Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY302001 Inspection date 10 March 2006 Inspector Mary Gilbert

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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 2005 She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 8 and 12 in Lowestoft, 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 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 under 5. The childminder attends a local parent and toddler group.

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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 The family has 2 pet dogs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children remain healthy because the childminder provides a range of activities and follows sound procedures which promotes their well-being. Children have regular opportunities for a variety of physical activities. For example, children play in the garden or are taken out for walks on a daily basis. They visit the local park to feed the fish or ducks and take the dogs out. Children are able to sleep or rest according to their needs. Daily routines provide opportunities for children to have quieter times when they share books or watch television. Children learn that it is important to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet or playing with the dogs. Should a child become unwell whilst in the care of the childminder there are good processes in place to inform parents or to seek medical treatment or advice. Procedures are in place to log medication given and to record accidents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished because children are provided with food and drink sufficient to their needs that is healthy and nutritious. Children remain hydrated as they have access to drinks at all times. They have their own cups which are easily accessible and refilled as required. The childminder talks to parents with regard to the provision of meals and snacks and ensures these include healthy options of fruit and vegetables. Although the childminder discusses any specific requirements there are few written records to outline children's dietary requirements, allergies or medical needs which could compromise children's well-being.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment. The conservatory is used as a playroom and provides opportunities for children to play safely in an environment organised to meet their needs. Their independence is encouraged as they make appropriate choices from the provided range of resources which are well-organised to provide easy access. Other areas of the house are available for use, including the lounge where there is a soft seating area for more quiet activities or to rest and relax. The childminder is proactive in ensuring risks are minimised before children arrive. She regularly checks the house and has a double lock on the front door to provide a high level of security. Smoke alarms are placed strategically in four rooms and are checked regularly. The childminder has developed an emergency plan to follow should there be a problem. Children learn about safety

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in and around the house. They are reminded that it is not safe to jump in the house as they might hurt themselves.

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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 are kept safe on outings. They are restrained in buggies or on restraints and taught about the need to stay close to the childminder when out. The childminder carries a kit when out which includes first aid, cards identifying her as a childminder and emergency phone numbers in her mobile phone. However, she has no written permission from parents to take children out or for them to be transported in a vehicle which might compromise their well-being. She does inform parents verbally before children are taken out. Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice. She is aware of signs of abuse or neglect and knows who to report concerns to or to seek

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

advice from. Documents are in place to record any existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident, settled and secure in the childminder's care. They are warmly welcomed into the setting where they settle happily to use the provided activities. They build good relationships with the childminder who interacts appropriately and supports them in their play. Children have access to a range of activities related to their own interests as well as developing new skills. For example, they bring in their own toys to share. Games are played which are extended to encourage them to learn. For example, construction bricks are sorted by colour. The daily routine provides for children's needs. For example, in eating and sleeping and visiting places of interest in the locality, such as Adventure Island. Although children under 3 enjoy activities, they would benefit further from improvements to planning of activities by using the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children develop a sense of belonging. They come in happily and are warmly welcomed by the childminder who encourages them to bring in any special toys or comforters. Children's individual needs, likes and dislikes are known by the childminder who works hard to ensure their needs are met. Children learn about the wider society. They are learning simple sign language and understand that some people can not hear well. The childminder ensures that there is no discrimination in her practice in relation to gender, race or disability. Children respect the boundaries of behaviour set. They learn to share games and play harmoniously together They understand that some behaviour is unacceptable and why. For example, if they hurt another child deliberately they learn that this hurts and that they should apologise. They respond well to the praise and encouragement provided by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from supportive relationships built between their parents and the

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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 childminder. Verbal information is collected before children are cared for, but little is written down which could compromise the quality of care provided for children. The childminder informs the parents on a daily basis of the care which takes place ensuring they are kept up to date with the care and activities provided for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is supported by effective organisation. The childminder organises her home to meet the needs of the children being cared for. Children are provided with a high level of adult support as currently the number of children being minded is low. The house is organised to provide a child-friendly and welcoming environment before the arrival of children, and the childminder organises the daily routines to meet their needs. The childminder has up to date knowledge and understanding of the care standards, and ensures children are never left with anyone who is not cleared to do so. Registration procedures are clear and ensures the record of children cared for is clear and includes times of arrival and departure. Some documentation is kept to provide information to enable the childminder to provide effective care. Records are available for inspection. However, they are not

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Organisation

well organised and could compromise confidentiality. Overall, 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

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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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): • obtain written permission from parents to take children out • collect written information with regard to children's specific needs e.g. allergies and special requirements • improve outcomes for children under three by using an approach in line with the 'Birth to three matters' framework. • review the organisation of children's records to maintain confidentiality.

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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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