Mayhew Elsa

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299245 Inspection date 06 December 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 March 2005. She lives with her husband and son aged 3 in a house in Leiston, Suffolk. The premises are within walking distance of local amenities. Areas of the house used for childminding are the kitchen, lounge, dining room and ground floor toilet facilities. There is a secure garden for outside play. No household pets are kept. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time. Currently there are 2 children on roll, of these 1 attends on a full-time basis. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows good routines, helping to prevent the spread of infection, including keeping work surfaces clean. Children are learning about simple good health and hygiene practices. They are developing their awareness of appropriate routines such as ensuring their hands are clean before lunch and after playing outdoors. Health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works well with parents and responds to individual daily care needs appropriately. Appropriate procedures are followed for the recording of any medication administered and accidents that may take place. However, written parental consent is required for the seeking of any emergency medical advice or treatment that may be necessary. Children learn about healthy living. They are nourished with adequate and nutritious food and regular drinks, for example fresh fruit and homemade soup. Children are

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Helping children to be healthy

able to rest and sleep according to their needs as part of their daily routine. This ensures they do not become overtired and lose their concentration and enjoyment of play activities. Children enjoy daily fresh air and exercise. They enjoy playing in the garden on ride on toys. Frequent walks are taken to the local parks, parent and toddler groups and the local Sports Centre where they enjoy the soft play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in warm, welcoming and well-maintained premises. Their development is promoted through well-organised and good use of space, with children having use of the playroom and lounge for play. Use of the kitchen and dining room provides a table and chairs used at meal times and for craft and messy play. The varying needs of children are met with the use of suitable and accessible nursery equipment. A high chair is used in the kitchen and a cot is available for young children to sleep in. The comfortable lounge furniture is used by toddlers for short sleep periods. Children use good quality toys, and are able to access them independently both indoors and outside. Children are cared for in a safe environment because the childminder is aware of potential hazards and takes appropriate action to reduce risks. For example, there is a stair gate preventing children accessing the second floor, knives are kept in a knife

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

block placed out of children's reach and medication is stored securely. However, the fire blanket is not stored appropriately. Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted because the childminder has

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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 attended child protection training and is fully aware of her responsibilities and the procedure to be followed if she has any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. In the short time that children have been cared for by the childminder they are becoming well settled and content. They are forming meaningful relationships with the childminder and each other, and have frequent opportunities to socialise with other children through regular attendance at local parent and toddler groups and the Sports Centre soft play area. The broad range of toys and resources encourages the children's learning and development in all areas. Children are supported and encouraged by the childminder while they play happily together. They are learning to take turns and respond to each other as they share the range of suitable toys. The childminder is aware of individual children's likes and dislikes and takes time to respond to them as individuals to promote their self-esteem. Effective daily routines are planned to provide for children's needs. The routine includes regular opportunities for children to rest and relax, as well as participation in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

more active times which usually includes an outing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to behave well by the childminder's calm approach and use of strategies appropriate to their stages of development. They feel valued because the childminder is sensitive to their individual needs and encourages their interest in the toys available. Children are beginning to gain an awareness of their local community through walks to the toddler groups and local parks. The childminder is aware of the importance of providing children with images promoting a positive view of the wider world. Children benefit from the importance the childminder places on sharing information from home regarding children's routines, which ensures continuity of care. Parents and carers are provided with sound information on the care provided by the childminder and are kept well informed about their children's day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder as she makes good use of the space and resources in her home. They are able to move around easily and safely to access equipment in the prepared environment, which the childminder

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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 gets ready for their arrival each day. Children are kept safe by the childminder's effectively organised records. She has a clear understanding of the importance of keeping her paperwork in good order and up to date. For example, the childminder records children's arrival and departure in her register and ensures children are only released to individuals named by the parents. Children have continuing support from the childminder to feel secure and confident. The childminder maintains the required adult to child ratios, ensures that children are supervised closely when on outings, and that children are safe and protected from any adult who has not been vetted. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable, this is the first inspection.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 written parental consent is obtained for the seeking of any emergency medical treatment or advice that may be necessary • ensure that the fire blanket is stored appropriately to enable easy access in an emergency.

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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 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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