactive measures if they become ill whilst in her care by contacting parents so that children can be collected. Accident and medication records are kept on individual sheets for each child, thus retaining confidentiality. Children are developing a good understanding of their own personal hygiene through simple good health and hygiene practices throughout the day, which are developing

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Helping children to be healthy

their awareness of appropriate personal routines. For example, children are encouraged to wipe their noses with tissue, wash their hands before having meals and after visiting the toilet, being reminded gently by the childminder if they forget. Children's health, growth and development is effectively promoted by the childminder. She has an excellent working relationship with the parents which enables her to respond to children's individual daily care needs appropriately. Children are provided with a good variety of nutritious food and drinks which are essential for their good health, for example, children have fruit such as apple, grapes and banana as snack food. Water and juice with no added sugar are offered as drinks. The childminder ensures that children are given drinks regularly so that they do not become dehydrated. Daily diaries are kept for parents of younger children to inform them on sleep, eating and toilet habits along with information on how their

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Helping children to be healthy

children have spent their day. Children's physical health is very well promoted. Physical activity is enjoyed, and children rest and sleep according to their individual needs. Daily fresh air and exercise is taken in all seasons, including playing in the garden and at the local parks where children have the freedom to run and jump. Visits to local parent and toddler groups are made where children can climb and pedal a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys which help to develop strong muscles and bodies. The 'Birth to three matters' framework is used as reference to provide suitable and stimulating play opportunities for children to enable them to grow and develop

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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 The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a welcoming, well ordered, secure and very safe environment because the childminder has an excellent understanding of how to minimise risks to children. For example, electrical sockets are protected and medication and sharp objects are kept out of children's reach. Age appropriate car seats, straps for buggies, reins and wrist straps are used on outings with children. Children play with an excellent range of safe toys and equipment which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. The childminder regularly checks resources to ensure they remain clean and safe. Children are able to self select toys from floor based containers and low level cupboards, thus encouraging their independence. Written policies and procedures for safety are consistently put into practice with

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children such as practising fire drills, reinforcing children's awareness of road safety when on outings and ensuring that children sit at the table to eat. The childminder reinforces safety rules with the children by gently reminding them throughout the day. Children are beginning to learn how they can help to keep themselves safe, for example, children know not to have too many activities on the floor of the playroom as this can cause a safety hazard to themselves and others. The childminder has a high awareness of child protection procedures and is very clear about her responsibilities towards the children in her care. Written information is available which includes the booklet 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused', along with appropriate telephone numbers to use if she has any concerns. A clearly written statement informing parents of her responsibilities is in place. Children are extremely well protected and their welfare is paramount.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children settle extremely well in the childminder's house. The childminder encourages children to develop their own individuality through providing a secure, familiar environment in which to develop their interpersonal skills, and to become confident in their own abilities. Children confidently make themselves at home and form warm relationships with the childminder and each other, which contributes to their sense of belonging. Children enjoy a wealth of activities and experiences, for example, their creative development is supported by a wide range of art and craft activities, some of which are displayed on the walls of the playroom. Daily use is made of local amenities, such as, parent and toddler groups and local parks, which provide children with very good opportunities to socialise with others. Children are able to explore the resources independently, making their own decisions and developing their own interests. Daily

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities are monitored and reviewed, this ensures children are provided with an extensive range of activities across all areas of their development. Children benefit from the consistent daily routines, which help them to settle and feel

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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 secure. They enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers them good support during their activities, which encourages the children to develop their skills. For example, children's early communication skills develop through the good quality and sensitive interaction from the childminder, who responds positively to their talk. Children spend their time purposefully engaged in their activities. The childminder has an excellent understanding of children's development and uses this secure knowledge to help children develop and make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children have access to an excellent range of activities and resources which meet their individual needs. Their needs are well met because the childminder gathers comprehensive information from the parents regarding children's daily routines, such as following their sleeping and eating patterns from home. Children are learning to have regard for each other's needs, for example, a baby who had been asleep was joined in play by an older child. Children are beginning to learn right from wrong through listening to the childminder's explanations of what is acceptable behaviour. They are learning to share and take turns. Young children's efforts to share are valued by the childminder as she gives lots of praise and encouragement. A written behaviour management statement, which details wanted behaviour and appropriate strategies used to modify unwanted behaviour, is shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has an excellent relationship with parents. They benefit from the admirable methods of ongoing communication between the childminder and their parents. For example, the childminder gives daily feedback to parents on their child's day and individual daily diaries are kept showing children's achievements and milestones, both in written form and photographs. The childminder gathers information from parents about their child, ensuring this is kept up to date and confidential. A comprehensive information pack is made available to parents which includes all policies and procedures of the setting. Parents show a high level of confidence in the childminder and the care she provides for their children, for example, excellent testimonials and thank you notes have been received by the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder who has lots of experience in caring for young children. They benefit from the good organisation of time, space and resources which help them to make good progress. Well established routines and affectionate, caring support ensures children are comfortable and settled. Children's needs are met by good adult-child ratios and children benefit from the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Children's care is enhanced as the childminder has excellent knowledge of child development. Her

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 commitment to further training has a positive impact on their care and well-being. All legal documentation is in place and regularly updated to ensure children's safety and well-being. They are stored safely and individual records kept ensure confidentiality. Records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Parents awareness of the childminder's practice is enhanced by the comprehensive written policies and procedures of the setting made available to them. However, the uncollected child policy requires further development. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her awareness and knowledge of child protection issues, and develop further her child protection statement to include information regarding discussions of concerns with parents. The childminder attended child protection training on the 12/03/2005 and has obtained the booklet and guidelines necessary. Her written statement on child protection now includes information regarding discussion of concerns with parents. This ensures that children are well protected and their welfare is paramount.

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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): • further develop the uncollected child policy.

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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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