Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315236 Inspection date 24 April 2006 Inspector Tessa Margaret Betts

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her 3 children aged 8, 10 and 12 years in a village on the outskirts of Norwich. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is within walking distance of the local school and pre-school. The family have one goldfish. 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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and well-maintained home, where they gain an understanding of the importance of keeping healthy. Children are adequately protected against the risk of cross infection because the childminder follows appropriate cleaning practices, talks to the children about why hand washing is important so that germs are not spread, and acts appropriately if children are taken ill in her care. Children's health is promoted as the childminder has clear systems in place to record any accidents or medication administered to children. Written consent from parents to seek emergency medical treatment has not been obtained for all children in her care, which could compromises children's health in an emergency. Children are adequately nourished. Parents provide food for their children which caters for their dietary needs. A range of healthy snacks are provided by the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder who helps children develop and extend their taste buds through fun games, where they try to guess what foods they are eating. Drinks are accessible to children throughout the day to ensure they do not go thirsty, promoting their good health. Children's routines and rest periods are respected, contributing to their overall well-being. Children benefit from varied activities which contribute to their physical development. They are able to run, bounce, swing and play ball games in the large back garden using a variety of age appropriate equipment. During the school holidays greater opportunities are made to visit places of local interest with a picnic, promoting a positive attitude to being out in the fresh air and taking regular exercise.

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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 homely environment where they feel secure and comfortable. Good use is made all of available space within the home, so children can move around freely and access a range of activities which promotes their development. Children are able to choose toys for themselves which fosters their independence. The childminder regularly washes all play equipment to ensure it is clean, and continues to be safe for children to use. Younger children are supported in their choice of play materials, to ensure they are appropriate and can be accessed from shelves safely. Children's safety is maintained indoors and out, as the childminder has addressed all significant hazards to minimise the risks to children. Simple house rules, where children understand why it is important not to run about in the house, or leave small parts on the floor when they have finished playing, encourage them to take some

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

responsibility for keeping themselves safe. Clear guidance, agreed with parents ensures all children use the trampoline in the back garden safely under the direct supervision of the childminder. Children are learning what to do in the event of a fire,

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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 as they have practised the evacuation procedure, and written guidance is displayed on the kitchen wall for older children to read. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder understands her role and responsibilities in child protection. She has all relevant contact details to hand, however she does not have a copy of the booklet "What to do if you are worried about a child" for easy reference in the event of making a referral.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Their confidence is fostered, as they are familiar with the daily routine on returning from playgroup, so that a child knows he needs to take his outdoor shoes off before going to play. Children thrive on the individual attention given, and eagerly engage in conversation about their morning and what they have been doing. Children know they will be listened to as the childminder sits and listens to their news, and links activities within her childminding practice. Simple word cards have been made, so that a child at school can progress in their language development, at the appropriate level. Children have direct access to a good range of activities, and are able to practise their co-ordination skills as they construct castles and role play with small figures and play air hockey and snooker on full size tables. Activities are planned for each day to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

allow for creative and messy play, although the childminder is guided by what the children would like to do, she fully supports them in their choice. Children develop an interest in exploration and investigation as they consider what items in a bowl of water will sink or float. Quieter activities are regularly offered so that children have the opportunity to rest, for example, as they snuggle up against the big teddy in the living room to share a book with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated as individuals and benefit from the childminder knowing them well and responding to their personal needs and character. They are learning to respect their own culture and those of the wider world, through celebrating a range of different cultural festivals, and the childminder's positive attitude towards people from all walks of life. Children consider the impact of disability, as they see whether their action man with one leg is still able to ride his motorbike, and practise bandaging each other with the doctors set. Children are learning to manage their own behaviour well through the good examples encouraged by the childminder. Simple ground rules, understood by the older children and explained appropriately to younger children, teach them to be courteous and considerate of each other, all of which contributes to a happy environment, and an understanding of right and wrong.

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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 good relationships built with parents, and information is freely shared both verbally and through a individual written daily diary, keeping parents fully informed. All relevant information is gathered at the onset of any minding arrangement to ensure the child's needs are known and met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's safety and welfare is suitably promoted by the childminder having a clear understanding of the National Standards, and her responsibilities to the children and their parents. Appropriate training has been completed since registration, however the first aid course has not been fully completed due to the childminder having an accident, making her unable to attend the last session. This is now planned for May 2006. Using her previous training and knowledge of first aid, she is able to respond effectively to any health issue to protect children in her care. Checks have been completed on persons in regular contact with the children, and she supervises them at all times to ensure their safety. Children use all the available space within the home well and with confidence. Good organisation prior to children arriving ensures the environment is ready and welcoming, which contributes to them adjusting to a different setting quickly and

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Organisation

engaging in fun, age appropriate play activities. Children are safeguarded by some sound written policies and information provided by the childminder. Whilst a daily register is maintained, this is not consistently filled in accurately, which could compromise children's safety in an emergency. All documentation is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. Overall, the needs of the children attending are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since April 2004 Ofsted has received one complaint relating to National Standard 11:Behaviour. The complaint related to the treatment of children in the childminder's care. Ofsted investigated by carrying out an announced visit on 08/12/2005 and found that the childminder continues to meet the National Standards and remains qualified for 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • obtain written consent from all parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • obtain a copy of the child protection booklet "What to do if you are worried about a child" for reference • maintain an accurate daily register, and complete an appropriate first aid course at the earliest opportunity.

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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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