Hewitt Louise Carol

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256198 Inspection date 27 March 2006 Inspector Tessa Margaret Betts

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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 satisfactory. 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 1997. She lives with her husband and four children, aged eight years, seven years, five years and one year in a four bedroomed house, south of Norwich. All areas of the house are available for childminding, with the exception of the main bedroom upstairs. There is an enclosed back garden suitable for outdoor play. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, and overnight care is provided for two children. The childminder has one dog as a family pet.

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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 She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder takes appropriate steps to maintain a satisfactory standard of hygiene in the home. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before snacks and after using the toilet, which helps them to learn about good hygiene practices. Children's health is supported as the childminder maintains clear written records, including details about their dietary and medical needs, however written permission has not been obtained from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice, ensuring the needs of the child come first on every occasion. Children are actively encouraged to eat a varied and nutritious range of foods, to promote their growth and development. They confidently settle themselves on the sofa with a bowl of sliced banana and raisins at snack time, and rise to the praise and encouragement given by the childminder as they eat it. Young children are able

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Helping children to be healthy

to access drinks for themselves, as they are put at the child's level on the table and gently reminded to take regular drinks. Sample menus provided by the childminder include a range of diets, so that all children's needs are respected and included. Young children have space to move around indoors, they climb and explore as they access adult size furniture with ease, in a variety of rooms. Daily opportunities are made to make full use of the back garden, where they use a good range of age appropriate equipment to promote their physical development, as well as trips to the local playground as they collect older children from playgroup.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel welcome in the warm, child centred environment with toys very much in evidence in the living room, and art work displayed in the dining room. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised by the close supervision the childminder gives to children in her care and safety measures that are in place in the home. Effective use of stair gates, ensures children are kept safe within suitable areas within the home. The premises are secure, however the keys are left in the front door lock which could pose a danger to young children if playing independently in the hallway. Children are able to use clean toys and equipment, as the childminder regularly wipes all of her toys with an anti-bacterial spray. Risk assessments carried out ensure that when on outings, all public equipment is safe and suitable for young children. Children are further protected in the home as the childminder has devised

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and practised what would happen in the event of a fire, however the smoke detector downstairs is not working, and as a result children's safety could be compromised.

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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 promoted as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection, which she shares with parents. She has the necessary information and guidance to hand, so that any referral can be made appropriately, to protect children in her care.

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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 home. The childminder has good relationships with the children, young children laugh and smile as she engages with them in playing with their toys. Children explore their environment confidently and are beginning to develop their independence well as they climb onto the sofa, move confidently between the living room and dining room, or perch on the childminder's knee to enjoy looking at a book. Young children are excited at the sight of all the toys laid out on the living room floor, where they make choices about what they want to play with, and confidently bring activities to the childminder to share with her. Through the childminder's organisation, toys and activities are rotated to maintain the interest of young children so that their play experiences are extended. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs. She plans

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

suitable activities that recognise children's different energy levels during the day, so that time is made for active play, including regular trips to the local Fun Factory, and rest periods are offered around the needs of the child. Young children play well alongside each other, sharing and taking turns, which supports their developing social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about their local community, through regular visits to parks, shops and places of interest. The childminder has some play materials which help to promote children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of the needs of others. Children feel valued as individuals as the childminder gathers useful information so that children for whom English is not their first language, feel included and their own culture and beliefs respected. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder's clear boundaries within the home, which she gently and consistently reinforces, along with her frequent use of praise, encourage positive behaviour and contribute to developing children's self esteem. Young children play alongside each other well, as they share toys and resources and learn to take turns. Children benefit from the exchange of information with parents, to ensure all children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

are cared for within their usual routines. A positive partnership with parents encourages good dialogue, so that parents are kept fully informed about what their

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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 child has been doing during the day. An information pack is provided for parents outlining the care offered, however this does not include the procedure for investigating complaints in line with the new regulations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder works within the conditions of her registration, ensuring all adults in direct contact with children are safe and suitable. Space and resources are well organised, which enables children to comfortably eat, rest and explore their play resources. They are familiar with the layout of the premises, which gives them confidence to move from one room to other, increasing their independence. The range of activities provided ensures that the children have regular opportunities to engage in a wide variety of experiences, both inside and outside the home. The childminder has most of the required records and documentation in place, and arrangements for children's daily care are clearly agreed with parents, to ensure continuity of their care. Overall, the needs of the children attending are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the child protection booklet "What to do if you are worried about a child", and familiarise herself with the referral process. Children are now better protected, as the childminder has a copy for guidance and is aware of who to contact in the event of making a referral.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • improve the safety of children by ensuring children cannot leave the premises unsupervised, and maintain a working smoke detector downstairs • set up a system for handling complaints and ensure this information is shared with parents

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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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