Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 250766 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Moira Oliver

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been childminding since 1979. She lives with her husband and adult son in Woodbridge. The whole of the property is used for childminding with the exception of three bedrooms and the family bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding seven children who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school and play group to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups on a regular basis. The family has two rabbits and fish in

p.2

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 an indoor tank. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows appropriate health and hygiene guidance. For example, meals are stored and heated appropriately and accidents in the toilet are cleaned up immediately and potties emptied and rinsed after each use. Children are beginning to understand simple good health and hygiene routines, they wipe their hands and faces before and after eating. The childminder reports that they wash their hands after visiting the toilet, however, this was not seen during the inspection visit. Children are nourished, they eat a varied menu which is provided by the childminder or the parents. Meal times are sociable, enjoyable occasions where the children are relaxed and chat freely to each other and the childminder. Drinks are available on the table at meal times and filled throughout the day, children can access them independently. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and home routines. Some children

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

sleep after lunch in a travel cot, others have a rest when they are tired, or at a parent's request. Children enjoy physical activity as they play in the large space in the open plan kitchen and lounge, they push pushchairs and run around. The childminder takes them to the park on occasions and they attend toddler groups on a regular basis, one of which has an outdoor adventure play area. Children get some fresh air daily as they walk to school, playgroup and toddler groups.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, the childminder has made her house safe to protect the children. The premises are secure and children are unable to leave them unattended. Children use safe and suitable equipment, all equipment is checked when it is put away and broken pieces are thrown away. Small items, such as Barbie doll accessories, are stored on the top of a unit and only taken down for older child to play with when babies are not around. Therefore minimising choking hazards. Children are kept safe on outings, they are strapped into buggies or walk with reigns.

p.3

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 Older children are encouraged to hold a hand or the buggy. The children learn to keep themselves safe because the childminder talks to them about road safety when they are out, asking questions to make them think for themselves. They talk about berries in the hedges and why it is important not to eat or touch them. Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop self-esteem and confidence as they move freely around the play areas accessing age appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder supports them to access additional resources, such as the small dolls accessories, from a high shelf. Children confidently take out the puzzles and books to share with each other on the carpet. In the summer months the patio doors are open which increases the children's choice further as they choose indoor or outdoor play. Children are interested in the toys as they build with bricks and proudly show their buildings to each other. They enjoy make-believe conversations with their 'dad' on the play phone. Children make positive relationships with each other, chatting freely and including each other in their play as they make-believe riding in boats by getting in the toy boxes. Children are beginning to distinguish between right and wrong as the childminder

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

supports them to understand that the toys are to be shared when they argue over the same balloon.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident, happy and relaxed in the company of the childminder. They know each other very well and smile, laugh and chatter, involving each other in their play. The childminder provides a welcome and friendly atmosphere, she enjoys her work and the company of the children. She is caring and loving toward them and it is obvious from the way she speaks to them that she is very fond of them. Children are cared for by a childminder who works with the parents to ensure all the children are included and their needs met. Close relationships are built between the childminder and the parents and information is shared daily as they discuss the children's achievements and any concerns. The childminder is not aware of the new legislation for keeping a complaints log. Children feel a sense of belonging as they make choices and decisions. For example, they independently access the toilet, are beginning to manage their own clothes and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

they choose their own cutlery at meal times.

p.4

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 Children develop respect for themselves and others as they make decisions; sharing the toys and making sure they each have a balloon. They tell each other not to make too much noise when younger children are sleeping, being careful not to wake them. Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour. The childminder uses simple explanations to help them to share. The children know their boundaries and what is expected, they are able to express themselves if they are not happy with what the other child is doing. The childminder works with the parents using a consistent approach to encourage children to know what is acceptable. Children are becoming aware of their local surroundings during walks with the childminder when they go into the town, park or school. A few books have been

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

borrowed from the library to promote positive attitudes towards diversity, however, this area has not been developed consistently.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for by a childminder who knows them well and provides varied play opportunities and choices for them. She has an understanding of child development and provides appropriate toys, equipment and support. She is aware of their safety at all times and appropriate ratios are followed to ensure children receive adequate support and attention. Contracts and records are in place for all children and permission forms are signed, however, the wording does not cover her for all eventualities. A register is in place from the beginning of 2006 and the childminder is planning to keep it up to date. Overall, the children's needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop her understanding in child protection issues, she now has a clear idea of signs and symptoms that would concern her and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if needed. She was asked to develop the range of activities and resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disability. She has been to the library and has chosen books which reflect positive images. She still has limited understanding in this area and this recommendation will be brought forward to this inspection report. The childminder was asked to ensure all parental consents are signed by the parents. Some of which she has carried out, for example, she has permission to take a child to the doctors or hospital in an emergency but wording does not include any treatment she may carry out. The childminder has permission for children to travel in

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

a car, in car seats but does not have written parental permission for her assistant to pick up and drop off children at playgroup.

p.5

Improvements 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

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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 written parental consent is in place for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and if children are to be collected from school by an assistant • ensure good personal hygiene practices are encouraged at all times with regard to hand washing • implement a complaints log which is made available to parents.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6