Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251215 Inspection date 16 February 2006 Inspector Gill Thornton

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 11 and 7 in a village near Ipswich in Suffolk. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children under 5 part-time and 2 children before and after school and during the school holidays. The childminder walks to the local school, nursery and pre-school to take and collect children. The childminder attends local children's groups and takes children to the local park and the library van. The family

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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 has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where they learn about personal hygiene through every day routines. Their health is promoted because the childminder is well informed about children's healthcare matters. However, she does not obtain written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, so potentially delaying children receiving immediate attention in an emergency. The childminder has attended first aid and food hygiene training to ensure she is aware of the correct procedures to follow to maintain children's health and prevent the spread of infection. Children's dietary needs are met satisfactorily as the childminder takes account of their dietary requirements and the wishes of parents. Children's snacks and meals are mainly provided by their parents for the childminder to give to them. The childminder provides the children with a biscuit when they come in from school.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have free access to drinks to ensure they are not thirsty. They rest or sleep according to their individual needs in a travel cot in the main bedroom. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They regularly walk to the local school and pre-school and enjoy playing on apparatus in the childminder's garden. In fine weather they walk to the local park to use the play area or play football. Young children have space to practise their physical skills, for example, practising walking holding onto the childminder's fingers.

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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 safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment where they move about freely and safely. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder supervises their play and has taken all the necessary risks to reduce risks to children. For example, ensuring any cleaning materials are out of children's reach and that babies are securely strapped into their booster seat. Children learn about road safety when walking to and from school and pre-school. Children have access to an extensive range of good quality toys that meet safety standards. The childminder is vigilant in ensuring that these are suitable for the ages of children attending. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder ensures she always takes emergency contact details and has parental permission. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has attended child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection training and knows the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern. She shares her child protection policy with parents.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and well settled and have good relationships with each other and the childminder who is sensitive and caring towards them. Children play happily together and are learning to share and take turns. They enjoy spending time together interacting with their peers, for example, energetically pretending to be Power Rangers. Older children are affectionate towards the youngest children and show concern for them if they are upset. The childminder knows the children well and uses this knowledge to provide them with a wide range of activities and play opportunities to interest and motivate them. For example, while older children are busy with the playdough in the kitchen or using 'Hama Beads' at the table in the lounge, a younger child enjoys exploring push along toys on the lounge floor. Children are able to choose from the wide range of toys and resources stored throughout the bungalow and the childminder ensures there is

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

always a suitable range of activities such as books, craft activities and toddler toys freely available in the lounge. The childminder is familiar with 'Birth to three matters' and incorporates some aspects of the framework into her good practice. For example, sharing a picture book with a young child and encouraging them to join in and make animal noises. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder is interested in their play and takes time to listen to them. She ensures they all receive appropriate support and divides her time fairly between them. For example, while soothing a baby with teething troubles ensuring the other children are happy and occupied with suitable activities. Younger children have regular opportunities to develop their social skills through attendance at local children's groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging because the childminder knows them well and is interested in their play. For example, playing with stunt cars on a racing track with a child and praising their efforts. Children are valued and included and able to make positive choices about what they would like to do. They have equal opportunities to access resources and equipment that meet their individual needs, so that they can become confident and independent. The childminder has a positive approach to caring for children with special needs and works in partnership with parent's to ensure children's specific needs are met. Children learn about responsible behaviour through the use of praise and encouragement. The childminder sets clear and consistent boundaries and explains to children why certain behaviour is unacceptable. Children learn about the local community, for example when walking to the library van. Children have access to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

some resources reflecting diversity, however they are not provided with activities to help them develop a positive view of other cultures.

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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 benefit from the positive partnerships the childminder fosters with parents to ensure their wishes are followed regarding their children's care. Information is shared verbally with parents on collection to keep them informed about their children's day and to ensure their changing needs are met. Parents make positive comments abut the care provided. For example, 'being secure in knowing children are safe and happy and experiencing normal family life'.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder successfully organises her home to provide a stimulating and child-friendly environment in which children take part un a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Children’s well-being is promoted by the well organised records and policies which are shared with parents to provide continuity of care. The childminder ensures that most of the required documentation and consents are in place to ensure children are looked after according to their parents’ wishes. However, consent to go on outings or in a vehicle is not consistently in written form. The childminder follows sound procedures to promote children's good health, safety, enjoyment and achievement and ability to make a positive contribution. Overall, children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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

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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • request written permission form parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • improve documentation to ensure consent to go on outings and in a vehicle is in written form • provide opportunities for children to develop a positive view 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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