Childminder in SuffolkOfsted inspection, 23 Feb 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 251226 Inspection date 23 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 1991. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 20, 19 and 10 in a small town near Ipswich in Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding and 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 5 children under 8 on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools, nurseries and pre-schools. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to local parks

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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 and the library. The family has 2 rabbits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable home where they learn the importance of personal hygiene through everyday routines. Children's health is promoted because the childminder is aware of their individual health care matters and all the necessary consents and procedures are in place to support this. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which ensures medical emergencies are dealt with appropriately. Children's dietary needs are met satisfactorily. Children sit down to eat together at the kitchen table; currently all their meals and snacks are provided by their parents. The childminder ensures food is stored appropriately in the fridge and follows parents' wishes regarding meal time routines. Children have easy access to drinks to ensure they are not thirsty. They rest or sleep according to their individual needs, usually in a pushchair or in their car seat to avoid them being disturbed by having to

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Helping children to be healthy

take and collect children from school or nursery. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. In fine weather they enjoy playing in the garden, for example on the climbing frame, slide or digging in the sandpit. They regularly walk to the local parks where they use the apparatus or play football.

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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 around freely and safely. Their risk of accidental injury is minimised because the childminder supervises their play and has taken all the necessary steps to reduce risks to children. For example, ensuring any cleaning materials are stored out of children's reach and that all doors are kept locked with the keys stored on hooks nearby. Children learn to keep themselves safe when out walking through practising road safety procedures. However, the childminder has not devised an emergency evacuation plan to practise with children to help them learn what to do in an emergency. Children have access to a good range of high quality toys and equipment that meet safety standards. The childminder is careful to ensure that these are suitable for the ages of children attending. Children are kept safe on outings because the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder takes emergency contact details with her, has parental permission and has her own range of buggies and car seats to use. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder has undertaken child protection training and knows the correct procedures to follow if she has a concern.

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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. The childminder ensures there are toys out when the children arrive which they particularly like, which helps them separate from their parents. Children play happily together and are learning to share and take turns, for example, when exploring a range of toddler toys stored in a large chest in the living room. The majority of toys are stored in well organised stacking boxes in the garden shed and the childminder rotates what is available indoors depending on the ages and individual interests of the children attending. 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, a play kitchen with saucepans and play food which the children enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

pretending to cook. Older children are able to relax and play together with their friends after a tiring day at school. Children have opportunities to bake cakes and enjoy outings to Christchurch Park in Ipswich or the local rare breeds farm. The childminder is familiar with 'Birth to three matters' and reflects some aspects of the framework in her good practice. For example, enjoying reading a book to a child while sat comfortably together in an armchair and encouraging the child to join in making animal noises. Children develop confidence and self-esteem because the childminder is interested in their play and takes time to listen and join in with them. For example, sitting on the floor sharing an imaginary cup of tea. Young children have regular opportunities to develop their social skills by attending local toddler groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging because they are all valued and included and the childminder ensures their personal belongings are close by to help them feel secure. For example, having their coats hung on low pegs so a child could satisfy themselves that they had remembered their gloves. Children have equal opportunities to access resources and equipment that meet their individual needs, so that they can become confident and independent. The childminder has some resources reflecting a positive view of diversity, such as puzzles and books, however, children are not provided with routine opportunities to help them appreciate and value each others' similarities and differences. Children are encouraged to behave well through the childminder's use of praise and encouragement and consistent strategies appropriate to their level of understanding and stage of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly partnerships the childminder fosters with their parents to ensure their wishes are followed regarding their children's care. Information is exchanged verbally with parents on a daily basis to ensure their

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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 changing needs are met. The childminder also keeps individual notebooks for each child showing what they have done each day for parents to have as a keepsake when their children leave. Parents provide positive references about the childminder and the care provided for example 'she has a natural intuition when it comes to meeting children's needs'.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her home to provide a welcoming and child-friendly environment in which children take part in a range of activities to support their care, learning and play. Children benefit from regular routines which help them feel confident and secure. The childminder maintains all the required documentation and written consents to ensure that children are looked after according to their parents' wishes, However parents are not provided with any written information about the childminding service provided. 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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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that she operated within local planning requirements. The childminder has a letter from the council confirming that this is not required.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • devise and practise an emergency evacuation plan • develop system of sharing information with parents about the childminding service provided • develop opportunities for children to learn about 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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