Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310354 Inspection date 16 March 2006 Inspector Hazel Meadows

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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 was registered in July 2005. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 14 months, near Ipswich in Suffolk. Childminding is contained to the ground floor. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups and takes children to the local park and play areas. The family has two cats and one pet rat.

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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's health is reasonably well promoted as the childminder follows health and hygiene guidelines. She ensures pets do not present a health hazard to children and follows adequate nappy changing hygiene routines. She maintains a clean home, however, acknowledges that the toys are not regularly cleaned. Children are gaining some awareness of good health and hygiene practices, for example, through watching the childminder wash her hands after nappy changing and also through using wet wipes to clean their hands prior to lunchtime. Children receive appropriate health care as the childminder is aware of any particular health needs and consults with parents over the appropriate action or any medication required. Children are well nourished and benefit from some healthy snacks such as breadsticks or apple. Their health is promoted as the childminder liaises closely with parents over allergies and intolerances and ensures that food is stored at a safe

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Helping children to be healthy

temperature prior to use. Children can easily and regularly access drinks of diluted squash or water. Children enjoy regular opportunities for physical activity and fresh air. They attend parent and toddler groups and enjoy visits to local parks. They have considerable freedom of movement and adequate space in the house to move around. Their finer manipulative skills are developed as they enjoy occasional colouring and doing puzzles and playing with smaller toys. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Their sleep routines are maintained as much as possible to promote a regular sleep pattern.

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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 secure and safe home as the childminder has put in place safety measures which will protect children from hazards. For example, she has smoke alarms and has put catches on cupboards, therefore minimising risks to children. She is watchful of children to ensure their safety. Toys are easily accessible, age appropriate and in good condition ensuring children can play freely and safely. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder ensures babies and young children are strapped into appropriate sized car seats. They learn to keep themselves safe as the childminder reminds them to sit properly on child sized chairs and to sit down whilst eating so they don't choke. Clear explanations are given so that children begin to learn and understand. Children are effectively safeguarded and protected from harm as the childminder has a clear understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She has completed

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the safeguarding children training and has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities as a registered childminder. She has a well written safeguarding

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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 children policy, which is on display.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and contented with the childminder and her home and routine. For example, they seek cuddles from her and are secure with her. They develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder is attentive to them and treats them with kindness and warmth. They make positive relationships with the childminder and her family and one another and are learning to socialise with others. Children show an interest in what they do and are developing independence as they make their own choices and selections, busily exploring the toys available on the floor. They have access to a constant range of activity toys and are occasionally offered colouring. The childminder plays with the children at their level, to focus their attention and they are encouraged to communicate as she is attentive to them. They regularly enjoy musical times with tapes, instruments and singing. The childminder

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

has a positive approach with children under three years but, as yet, does not have a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to enhance her existing practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging as they are warmly cared for and feel secure with the surroundings and routine and the childminder. They begin to make their own choices and decisions as they play with the easily accessible toys. All children are welcome and their individual needs are discussed closely with parents to promote their welfare. Children gain some awareness of their local and wider society, for example, through some of the books and as they experience Christmas and Easter activities. However, overall, very few resources reflect positive images of diversity. The childminder develops positive and trusting relationships with parents and encourages regular communication to provide continuity of care for the children. She works closely with parents over any particular issues, such as behaviour management. Children are beginning to understand responsible behaviour through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

reinforcement and consistency of approach. Clear explanations and support from the childminder help children to become increasingly aware of the needs of others. For example, taking turns with toys.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by a childminder with a knowledge and understanding of child development, supported by recent training. She has a high regard for the well-being of all children which is reflected in her calm and positive practice. Children's care, learning and play are well supported as she maintains a good

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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 adult:child ratio, offering the children much care and attention. She organises her home and plans her day to meet the needs and routines of all the children in her care. Children's well-being is promoted through thorough, well organised documentation which is kept confidentially. The childminder has some written policies, which are available to parents, to promote clarity of practice and care. Records are well presented and well maintained, and shared with parents to provide continuity of care. Overall, the children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 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): • ensure all toys are cleaned at regular intervals to minimise the risk of cross-infection • develop resources to positively reflect the diversity of the local and wider community • broaden play experiences and challenges for young children, for example, by utilising the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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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 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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