Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 256024 Inspection date 21 July 2005 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 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 1988. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 18 and 14 years in a small rural village in Norfolk. The whole of the ground floor plus the bathroom and main bedroom upstairs is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are some amenities locally however the childminder uses a car to transport children to and from school or nursery. The family have 2 pet rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under the age of 8 years at any one time. She also provides care for older children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are developing a positive attitude to exercise. They play together regularly in the childminder's garden and develop skills such as climbing, sliding, running, kicking and throwing balls. Children are well supported, which gives them the confidence to try out new skills. Children's normal routines are incorporated. They are aware of their own need to rest or sleep and individual 'settling down' routines accommodated, therefore children benefit from their sleep which helps to maintain their well-being. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they are protected from the risk of cross infection by good hygiene practices, for example, when nappy changing. They are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and learn the importance of personal hygiene. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate which impacts on the children's welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy diet as they enjoy meals and snacks with the childminder. These are social occasions when the children sit around the table with the childminder. Regular drinks are provided which help to keep children healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a safe, homely environment enabling them to feel settled and secure. They are able to move around freely and access a suitable range of resources. The childminder monitors children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe, clean and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children's safety is maintained through the childminder's good supervision and understanding of the risks for children. They are able to play safely in the home or garden and appropriate measures are in place to safeguard children whilst on outings. The childminder has the required documentation in place to ensure the children's well-being is promoted. Children's welfare is not fully safeguarded as the childminder is not confident in her knowledge of local child protection guidelines and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled, confident and happy in the childminder's care. They are familiar with the daily routine which helps them to feel secure. Children are able to move around the home freely and select toys suitable for their age, fostering their independence. They enjoy time playing in the garden, where younger children can safely run or climb, developing their co-ordination and physical skills. Older children

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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 use the garden for picnics or happily engage in imaginative games in the caravan. Children are well supported by the childminder who gives them lots of encouragement and praise, building their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder is attentive to children's needs and encourages their learning whilst constructively joining in their activities. Children relate well to each other and are learning to share and play co-operatively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. The childminder knows the children well and talks to them in a caring manner building their self-esteem. She is aware of children's interests, for example playing outside and incorporates this into the daily routine. Resources and discussion help children to become aware of the wider world and develop a positive attitude. The childminder has no specific experience of caring for children with special needs but she has an understanding of how to adapt resources and work with parents so children are fully integrated. Children begin to understand right from wrong though consistent boundaries and the childminder's sensitive approach. They are encouraged to play co-operatively, share and take turns by the childminder's caring attitude. Children's individual needs and routines are discussed with parents at the start of the minding arrangement enabling appropriate care to be provided. Parents are not

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Helping children make a positive contribution

made aware of how to raise a concern or make a complaint which hinders communication between childminder and parent. The childminder makes time each day to share information, daily events and children's progress with parents which contributes to children's well-being.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children feel secure and at ease in the childminder's home. Space is used flexibly to suit children's play and enable children to sleep and eat in comfort, promoting their all round development. Older siblings of children already minded may be cared for during school holidays. These children are warmly welcomed and fully integrated into the days activities. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and shares information each day to ensure continuity of care for children. Written contracts and child record forms are completed promoting the well-being of each child cared for. The childminder does not maintain an accurate daily record of children's attendance in order to demonstrate which children she is caring for. Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Since the last inspection the childminder has purchased additional toys and resources which promote children's understanding of the wider community. These are accessible and used to initiate discussion which contributes to raising children's awareness.

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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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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): • complete a first aid course to update knowledge • develop knowledge of local child protection guidelines and procedures • provide parents with contact details for Ofsted and develop a system for recording complaints • make sure the daily record of attendance is accurate and kept up to date.

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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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