Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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222314 Unique Reference Number 18 May 2006 Inspection date Emma Bright Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1985. She lives with her husband in a residential area of a town near Ely. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding, with the exception of the second floor and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. She is currently minding 6 children, 1 attends full-time and 5 attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. There are no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children's good health is promoted because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene, she reduces the risk of cross-infection by ensuring that her home is clean and well maintained. Children learn about the importance of staying healthy through the childminder's support and guidance, for example they wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Clear procedures and records are in place to ensure that appropriate medical care is given if children are unwell whilst they are in the care of the childminder and this ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of childhood nutrition and their dietary needs are well met. Children are well nourished and enjoy healthy meals and snacks provided by the childminder and their parents. They learn about food that is good for them through a range of activities, such as growing vegetables in the garden and shopping for fresh fruit. Children have free access to regular drinks so that they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy regular exercise, such as outings to the local park where they can run freely and develop their physical skills on the large apparatus. Children understand how exercise contributes to their good health and they benefit from the fresh air on their regular walks to and from school. The childminder has developed good routines so that all children can sleep when they need to and this ensures that they are content and well rested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a safe home where risks are identified and minimised, which means children can move around freely in safety. Children are well supervised at all times and this ensures they safely develop their independence in a secure environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder explains about the dangers, both indoors and on outings. Children's safety in case of fire is priority. For example, smoke alarms are checked regularly to ensure they are in good working order and the childminder has a fire escape plan, which children practise regularly so that they all know what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. The good organisation of toys and activities means that children can follow their own interests and develop their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All required documents and procedures are in place and are very well maintained to safeguard children's welfare. For example, clear documents are in place to record any existing injuries or

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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 concerns. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues, which are in line with those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. This means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and independent in the childminder's care. They enjoy exploring a good range of resources, which is prepared before they arrive and this enables them to use their imagination and develop their play. Children busy themselves, becoming involved in their self-chosen activities. For example, they choose from a selection art activities, spending time painting and drawing. They look at the colours and name them competently. Children benefit from a good range of experiences which the childminder provides away from the home, for example they attend local parent and toddler groups, which ensures that they have regular opportunities to socialise with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the consistent daily routines, which help them to settle and feel secure. They enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers them good support during their activities and this encourages them to develop and extend their skills. For example, children's language development is supported well as the childminder involves all children in conversation as they discuss things that are important to them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and have established warm and affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. She is sensitive to children's needs and offers lots of praise and encouragement, which promotes their self-esteem. Although the childminder has not yet obtained a copy of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework, she has lots of experience and a good knowledge of this age group, which enables her to provide a range of activities and experiences for younger children to help them make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are understood by the childminder, who gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are well met. Children have access to a suitable range of activities and resources, which help them to learn about their differences and similarities. The childminder helps children to become confident and develop their self-esteem through lots of positive interaction.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and learn what is expected of them through regular routines and consistent expectations. For example, they take their shoes off in the house and they help to tidy away the toys and resources. The childminder explains what she expects them to do in a way that they can understand and listens to their views so that they feel respected. For example, children share and take turns with the support of the childminder, who helps them to understand how their behaviour affects others.

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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 relationships between the childminder and their parents, which contributes to their care and well-being, ensuring their changing needs continue to be met. For example, parents know about the childminder's practice as good written and verbal information is shared with them so that parents know and can be sure of the good quality care their child receives. However there is no written consent for the emergency procedures, which means that parents are not clear about all of their child's routines. Children benefit from a good settling in procedure, which helps them to make the transition between home and the childminder's home. Required documentation is in place, however, there is no system in place to record complaints which can be shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are well met as the childminder has a sound and secure knowledge of child development and of her legal duties, and this enables her to provide good quality care. For example, the childminder has completed the required training courses and is committed to attending further training opportunities to ensure her practice continues to develop. Children benefit from the effective organisation of time, space and resources, which contributes to their high levels of independence and enables them to develop their growing skills.

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Organisation

Well-established routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and are settled and secure. Children's needs are met by good adult:child ratios. The children benefit from the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Most regulatory documentation is in place and regularly reviewed, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain parent's signatures for accidents, incidents and medication, keep details of people in regular contact with minded children and make the first aid certificate available for inspection. She also agreed to fit a smoke alarm on the first floor, minimise risks to children in the garden and ensure children can readily access toys and resources.

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Improvements since the last inspection

All documentation is in place and available for inspection. Records include parental consents and signatures, which ensures children's safety and well-being. Smoke alarms are fitted on all floors and tested regularly, and the garden has been made safe. This has improved fire safety and children's safety overall. Activities and resources are arranged so that children can help themselves and develop their play.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure there is a system in place to record any complaints or concerns that parents might raise in the future • improve the emergency procedures by obtaining written consent from parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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