Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 222542 Inspection date 27 March 2006 Inspector Heidi Falconer

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 9, 13 and 15 years in a village close to Cambridge. The whole of the ground floor of the house 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 5 part-time and 24 children over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have fish, 5 parrots, a canary and 3 rabbits.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn about good hygiene and personal care routines, for example, children know not to eat food which has been dropped on the floor because it is dirty and they understand why they wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. This ensures that the risk of any cross contamination is minimised. The childminder takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection, such as by providing paper towels for children to dry their hands. She also ensures appropriate measures taken when children are ill so that health needs are met. The childminder has appropriate documentation in place for recording accidents and medication administered. In addition, she has parental consent in place to ensure that children receive medical treatment promptly if necessary. This practice promotes children’s health and safety well. Children are well nourished and have good opportunities to learn about healthy

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

eating because the childminder provides children with regular drinks and food that are nutritious and comply with their dietary and religious needs. The childminder’s weekly menu also takes into account children’s likes and dislikes and is displayed clearly for children and parents to see. The childminder enables children to learn about healthy living through a range of good activities that develop the children’s understanding of what foods are good for them. Recently older children attending have made a display board showing pictures of foods which are healthy. This has promoted lots of discussions and helped to develop children’s understanding of foods which are good for them. Children enjoy a range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They develop self confidence in their physical skills as they use a range of toys and equipment. For example, they climb and balance on the large play equipment in the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

park. However, for younger children there are fewer resources in the home to promote their physical skills. Children benefit from regular fresh air on their daily walks to and from school. All children have the opportunity to be active or rest according to their needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in premises that are safe and secure. The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children in her home, for example in the playroom potential hazards such as toys with small parts are kept in secured cupboards to prevent young children’s access to them. The childminder gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining their safety outside the home. In the home, children have developed a good understanding of how they could keep themselves safe in the event of a fire because they have practised the procedure many times and a clearly displayed poster shows children exit routes out of the home. Children learn the rules for road safety as part of

p.3

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 their daily routine, for instance, while walking to and from school. Children have the opportunity to use a range of play resources which are clean, well maintained, age appropriate and that successfully promote their development. They are able to freely select most of the toys and resources for themselves which allows them to direct their play and make decisions about how they spend their time. Children’s welfare is protected because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and a clear understanding of the correct procedures to follow if she had a concern. In addition, she ensures that children are not left alone with anyone who is not vetted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. The minded children are fully included in the setting, helping to decorate the playroom with their artwork and socialising and extending friendships with other children, whom they meet through the childminder. Children make positive relationships. They play well together and with the childminder, enjoying various games and group activities. Children develop their self-confidence as they access resources independently. For example, storage drawers allow children to select materials such as wool, fabric, paper, scissors and glue so that they can express their creativity freely. Younger children enjoy lots of opportunities to finger paint and sponge paint, helping them to develop their sensory development. Children's confidence and self-esteem is promoted when they share their creations with their parents or put them on display at

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder's. All children spend their time purposefully either indoors or outside because they are able to choose between a wide variety of toys, books and activities which appeal to all. Children enjoy activities such as glass painting and making Easter baskets in addition to playing with her toys. To maintain children’s interest, the childminder is continually updating her resources to ensure that they reflect the interests of the children attending. For example, she has recently purchased some horse stencils because of a child’s interest in them. The childminder’s knowledge of how children learn ensures that they have fun, develop and extend their skills whilst they play. The childminder has a broad range of games and activities for example, compare bears to help children develop mathematical concepts such as number, size and sequence. Every day routines help children learn to about weight and measure and different textures when they cook

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and make playdough with the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are warmly welcomed into the childminder’s home and feel comfortable and

p.4

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 relaxed whilst there. Children begin to understand their own needs and with adult support become aware of the needs of others. For example, the childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and play resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children's awareness of other cultures. For example, during the celebration of Chinese New year children were able to try eating Chinese foods, such as noodles with chopsticks. Children are well behaved and polite in response to the expectations of the childminder. They co-operate, take turns and share resources which allow them to play together harmoniously. Children are given clear explanations as to why their behaviour is unacceptable and any positive behaviour is highlighted. This ensures that children are developing an understanding of right and wrong. Children's

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

self-esteem is developed as the childminder uses praise and because they are involved in formulating the house rules. These rules are clearly displayed in the playroom. Children benefit from a strong partnership between the childminder and parents who exchange information regularly. The childminder talks to parents frequently and shares the children's achievements with them. This helps the children settle well and become confident with the childminder who is aware of their likes, dislikes and changing daily routines. The childminder has a portfolio of policies which is available to parents. This outlines her practice and the care she provides so that parents can make informed decisions about the care they choose for their child.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment. They are able to choose from a wide variety of activities that provide them with stimulating and challenging play. These are stored well to enable the children to become confident and develop their own play. Comprehensive policies and procedures, which are followed conscientiously, provide a framework to ensure that children are safe and well cared for. All the documentation regarding the care of the children and the written parental consents are in place and shared appropriately with parents. The childminder is experienced and open to new learning through meeting up regularly with other childminders to share good practice. This will improve her practice for the benefit of the minded children. Overall, children’s needs are met.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve health procedures by obtaining written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment for their children. The childminder has ensured that she has this consent in place for all children. As a result, children would receive treatment promptly in the event of an emergency. To ensure that children’s welfare was sufficiently promoted the childminder was also asked to improve her knowledge of the local Area Child

p.5

Improvements 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 Protection Committee procedures. The childminder has updated her knowledge by ensuring that she is familiar with her local ACPC guidelines so that she is familiar with the correct procedures to follow if she has concerns. As recommended at the last inspection the childminder has improved her equal opportunities practice by including activities which promote respect for difference. The childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of equal opportunities and provides children with resources which promote a positive image of gender, disability and different cultures. The childminder also agreed to improve her systems for recording children’s attendance to ensure that there is an accurate record of children’s times of arrival, departure and any absences. This information is now

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

accurately recorded and is promoting children’s safety.

p.6

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.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.

p.6

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): • develop the range of outdoor resources for children under five.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6