Childminder in SuffolkOfsted inspection, 4 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308241 Inspection date 04 November 2005 Inspector Lynn Clements

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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 2005. She lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and their 3 children. They live in a residential area of Haverhill. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time when working on her own and this maximum number is increased to 8 children when working with another childminder. She currently has 4 children on roll. During the inspection there was 1 minded child present.

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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 The whole of the property is used for childminding, except the converted loft room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children remain well protected by the childminder's attention to daily hygiene routines. Children learn about keeping clean as they wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating snacks and meals. The childminder implements effective procedures for nappy changing to prevent cross contamination. Clear sick child policies are shared with parents to minimise the spread of infection. Health related documentation is in place and updated as necessary. Children's individual medical and dietary needs are met and respected. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder works closely with parents to provide suitable snack options and home-cooked meals when required. She also ensures parents support her healthy eating practice when they provide their children's packed lunches. The childminder actively encourages children to try different foods, building their confidence to explore their personal likes and dislikes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents share information about their children's individual needs such as eating and sleeping routines, which ensures children are content and enjoy their play. Children are encouraged to help themselves to drinks and the childminder monitors the fluid intake of babies to ensure none remain thirsty. Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities which help them to keep fit and develop their fine and gross motor skills. They take regular walks together to play in the park and feed the ducks. The childminder organises regular trips to activity centres and nature reserves. Children have access to a fully enclosed outside play area where they continue to develop their physical skills using equipment and resources including wheeled toys. They learn to move and run with good coordination and control. They use single handed tools and equipment, such as pens with growing competence. All children are able to rest or be active according to their individual

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder organises space and resources well to reduce potential hazards. Children are able to play and explore in a secure and safe child-centred environment. Children select age appropriate toys and resources independently from the wide range available to them. Resources are well maintained and sufficient for all the children to be included. The childminder regularly checks toys and safety equipment such as stair gates and

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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 smoke alarms to ensure they remain safe for use. The provision of child accessible storage encourages older children to tidy away after playing leaving the play area safe from tripping hazards. Children are safeguarded by clear fire evacuation procedures which are shared to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Outings are well planned to ensure children travel safely. The childminder has developed her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues ensuring children's welfare remains paramount. She discusses her responsibility with parents and carers prior to placement. She is careful to check the identification of visitors and never allows children to leave with adults she has not met and agreed with parents it is safe to do so.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and confident in the childminder's home. They are motivated and interested to explore the broad range of activities and resources provided. Children confidently seek out adults to share in their investigation of toys. For example the 2-year-old child present picked up a doll and headed for the childminder putting the dolly into the pram tucking it in then taking it out again laughing and saying 'Baby Baby', the childminder stroked the baby's head and extends the game as she joins in the conversation talking about taking care and looking after baby, delighting the child further as he squeals and laughs then gently takes back the baby to cuddle. Children have plenty of opportunities to learn about the wider world, supported by the childminder who provides activities, books, resources and artefacts to support their understanding. They explore festivals, other cultures and beliefs. They make regular

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

trips into their local community exploring the park and local activity centres, discovering their world closer to home. They use play dough and join in a wide variety of creative opportunities helping them to develop their own imagination and ideas. The childminder and her husband have attended the 'Birth to three matters' framework training and she intends to implement the strategies in her daily practice to ensure children under-3 years are supported appropriately. Carefully planned activities and consistent routines enable children to move confidently between home and the setting. Parents have daily opportunities to discuss their children's achievements and development. Shared information ensures the needs and interests of children are put first and builds on what they know and can do to promote progress and have fun.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children form good relationships with the childminder and each other. The sensitive

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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 use of books and resources provides opportunities for children to learn about diversity and the wider world. Good behaviour is encouraged and children learn to take turns, share and respect each other. The childminder will obtain a copy of the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure she continues to meet children's individual needs in line with current legislation. The childminder has previous training and experience in caring for children with special needs. She has also developed working relationships with the local authority which aid her practice and enable her to seek further advice and support, with parental consent, to ensure children's interests are put first and they make good progress in all areas of learning and development. Children and babies settle quickly and become confident due to the clear and open

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Helping children make a positive contribution

communications between their parents and the childminder. All parents are kept fully informed of their child's experiences and progress through verbal discussion and two way communication records. The childminder and her husband, with whom she co-minds, have developed their own childminding website, providing information for parents about their setting and the service they provide. Parental wishes are respected and continuity of care between home and the setting is strongly supported by the childminder and parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are able to develop their independence and pursue their interests due to the well planned activities and child accessible toys and resources provided by the childminder. There is plenty of space both inside and outside for children to explore safely. Toys and resources provided by the childminder support children's overall development. All documentation is in place, securely stored and confidentiality is respected. Records are updated and contribute to the health, safety and well being of all children cared for by the childminder. The childminder has attended additional training in many aspects of early years childcare and education to support her practice with young children, helping them to make progress and later, smooth transitions into school. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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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 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): • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework • obtain a copy of the early years Disability Discrimination Act booklet to support practice in relation to equal opportunities.

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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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