Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256426 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Lindsey Ann Cullum

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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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children, aged eleven and nine years, in the village of Foulsham, Norfolk. All areas of the property are registered for use by minded children. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family has two cats, two rabbits, a guinea pig and tropical fish as pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. Overnight care may be provided for two children under the age of 8 years. The childminder is currently caring for eleven children on a part-time basis, some of which

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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 attend during school holidays only.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained home where they are protected from the risk of cross infection by good hygiene practices. They are learning about the importance of good personal hygiene through established routines for hand washing, for example, before eating or after using the toilet or playing outside. Children's health is promoted as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and has appropriate systems in place to record accidents or the administration of medication. Children are developing a positive attitude to exercise. They play together in the childminder's garden, where they can run freely or use the swing, slide and ride-on toys, which help to develop their co-ordination skills. Children's good health is promoted as they generally travel to and from school on foot and enjoy walks to see the farm animals or visit the park. Each child is able to be active or rest according to

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Helping children to be healthy

their needs. Quiet space is provided for young children to sleep in comfort and children's individual routines are respected, maintaining their well-being. Children receive a balanced diet according to their individual needs and in consultation with parents. They enjoy a range of fresh fruit which is readily available to them for snacks, fostering their understanding of healthy eating. Children recognise when they are thirsty and drinks are accessible throughout the day, helping maintain their health. Meals are eaten together and treated as a relaxed, social occasion.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well protected in the safe and homely environment, which is geared to meeting their needs. The childminder has identified and minimised hazards within the home enabling children to move around safely and play freely, promoting their development. Additional fire safety measures were implemented following a visit by the Fire Safety Officer, which safeguard children. Children enjoy playing with a wide range of good quality toys, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors the children's choice whilst they are playing, ensuring these are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Clear explanations from the childminder help children to develop an understanding of their own and other children's safety. Children enjoy regular outings with the childminder who has clear strategies in place to keep them safe, for example, using wrist straps on young children and ensuring

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

outings are appropriate for the age of the children present. The required

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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 documentation is in place to safeguard children's welfare. Children are protected as the childminder understands her role and responsibilities in child protection and is familiar with child protection guidelines and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. They settle quickly as the childminder is warm and caring and provides activities which stimulate children's interest. Children are very well supported by the childminder enabling them to explore ideas and initiate their own learning, for example, using a magnet from the train set to find metal objects around the home. The childminder involves herself in children's play, listens and answers children's questions, extending their learning. She offers lots of praise and encouragement and is attentive to children's needs at all times, ensuring they feel valued. Children's interests, capabilities and needs are known by the childminder who ensures resources present sufficient challenge to engage children and promote their all round development. Children relate well to each other and are developing a caring attitude through the childminder's good example.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a wide and varied range of activities appropriate to their age and stage of development. They are actively encouraged to become independent as they choose activities and confidently make their wishes known to the childminder, for example, requesting the train track be set out. Outings to a nearby farm to see the animals and growing tomato plants encourage children to learn about the natural environment and widen children's experiences. The childminder is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive a warm welcome and are encouraged to become independent and confident through the childminder's sensitive support. They benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding appropriately to their needs throughout the day. Children are able to make choices and take decisions within their play, such as choosing which toys they wish to play with, promoting their self-esteem. All children have access to toys and play materials which foster their learning and development. Resources and discussion are used to promote children's understanding of the wider world and help them develop a positive and caring attitude towards others. Children are happy and well behaved. They are encouraged to share and play co-operatively as the childminder uses positive strategies to help children manage their own behaviour. Children are learning to care for each other through the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder's sensitive support and guidance. Children benefit from the strong partnerships that have developed between the

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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 childminder and parents. The childminder liaises closely with parents to ensure she is familiar with children's needs, enabling appropriate care to be provided. Records for individual children do not detail who may collect a child and there is no system in place to manage or record any complaints that may be received. Children's continued well-being is assured as the childminder makes time each day to talk to parents, share the days events and keep up to date with the child's progress. Parent's satisfaction is reflected in their positive feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel secure and comfortable in the childminder's home. They benefit from the care of an experienced childminder who understands how children learn, enabling them to make progress in all areas of their development. Good organisation prior to children's arrival each day ensures that the environment is safe and suitable, helps children to settle quickly and happily engage in meaningful play. Parent's wishes are sought and respected, enabling appropriate care to be provided. The childminder has completed initial training in childminding practice, updated her first aid knowledge and has a clear understanding of the National Standards, which is reflected in the care she provides. Checks have been completed to ensure that persons living in the household are suitable. Records which contribute to the children's health and well-being are available and stored confidentially. Overall, the

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Organisation

needs of the children who attend are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

As a result of the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her documentation covering emergencies and medicine administration and complete any requirements made by the Fire Officer prior to providing overnight care for children. The childminder has gained written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for children, signs and dates any records relating to medicine administration and has fitted an additional smoke detector within the home following the Fire Officer's visit. These actions help to safeguard children's welfare.

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Complaints 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. There are no complaints to report.

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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

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 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 a system for managing and recording any complaints received • obtain written consent from parents as to who can collect their child.

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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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