Childminder in SuffolkOfsted inspection, 12 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250832 Inspection date 12 January 2006 Inspector Deborah Kerry

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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 1992. She is registered to provide care for six children under eightyears. At present, the childminder cares for 14 children on a part time basis aged nine months to eleven years old. The childminder lives with her family in the village of Debenham in Suffolk. There are local shops and a school within walking distance. All areas of the property are used for childminding, with the exception of two bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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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 family have five cats, two canaries and two budgerigars. The childminder runs a local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from the spread of infection as the childminder has procedures about the exclusion of children who may be ill, which are shared with parents. The childminder takes proactive measures if they become ill while in her care by contacting parents so that they can collect them. Children's physical health is well promoted as the childminder ensures they have daily access to the garden or park and walks within the local community as she takes and collects children from the local schools. Children are able to access the garden to run and play, this helps to promote their physical development. Children are effectively cared for in a warm, clean environment and the good health of children is promoted by the good hygiene practices in place. Children are learning about personal hygiene through daily routine and they are encouraged to wash their hands before having meals, after visiting the toilet and after playing with the cats and

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Helping children to be healthy

caged birds. Children's need for rest and sleep is promoted by keeping to the children's home sleep routines and ensuring that they sleep according to their needs. Children's healthy growth and development is effectively promoted by the childminder as she gathers information from parents about any dietary needs they have. They are provided with a variety of healthy home cooked meals and snacks which are essential for their good health. The childminder ensures that they have lots of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home environment. Children are able to independently select activities from the large range of good quality toys and equipment provided. Their safety is enhanced through the well maintained equipment and toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are kept safe from hazards in the home as the childminder has put in place measures and the necessary equipment which protect children from dangers and keeps the home secure. The childminder is vigilant and ensures the children are supervised at all times, promoting their safety. Children are becoming aware of keeping themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about picking up toys off the floor in case they trip over them. They have access to a secure enclosed garden for physical play.

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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 Children's welfare is further safe guarded and promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and what to do if she has concerns for children. She had undertaken additional training in family support which has enhanced her understanding of child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are building positive relationships and developing their self-esteem as the childminder is kind and affectionate to them. When babies need their bottle, she holds them close when feeding. She sits on the floor and joins in with children's play. If children need reassurance, the childminder cuddles them, giving them warm physical contact that helps them feel secure. Children are developing their confidence and independence as the childminder gives them praise and encouragement. They have access to a wide variety of play and learning activities. They can make choices about what they want to do as the childminder provides toys and activities within their reach. Children are involved and enjoy their play. Their imagination is being developed through a range of activities such as building with Duplo, playing with cars and a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

range of toys that are suited to the ages of minded children present. The childminder listens and chats freely with them and asking questions which helps them to make progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have opportunities to experience the wider world through discussions about topics covered at school, when on outings within the local community and through a range of toys and resources which helps with children's understanding of people's similarities and differences. All children are accepted and looked after according to their individual needs. Children are beginning to learn about right and 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 positive praise and encouragement. Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has developed good relationships with the parents. They benefit from ongoing communication between the childminder and their parents. Parents are kept informed on what the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children have been doing whilst in her care, when they collect their children. She gathers information from parents about their child, ensuring this is kept up to date and confidential.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are kept safe as the childminder's records and certificates for training are kept all together. However her paper work is not all up to date. For example, the childminder's register is not up to date and she does not records children's arrival and departure times each day, there is no written parental permission for outings or for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for some children. Children’s individual needs are promoted by recording any dietary needs or allergies. 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 safely and access equipment easily. The childminder prepares resources ready for their arrival each day. She organises her home and toys to ensure children have free access. Children have continuing support from the childminder to feel secure and confident

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Organisation

as she ensures that the required adult to child ratios are maintained. Children are safe and protected from any adult who has not been vetted as all household members over the age of 16 have been vetted. The childminder ensures she supervises children closely at all times especially when out walking and when in the garden. Overall the needs of the children are being met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve hygiene and the accessibility of cat food. The childminder has tried several different ways to keep the cat food inaccessible to children. During the inspection visit, no children accessed the kitchen. This is only accessed when leaving or entering the premises, so minimises risks to children. She was asked to request written permission for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment for minded children, at the time of the visit this was still outstanding but the childminder has since obtained permission for most of the minded children attending to ensure their needs can be met. The childminder was asked to also increase resources reflecting positive images of culture, gender and disability. There are now books showing different religions and culture available and children are taken for regular outings within the local community that helps to

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Improvements since the last inspection

promote their understanding of peoples differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they may see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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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): • obtain written permission from parents for each minded child for outings and for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure registers are completed each day with times of children's arrival and departure recorded.

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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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