Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250844 Inspection date 24 January 2006 Inspector Mary Gilbert

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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 was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two adult children in Leiston, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder uses her car to take and collect children from school, play group and nursery. The childminder is registered to care for 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 9 on a part-time basis. The family have a pet rabbit and goldfish.

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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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is working towards the Suffolk quality kitemark.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted by the childminder who follows clear policies and procedures which she shares with parents. Children learn the need to develop good hygiene routines including hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder there are clear procedures in place to inform parents or to seek treatment or advice. Children are able to sleep according to their needs, either in a buggy, on a sofa or in a travel cot. Children have regular opportunities for physical activities. They participate in walks on a daily basis, going to play in the park, to the duck pond or to the seafront. Other opportunities for physical play take place in the garden where children have access to a selection of activities including bats, balls and trikes. Children's dietary needs are met. They are provided with a healthy, nutritious diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Foods are freshly prepared and include a selection of fresh vegetables. The mid-morning and afternoon snacks provided are a choice of fruit and biscuits. Children have access to water at all times. They have their own mugs which are easily accessible and refilled as required.

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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, welcoming and stimulating environment. The house and garden are well organised to provide for their needs. Children have the opportunity to make choices from the wide range of resources provided. These are rotated regularly to provide sufficient stimulation. The childminder checks and cleans the toys regularly to ensure they are safe for children to use. Children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder checks the premises before children arrive to ensure risks are minimised. Precautions are taken when taking children out to ensure they remain safe. For example, children are restrained in buggies or on reins and the childminder takes personal identification as a childminder and carries emergency numbers. Children are safeguarded from possible abuse and neglect. The childminder has attended training and developed a clear understanding of child protection issues and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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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 The provision is good. Children are confident, settled and happy in the setting. They are able to make independent choices from the provided range of activities. Children develop good relationships with the childminder and each other. The childminder supports children in their play. For example, when playing with the role play kitchen, the childminder gave the children real bread to play with to enable them to extend their play. Children's individual needs are included in daily planning. For example, in taking and collecting older children to and from school, and in providing routines for feeding and sleeping for babies. However, currently the childminder does not use 'Birth to three matters' as a framework for planning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well known by the childminder who works with parents to ensure these needs are met. Any adaptations necessary are made to ensure all children are able to access resources and activities. Children learn to play together and share resources. They respect the boundaries of expected behaviour and respond well to the praise and encouragement given by the childminder. Children learn to care for others and respect their differences. Children benefit from the development of good relationships between their parents and the childminder. The childminder works well with them to provide for children's needs. Clear information at time of placement ensures parents are aware of the policies and procedures. Individual settling in processes are developed to ensure children become confident at the setting. A daily verbal exchange of information together with a daily diary ensures parents are kept well informed as to the care and

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is supported by good organisation which has a positive impact on their well-being. Children are welcomed into a well prepared environment which enables them to feel at home and stimulates their play. Daily routines are well known by children and the childminder ensures that each day is planned to meet needs of the children being cared for. The records, policies and procedures work in practise to promote children's health, safety, enjoyment and achievement. Records are reviewed regularly and written information shared with parents. Overall, the range of children's needs are met.

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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 At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure a current first aid certificate is obtained and maintained. The childminder has a current certificate.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints 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.

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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 under three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'

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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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