Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY221200 Inspection date 13 December 2005 Inspector Lesley Gadd

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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 registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and three children aged six, nine and fifteen, in a village north of Norwich. The downstairs area of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a rabbit and keep fish. The home is within walking distance of local schools, shops and a play area. The childminder uses her car for transporting children and does not provide overnight care. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and she currently has twenty one children on role who attend on a part time

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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 basis. The childminder is a governor at her local school and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean well maintained home. Good standards of cleanliness, positive hygiene routines and clear procedures if children are unwell, minimise the risk of infection and promote children's good health. Daily routines and clear explanations help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet reduces the risk of passing on germs. Children receive appropriate care if there is an accident and their welfare is supported. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has the necessary written parental consents to administer medication and seek emergency medical treatment. Minor accidents are handled effectively as the childminder uses her knowledge of first aid and ensures a well stocked emergency aid kit is easily accessible at all times. Nutritious meals and snacks help children develop healthy eating habits from a young age. They learn the importance of eating healthy as they discuss foods that are good

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Helping children to be healthy

for the body and enjoy cooking during the week. The childminder gathers all the relevant information regarding eating and feeding requirements from parents, which ensures children's individual dietary needs are met. Children enjoy regular physical activities that keep them in good health, for example walking to and from the local school, trips to the shops and the play area. They are keen to show their skills as they throw a ping pong ball and try to hit it with a bat, run freely manoeuvring well around objects in the house and bounce up and down as they jive to imaginary music. Children are developing some awareness of the way activity affects their bodies and recognise when they need food. Children's sense of well-being is supported as they are able to rest comfortably after lunch to recuperate, enjoying a cuddle when looking at books with the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the childminder as she supervises them well indoors and outdoors. They benefit from the range of safety measures in place, for example, safety glass in the internal doors and locks on the cupboards containing potential hazards. Children are able to discuss how they may get out of the house in a fire, and learn road safety procedures which fosters children's understanding about safety matters. Children have easy and safe access to high quality toys and play resources that are stimulating. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken

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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 parts that could harm a child. Children are interested in the toys and the childminder carefully monitors the children's choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children show a strong sense of belonging as they know where to hang their coats and are well received into the warm, safe and welcoming home by the childminder. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection matters and knows who to contact if she is concerned about a child in her care. However, procedures and local telephone contact numbers held are out of date which may result in an unnecessary delay for a child requiring immediate support.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have good relationships with the childminder. They are settled and happy in the friendly atmosphere created in the childminder's home and she is kind and warm in her approach towards them. Children are confident as the childminder makes time to listen and talk with them, offering a comfortable lap for a reassuring cuddle when needed. Children benefit from a rich range of developmentally appropriate activities offered daily. The childminder has a developing knowledge of 'Birth to three matters' and varies the activities available to sustain the children's interest and provide some challenge. The children initiate their own activities and demonstrate their skills well when they play imaginatively, pretending to go on holiday and help to design and build a tower of bricks. Children look at books carefully turning the pages and concentrate as they persevere to hit a ball with a bat at the table tennis table,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

demonstrating good hand and eye co ordination. Children enjoy opportunities to develop their creative skills and stimulate their senses, through messy play with lentils, paint and craft projects, the older children making figurines with modelling clay. Children take part readily in role play as they act out the role of parent to a baby doll and enjoy dressing up and pretending to cook. Children sing along to music and explore the environment when they collect large stones to decorate. Children enjoy the freedom to run outside, climb and master the ability to swing on the outdoor equipment. The older children demonstrate their confidence with technology as they use the computer and they share well when playing board games. The childminder interacts well with the children and gently encourages their thinking through good use of questioning, for example the childminder asks a child 'what does a horse eat?', he replies after thinking, 'grass', the childminder and child then engage

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

in a discussion about what different animals like to eat and what life on a farm may be like. The childminder asks the children to look at the pictures during a game of lotto and describe what they can see. A child says 'I can see ice cubes in the drink', and he then goes on to briefly discuss other aspects within the picture card and how ice cubes are made with the childminder. Children's individual development is appropriately supported as their interests are noted by the childminder. She spends time watching the children to see what they are enjoying and thinks about activities to foster children's skills. The childminder is

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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 aware at present that one child is developing her confidence with others and the childminder has made sure she offers social activities that bring the child into contact with other children, for example through shared games and art activities such as decorating bells to go on the Christmas tree and sharing glue spreaders. The childminder talks with parents' daily to keep them informed about what activities the children have enjoyed and encourages them to share their thoughts on the children's welfare and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children receive a warm welcome and are highly valued by the childminder who supports their individual needs very well. The childminder actively encourages all children to take part in the full range of activities and is keen for all to make progress and develop their self-esteem, regardless of abilities. Children are very well behaved and polite. The children thrive on the praise and encouragement given to them by the childminder when displaying acceptable behaviour. The childminder talks clearly with them about unacceptable behaviour, using consistent age appropriate language and discussion about the behaviour, to ensure they grasp a strong sense of right and wrong. Young children display good social skills as they take turns when sharing the baby bath for their dolls and giggle with delight when playing a game of knock down the brick tower with friends. Children have a strong awareness of their own needs and are developing their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

knowledge of the wider society within which they live, as they play in a well planned environment with positive resources and enjoy celebrating a range of religious festivals. In this way children are learning to acknowledge and accept differences. An effective partnership with parents ensures children's welfare is well promoted. Parents and the childminder enjoy positive relationships where parents' wishes about care and individual feeding or sleeping routines are respected. The childminder makes sure she speaks with parents on a daily basis to keep them informed about what the children have been doing whilst in her care. The childminder reviews parents' wishes and welcomes comments about her service when contracts are revised every six months. Robust systems are in place to record any complaints ensuring this information is shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very secure and settled in the childminder's home where they are well cared for and receive good support. Checks have been completed to ensure persons in regular contact with the children are suitable and she supervises children at all times to ensure their safety. Children have access to a good range of facilities where they have sufficient play space to be active, play undisturbed, rest in comfort during the day, enjoy the

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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 freedom to explore messy play and eat with others enjoying the social contact. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to updating her skills through ongoing training to continue to maintain the good quality care for children. The childminder has recently completed an intensive first aid course to ensure she is able to provide appropriate emergency aid for the children she looks after. Most of the relevant documentation is in place and is reviewed regularly to ensure that children's welfare is promoted and to provide reassurance to parents. Overall, the needs of the children who attend are very well met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted has received one anonymous complaint since April 2004 relating to National Standard 1: Suitable Person. Ofsted investigated by carrying out a visit on the 13 December 2005. Evidence showed there was no action required and the provider remains qualified for registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by the 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): • develop an awareness of the booklet 'what to do if you're worried a child is being abused' and know whom to currently contact in social services if concerned about a child.

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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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