Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY259311 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Janet Skippins

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and children aged 7 and 4 years. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to take children to nursery and school. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under eight on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn and understand the importance of good personal hygiene through consistent daily routines and become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, they know that they have to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. The children's individual dietary needs are met as the childminder works effectively and flexibly with parents addressing their wishes. Children enjoy their meal times when the childminder maximises opportunities for social development and positive interaction. Children gain control of their body as they are well supported by the childminder and encouraged to safely explore the environment and resources within it. They rest and sleep according to their individual routines and needs. Regular use of the garden, walks and visits to the park give children opportunities for exercise. Arrangements for first aid and administering medication successfully meet requirements and protect

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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 welcoming setting where many positive steps have been taken to promote their safety. For example, a canopy has been erected outside to provide shade so that the children can play comfortably and be protected from exposure to the sun. Appropriate safety equipment is used and written safety procedures are in place, such as, a plan to protect the children in an emergency situation and an emergency evacuation plan. Children learn about fire safety as they practice the emergency evacuations. They also learn to keep themselves safe on outings, for example, they know they must keep away from traffic when out walking. They are well protected from harm because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and guidance in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. Children have sufficient space to move easily within both the indoor and outdoor

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

areas and have good opportunities to safely make independent choices about what to play with. They are able to easily select high quality toys which are appropriate to their age and stage of development because the childminder organises resources well at child height.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a stimulating and interesting range of activities both indoors and

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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 outdoors. For example, they take part in a good variety of well planned collage and baking activities. They also enjoy playing on the trampoline in the outdoor area. Outings are planned to give them a wide range of experiences, such as, making sand castles on the beach. The children in the childminder's care are very happy and well settled. Good positive relationships are developed with the childminder, due to the high level of support the children receive. Children independently select what they would like to play with from a wide range of high-quality resources such as small world toys, outdoor equipment, games and books. Children’s communication skills are developed through reading and conversations with the childminder. Children are independent and make decisions about their play, they choose activities and resources when at the childminder's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

home and books at the library. Young children receive lots of encouragement and have a strong bond with the childminder which increases their sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with equal concern valuing their individuality and meeting their needs effectively. They play with a good range of resources which help support their understanding of others. Children take part in activities appropriate to their differing needs and abilities because the childminder is successful in promoting an inclusive provision for all. Children begin to understand the expectations for their behaviour. Strategies for managing children's behaviour are consistent to take into account the children's level of understanding. They respond well as they receive lots of praise and a very high level of individual support. Very good relationships with parents enhance the children's care. Parents are provided with a comprehensive welcome pack which includes questionnaires about their children and family so that the childminder is able to use the information to settle

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children well into her home. Children’s daily activity is recorded in a diary which is shared and discussed with parents. Examples of their paintings and drawings, photographs and observational notes are stored in well organised folders. These are regularly shared with parents and presented to them, along with all the photographs on a disc, when the children leave. Relevant information for parents is well presented and displayed in the entrance hall, for example, parents are able to see details of the latest fire evacuation practice. The childminder also maintains an up-to-date parent’s file that includes written policies and procedures. This contributes to the parent’s involvement in the life of the setting and promotes good outcomes for children.

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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 The childminder keeps up to date with relevant training and is planning to enhance her practice by implementing the recent training she has attended on Birth to Three Matters. She is also exploring the possibility of introducing the Foundation Stage curriculum to extend the learning opportunities she already provides for 3 and 4 year olds. Children feel at home and at ease within the well organised setting. This means they are confident and initiate their own choices. Space and resources are effectively organised to meet the needs and routines of the children who attend. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in

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Organisation

the children's care. Comprehensive planning systems are monitored and adapted to keep the children safe and enable them to make good progress in all areas of their development. Overall children are well cared for and their individual needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has ensured the information she keeps about appropriate local child protection procedures and local contact details are readily available. Therefore, she is now able to readily find information so that children are safeguarded because she can apply Child protection procedures if necessary. She has also implemented the fire evacuation procedure by carrying out practices with the children. Therefore children learn how to protect themselves in the event of a fire.

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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): • Consider implementing the Foundation Stage Curriculum

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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 • Continue to introduce Birth to Three Matters.

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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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