Baron Linda

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 250724 Inspection date 30 January 2006 Inspector Hazel Meadows

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 11, 13 and 16 in Felixstowe. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 9 children under 5, and 4 after school children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and local childminder group. The family has a pet dog, three cats, one rabbit, one guinea pig,

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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 one hamster and a budgerigar. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is a member the Felixstowe and District childminding group and is the vacancy co-ordinator.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted and they are protected from infection because the childminder follows health and hygiene procedures and maintains a good level of cleanliness in her home. For example, she follows consistent and thorough procedures for nappy changing and ensures children are not avoidably exposed to infectious diseases. She ensure that pets and their food bowls do not present a health hazard to young children. Children follow simple good hygiene practices such as hand washing before meals and snacks. Parents provide children's main meals but they benefit from healthy snacks of fresh fruit, plus an occasional biscuit, provided by the childminder. They have easy access to regular drinks, for example, children are able to frequently help themselves to their beakers which are within easy reach. Children's health and dietary needs are met because the childminder liaises well with parents about their individual requirements

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Helping children to be healthy

or preferences and is aware of any allergies or intolerances. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. For example, a toddler happily climbs into the buggy when tired, as a regular sleep routine is maintained. Children enjoy physical activities and benefit from regular exercise in the garden and at local play areas and by going for frequent walks. They experience varying levels of challenge as they use the outdoor toys available and develop their skill and co-ordination. Indoors, they develop smaller manipulative skills whilst doing puzzles and crafts.

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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 secure and safe home as the childminder has put in place safety measures which will protect children from hazards. For example, she has smoke alarms, a fire blanket, catches on cupboards, main doors secured with keys adjacent and stair gates in place where required, therefore minimising risks to children. Toys are easily accessible, age appropriate and in good condition ensuring children can play freely and safely. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder ensures babies and young children are strapped into the buggies. She has wrist straps for walkers or they hold her hand or the buggy. Children learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder talks about and practises road safety when out walking with them. They also observe

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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 her positive and consistent example, such as not crossing until the 'green man' shows at a crossing. Children are safeguarded and protected from harm as the childminder has attended child protection training and understands her role and responsibilities. She has a reasonable knowledge of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and contented with the childminder and her home and routine. For example, children seek cuddles from the childminder and are secure with her. They develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder is attentive to them and treats them with kindness and respect. They make positive relationships with the childminder and her family and learn to socialise with others through the company of other minded children and visits to local parent and toddler groups. Children show an interest in what they do and are developing independence as they make their own choices and selections, busily exploring the toys available on the floor and in the toy chest. Older children have opportunities for quieter times to do their homework after school. Children acquire new knowledge and skills as they engage in craft activities, for example, making papier-mâché models. The childminder helps to focus and engage younger children and develop their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

concentration by playing with them on the floor. Children under three are provided with appropriate care and the childminder intends to become familiar with the 'Birth to three matters' pack to support and enhance her existing good practice. Children begin to distinguish between right and wrong by consistent reinforcement by the childminder. For example, the childminder distracts younger children from clambering on top of the playhouse by offering alternative toys and engaging their interest in something else.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are warmly cared for and feel secure with the surroundings and routine. They are able to make choices and decisions about what they would like to do, for example, selecting from the toys available or requesting activities from the childminder. Children are cared for by the childminder who works with parents to meet individual children’s needs and ensure they are included fully in the life of the setting. For example, the childminder develops positive relationships with parents, and children benefit from a regular exchange of information concerning their well-being which promotes continuity of care. Children begin to understand responsible behaviour and distinguish between right and wrong, through the calm and consistent reinforcement of the childminder and her

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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 positive role model. For example, they are encouraged to be polite and reminded to say please and thank you. All children are welcome and they become aware of their wider society through the toys and books provided and through mixing with a variety of families at school and parent and toddler groups.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by a childminder with a sound knowledge and understanding of child development, supported by recent and up to date training. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children which is reflected in her calm and positive practice. Children's care, learning and play are well supported as the childminder maintains good adult:child ratios. She organises her home and plans her day to meet the needs and routines of all the children in her care. Children's well-being is promoted through thorough, well organised documentation which is kept confidentially. Records are well maintained and shared with parents to provide continuity of care. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved resources to reflect some positive images of diversity.

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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.

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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop understanding of child protection procedures and ensure local contact details are readily accessible • utilise 'Birth to three matters' to support and enhance existing good practice.

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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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