Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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250714 Unique Reference Number 11 January 2006 Inspection date Moira Oliver Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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.

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered 1993. She lives with her family in a house on the outskirts of Felixstowe. They live close to some local shops, the local school and playgroup. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and a spare room and bathroom upstairs for overnight care. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years at any one time. At present, the childminder cares for 19 children across the week, ranging from 3 years to 10 years old. The childminder walks to the local school or playgroup to take and collect children and has the use of a car. The family have 2 guinea pigs and a hamster as pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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. The childminder is an accredited childminder, is in receipt of funding for three and four year old children and has received the Suffolk Quality Kitemark. She is on the committees of childminding groups at local, regional and national levels.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows scrupulous health and hygiene guidelines and has robust written policies and procedures which are individual to the setting. Food is stored and prepared in accordance to health and hygiene guidelines, children are protected from dust allergies with the use of air filters in the lounge and on the vacuum cleaner, sleep areas and nappy changing routines are excellent, helping to prevent the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have an excellent understanding of simple good health and hygiene practices. They confidently get ready to wash their hands before snack and lunch, they know the routine and wait for their turn by the sink. They use individual flannels, towels and toothbrushes and manage the liquid soap with ease. Children understand the need for hand washing through everyday good practice and the conversations which take place with the childminder about keeping themselves healthy. For example, they wash their hands after caring for pets and using the toilet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are nourished, the childminder provides all the snacks and meals and ensures the children get a healthy balanced diet. Children are involved in preparing their meals and snacks, they choose their sandwich fillings and help to make them. Children are encouraged to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and are beginning to understand about foods that are good for their bodies and their teeth through meal time discussions. Children's health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with the parents ensuring that she knows about any allergies, intolerances and preferences. Older children help to write the weekly shopping list involving them with the choices and the childminder ensures she has foods, such as dairy free items, to include all children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to learn about healthy living through everyday, stimulating activities. They are engrossed in their play as they talk about food whilst 'shopping' and know that fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, are good for you. Children understand that they need food for energy and the importance of taking part in regular exercise. Children rest and sleep according to their needs, they carry on routines from home which the childminder finds out through detailed discussions with the parents before the child starts.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children delight in physical activity on a daily basis. They walk to the school at least twice a day and go to the play park on the way back where they can practise their balancing, climbing, running and jumping. They use the garden regularly throughout the year and the patio doors are open in the warmer weather enabling play to flow from indoors to out. There is an extensive range of toys and equipment to develop physical play skills which can be used in the garden or the park. For example, they take resources to the park such as balls, kites and sledges when

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Helping children to be healthy

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. it is snowy, to enable the children to develop other physical skills. Indoors the children eagerly take part in a workout video where they stretch, and move to music.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in an extremely welcoming, child friendly, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. The rooms are bright and light and set up invitingly for play with equipment and toys labelled and accessible. The childminder ensures her premises are safe at all times and has many strategies in place to ensure children are safe from hazards. Thorough risk assessments are carried out and recorded for all eventualities and household items such as the cooker and washing machine are purchased with child safety being a priority. All cleaning products are stored out of the children's reach and Cosh Data sheets are kept accessible for all cleaning products used. The house and garden are secure and children cannot leave them unattended, children are only collected by named persons, unless prior information has been received from the parents. A visitors book is kept and all visitors recorded, children are under

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the direct supervision of the childminder at all times ensuring their safety. The childminder is vetted and has a wealth of relevant experience, knowledge, skills and qualifications.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children actively contribute to keeping themselves safe, they know to sit whilst they are eating and drinking and not to run indoors. They eagerly help to clear a space for physical play to ensure they have room to move safely and tidy the toys away so they do not fall over them. Children are taught road safety and 'stranger danger' and hold hands or stay close to the buggy when out. Older children know how to behave responsibly when walking home from school, they are able to walk ahead but always wait for the others at the corner or a lamppost before crossing the roads .

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. She updates her training every three years and has a child protection statement in place which is shared with the parents before the child's first session.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are excited and keen to come in and play, they are animated and enthusiastic as they make their choices about their activities. They happily play together in the play shop where they take turns to be the shop keeper and the shopper. They enjoy books and stories as they sit closely together listening, asking questions and commenting with their own ideas, adding to the story.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are supported by the childminder to increase their knowledge and skills using the wealth of play resources and activities available. Older children have opportunities to develop and extend their learning from school as the childminder supports them with resources such as reference books and the computer.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework, adapting the cards to make them applicable to her setting. She has a wealth of resources for this age group, including three treasure boxes for babies. Additional reference books, publications and training aid her planning in this area, to ensure she meets the needs of all children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The quality of teaching and learning is outstanding and children make outstanding progress toward the early learning goals, given their capability and starting points. Teaching is rooted in the childminder's expert knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Stage.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have an excellent attitude to learning and are happy, settled and purposefully engaged in their play. They show high levels of independence and are eager to help set and clear the table. They build strong relationships with their peers and the childminder and enjoy each others company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children get great pleasure from sharing books, making comments and getting involved in the stories. They chat freely to each other extending their language whilst exploring the activities. There are opportunities for children who are keen to take part in fun writing activities and a range of resources including books and pencils are provided to help children with pencil skills. Children who are not interested in using pencils are provided with a range of other items such as paint brushes or sticks in the sand to encourage mark making.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have many opportunities to increase their mathematical development in their chosen activities, for example, at snack and meal times when giving out plates and cups and deciding how many are needed. They confidently count up to ten items and use mathematical language when discussing size and shape. They enjoy pattern making and copying patterns made with small biscuits.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children delight in exploring their environment and local community daily with walks to school and the park. They learn about life and growth as they plant seeds and look for insects. Stimulating, well-planned activities provide children with opportunities to learn about the wider world and their part in it. They take part in a range of cultural traditions and celebrations encouraging their understanding and acceptance of others. Children manage the computer with increasing skill, moving the mouse and finding their way around the keyboard.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children have great imaginations, they dress up and use the wide range of imaginative play resources to role play shops and hospitals, they are engrossed in their play. They sing along with a video and enjoy dancing and stretching. They play the Xylophone and are able to hit it quietly and loudly, keeping a rhythm. The children are creative and enjoy sticking and painting, exploring textures and colours with their hands, fingers and brushes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is attentive at all times, supporting the children in their play and has exceptional listening skills. Children benefit from the extremely well thought out resources and activities available to them. Children can access the toys and equipment with ease because they are attractively displayed and labelled. Children are encouraged to think for themselves in games

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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. such as lotto and are skilful at matching pictures. The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their abilities and things they struggle with. She has detailed plans covering all areas of the Foundation Stage which are evaluated daily to help her to plan for each individual child's next step. Detailed assessment records and observations are kept and shared with the parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, extremely confident and self-assured, they are able to settle well because of the childminder's comprehensive settling-in procedures. For example, each family visit the childminder and have a home visit where the childminder gets to know the child and the family. Parents receive a comprehensive pack when they first make enquiries detailing the care and education that is provided, along with some policies and procedures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show high levels of independence and make choices and decisions with confidence. When the children arrive they purposefully go into the conservatory to hang up their coats and take off their shoes before coming into the lounge to play, eager to join the others. They choose their activities from the extensive range available and the childminder is flexible if they decide something other than what she has planned. Children are aware of their own needs and choose to rest, use the toilet or get a drink.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a sound understanding of responsible behaviour. The childminder has a robust knowledge of developmentally appropriate behaviour which allows her to handle individual levels of acceptable behaviour with skill and sensitivity. The children are good mannered and are able to take turns and share the toys and equipment, negotiating with each other effectively. Children develop respect for others through the careful guidance of the childminder, her use of books and conversations supports their understanding of kindness and caring.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are becoming aware of a wider society. Positive images of race, cultures and religion are portrayed in equipment such as books, puzzles, dolls, small world toys and role play. The extensive selection of resources available for children of all ages and stages of development ensure that they are all included. For example, pencils of all sizes and grips, a range of scissors including teaching scissors and different sized computer mouse. Children with additional needs receive appropriate support, equipment and specialist help where needed. The childminder has attended numerous courses and workshops to increase her knowledge and skills in this area and works closely with the parents and other professionals to ensure every child has their needs met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is outstanding. Parents are respected and involved in their child's care and learning in the setting. Home visits take place which enable the childminder to find out all relevant information about the children and provides parents with the opportunity to contribute to their child's initial records which are discussed as their child progresses. Parents receive detailed information about the children's nursery education and the Foundation Stage. They are aware of the themes and contribute by bringing in items and speaking to their children at home. Parents receive photographs of their children taking part in activities and are invited to share with the record keeping. Close, trusting relationships are built between the childminder and the children's families, information is shared daily and they work closely together. For

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. example, attending behaviour workshops together to provide the children with a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are protected and cared for by a childminder who has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child development. She is qualified in childcare and continues to develop her extensive skills and knowledge through ongoing training and workshops and has a library of books to support her learning.

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Organisation

All the paperwork is meticulously organised, confidential and accessible. A lot of work has gone into preparing a substantial operational plan which is organised into 'outcomes for children' and contains up-to-date information about her provision.

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Organisation

The childminder works closely with other professionals and has regular monitored visits to support her in providing high quality nursery education. Planning is thorough, detailed and evaluated daily. Assessment records are completed for each child receiving nursery education and these are used to influence future planning. The childminder monitors her provision successfully using observation and evaluation. She builds very close links with the local playgroup and school to enable smooth transition for the children in her care.

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Organisation

The care and the nursery education meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all family members undergo checks including police checks. This was carried out to ensure the children's continued safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are outstanding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND 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.

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The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of nursery education are outstanding.

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the 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.

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