Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 257021 Inspection date 29 August 2005 Inspector Parveen Ashraf

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 satisfactory. 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 July 1993. She lives with her partner and her 3 children, aged 20, 9 and 5 years near Peterborough city centre. The premises is a 3-storey, 4-bedroom property. Primarily, children have use of the ground floor. The lounge on the first floor is used occasionally. There is a fully enclosed rear garden, accessed directly from the house which is available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children under 8 years; of these, not more than 3 may be under 5 years, and of these, not more than 1 may be under 1 year at any one time. She is currently caring for 2 children aged 3 on a part time basis and 4

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 children after school who are all over the age of 8. The childminder also cares for a several children throughout the school holidays. The family have a small dog and guinea pig. Suitable arrangements are in place to ensure that children do not have unsupervised access to him. The local pre-school and primary school are within walking distance as well as other child-orientated activity groups.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy physical exercise as they join in free-play activities both indoors and outdoors. They take part in a range of activities which contribute to their good health, for example, playing in a large paddling pool in the garden and playing on climbing frames or slides at a local playcentre. In hot weather children are able to play under a large gazebo, where they can play safely in the shade, limiting the effects of sunburn. Children benefit from a healthy diet provided by parents and supported by the childminder. Many of the children have a packed lunch that is provided by their parents, they have access to their own snacks whenever they require, encouraging independence. Children can also help themselves to fruit from the fruit bowl in the kitchen. On hot days children are allowed to have treats such as ice-lollies to help to keep them cool. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene as they are encouraged to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

wash hands after using the toilet, after stroking the family pets and before eating. Children are cared for in a safe and clean environment. The garden is checked daily to make sure it is clean and safe for children to play. Suitable provisions are made for the family pets, who play, eat and rest in a separate part of the garden and house. Documentation to support children's health is in place. Accident and incident books are used to record any accidents, however the childminder needs to ensure that she informs the regulator of any major accidents, helping to meet children’s medical needs.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play in an environment where risks have been identified and minimised. This means they can move between rooms safely and independently. The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep the children safe both on the premises and when out on trips, for example supervising children when they are swimming in the large paddling pool and ensuring that young children hold on to the buggy whilst on outings. Children are beginning to self-select activities from an appropriate range of toys that are safe for them. Some of the toys are stored on low shelving but most of the toys are stored away in a cupboard. Resources need to re-organise to encourage children to help themselves and become more independent.

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 The childminder is aware of her responsibilities with regard to child protection. She can recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse. Procedures are in place to help to protect children and help to keep them free from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder organises activities to meet the children's needs and promote their development in all areas. Children enjoy activities that are fun and interesting. They are happy and settled at the childminder's house. They are relaxed and confident in their surroundings. Children can either join in activities or relax and watch appropriate television programmes or videos, for example Scooby Doo for younger children. The childminder regularly takes children to a local play centre where they can join in various activities that encourage development, for example, joining in with karaoke songs or creative activities helping to develop their imagination. Children also have the opportunity to socialise with other children of a similar age when they visit other childminder’s homes, helping to enhance their social skills. During the school holidays daily trips out are planned to ensure that children are provided with a

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

balance of activities inside and outside the home.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. There is a good relationship between the parents and childminder. Parents appreciate the services provided by the childminder. She has received a number of ‘thank you’ letters and cards from happy parents. The childminder and parents work well in partnership to meet the needs of the children which intern has a positive impact on the quality of care provided. Children learn about appropriate behaviour and manners. The childminder explains house rules and boundaries to children in a firm and clear manner ensuring that children are aware of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. She encourages children to say please and thank you at appropriate times. The childminder has a good variety of resources to teach children about equality and diversity, including a special needs doll and a number of puzzles depicting food from different cultures. Children from all backgrounds and abilities are respected and valued by the

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time effectively to meet the varying needs of the children. She cares for children both under and over eight. She ensures that younger children receive support when needed, for example when potty training a toddler. Children use the house freely. They can enjoy outdoor play in the fully enclosed

p.4

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 garden as it is easily accessible via the patio doors in the kitchen. The childminder makes time to take children on outings and giving them the opportunity to have access to a variety of different types of activities. The daily attendance record is accurate and up-to-date. Written parental permission has been obtained to take photos, for the children to play in the paddling pool and to take them to Spinney play centre. Record keeping and documentation is used effectively to support the welfare, care and development of the children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given recommendations; one that relates to being healthy, two relating to safety and one recommendation for positive contribution. The childminder has increased the range of resources which reflect culture, ethnicity and disability. Children can learn about diversity through playing with special needs dolls and multi-cultural puzzles. The safety of the children has been improved. The emergency evacuation procedures is practised with the children. The childminder makes sure that alcohol is inaccessible to children. Written permission to seek emergency treatment for minded children is in place, helping to meet their medical needs.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 that the regulator is informed of any major accidents or incidents • re-organise resources to encourage children to help themselves to toys and equipment

p.5

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

p.5

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