Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY275381 Inspection date 18 July 2005 Inspector Lynda Jean Bullock

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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 December 2003. She lives with her husband and two children aged twelve and eight in Ipswich, Suffolk. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding eight children part-time and one child under five years full-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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 outstanding. Children are extremely well protected from the spread of illness and infection as the childminder has a very clear policy about the exclusion of children who may be ill, which is shared with parents. The childminder takes proactive measures if they become ill while in her care by contacting parents so that they can collect them. Children are effectively cared for in an environment which is exceptionally clean and hygienic. The good health of children is actively promoted by the very good hygiene practices in place. For example, the childminder ensures all the surfaces in her home are cleaned daily, that children have their own flannels and that any animals do not pose a health risk. Children are learning about personal hygiene through the daily routine. Young children's awareness of good hygiene is raised when the childminder talks to them about it. She encourages them to wipe their own nose, putting used tissues in the

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Helping children to be healthy

bin, to wash their hands before having meals and after visiting the toilet. Children's healthy growth and development is effectively promoted by the childminder as she gathers information from parents about any dietary needs they have. They are provided with a wide variety of nutritious food and drink which are essential for their good health, for example children have fruit as a snack. Children's physical health is extremely well promoted as the childminder ensures they have daily access to the garden or park and walks around the local community. Children have the freedom to run and jump in the large inviting garden. They can climb and pedal a versatile range of outdoor toys which helps to develop strong muscles and bodies.

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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 warm and highly welcoming home environment. Their development is effectively promoted because they have access to an inviting, brightly decorated playroom, a spacious garden and a separate area where they can rest undisturbed. Children independently select activities from the extensive range of good quality toys and equipment provided within the home and garden. Their safety is enhanced through the well maintained furniture, equipment and toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development. For example, the childminder checks her toys daily as they are used and cleans them often. Children are always kept safe from hazards in the home as the childminder has put in place measures which protect children from dangers. For example, all cleaning

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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 materials and medicines are out of reach and she prevents access to the hall while it is being decorated. Children are becoming aware of keeping themselves safe as the childminder talks to them about picking up toys off the floor in case they trip over them. Children have access to extensive outside play areas which provides them with high levels of challenge in a safe and controlled environment. They are able to access three different areas within the garden dependent on their age and stage of development. For example, young children have access directly off the playroom to a decked area which is enclosed by railings and a gate to keep them safe. Children's welfare is generally safeguarded and promoted as the childminder has a child protection policy in place. However, this does not follow the local Area Child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Protection Committee procedures and she is unclear about the procedures to follow when reporting concerns. This may compromise children's safety.

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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 care. They are building positive relationships and developing their self esteem as the childminder is kind and affectionate to them. When babies wake up from a sleep she gives them a cuddle and sits children close to her when reading stories giving them warm physical contact. Children are developing their confidence and independence as the childminder is giving them praise and encouragement. They have access to a wide variety of play and learning activities both inside and outside. They make choices about what they want to do as the childminder provides toys and activities within their reach. Children are engrossed and enjoying their play. Their creativity and imagination is developing through a range of activities such as role play, listening to music, painting and drawing. Their language is developing as the childminder is talking and listening

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to them, reading stories and asking questions which make children think.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are beginning to learn about right and wrong through listening to the childminder's explanations of what is acceptable behaviour. They are learning to share and take turns. Young children's efforts to share are valued by the childminder as she gives lots of positive praise and encouragement. Older children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour by actively being involved in developing the house rules, which are displayed in the play room. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are well met as the childminder gathers information from the parents about their daily routine, such as following their sleeping and eating patterns from home.

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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 Children have some opportunities to experience the wider world through outings in the local community and from household items displayed such as musical instruments from Africa. However, their understanding of similarities and differences are limited by the lack of positive images of a multi cultural society in the toys. Children's well-being and progress is promoted as the childminder has an excellent relationship with parents. They benefit from the good methods of ongoing communication between the childminder and their parents. For example, the childminder gives daily feedback, gathers information from parents about their child, ensuring this is kept up to date and confidential.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children are well cared for and fully supported by the childminder as she makes very good use of the space and resources in her home. They are able to move around easily and safely to access equipment in the expertly prepared environment, which the childminder gets ready for their arrival each day. She organises her home and toys to ensure children have free access and that all the necessary facilities are available. Children are kept safe by the childminder's effectively organised records. She has a clear understanding of the importance of keeping her paperwork in good order and up to date. For example the childminder records children's arrival and departure in her register and ensures they are only released to individuals named by the parents. Children have continuing support from the childminder to feel secure and confident as she ensures that the required adult to child ratios are maintained. Children are

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Organisation

safe and protected from any adult who has not been vetted. The childminder ensures she supervises children closely when on outings and that all adults living in the household have been vetted. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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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): • improve knowledge and understanding of child protection and ensure that the child protection procedure complies with those of the local Area Child Protection Committee(ACPC) • further develop the range of toys and resources which offer positive images to children of diversity.

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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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