Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293428 Inspection date 04 May 2005 Inspector Veronica Sharpe

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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 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?

This childminder lives with her partner and child aged 18 months, in a village near Cambridge. She is currently caring for seven children, mostly on a part time basis. Five of these are aged under two years. Children mainly use the ground floor, which includes, living room, kitchen/diner, play room and a room for sleeping and nappy changing. There is a secure garden with outdoor play equipment. The local area has facilities for children including toddler groups, pre-school, library and outdoor play areas.

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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 childminder has qualifications equivalent to Level 3 and is an experienced nursery nurse and nanny. She meets with other local childminders and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy daily outings to the local parks where they benefit from active physical exercise. An exceptionally good range of indoor equipment, such as the ball pool, wheeled toys and large construction help children learn to enjoy exercise and extend their physical skills. The childminder provides very good support so that children develop their confidence. Children are cared for in a clean and warm home and are helped to understand how to keep themselves clean and healthy. Older children are encouraged to develop their independence and learn why hand washing is important. The childminder has an excellent understanding of nutrition, which ensures children benefit from an exceptionally healthy and varied diet. Children enjoy a wide range of freshly prepared meals which take into account their individual needs and the wishes of parents. Meals are enjoyed in a relaxed and social environment so that children

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Helping children to be healthy

learn to enjoy and look forward to their food. Children are offered fresh water frequently and older children are encouraged to help themselves, which develops their independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a spacious and comfortable home where risks are minimised and this means they are able to move around and select their own activities independently. The childminder has a good understanding of children's development and therefore is able to ensure toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for the age range of the children. All the required procedures are in place to safeguard children, for example the childminder has a current first aid certificate and has appropriate consent for outings from parents. Children are supervised both indoors and on outings, which means they can develop their independence in a secure environment. To promote children's safety and wellbeing the childminder has a good understanding of child protection. She knows who to contact and is aware of the local area child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 provision is good. Children are confident and curious and enjoy a range of activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Although children under three years enjoy a good range of activities, their choices could be further enhanced through improvements in planning, for example by using the Birth to Three Matters framework. Resources are organised so they are accessible and children explore them independently and develop their own interests and relationships. Appropriate support ensures children confidently try out different activities, such as the trampoline. The childminder organises consistent routines through the day so that children have times for rest and quiet as well as active games. This helps to ensure children are secure and know what to expect. Daily walks to local amenities, such as the park,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

provides children with opportunities to socialise with others and develop their knowledge of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met. The childminder knows the children well and ensures she has good information from parents. Settling in is flexible according to the children's needs, for example parents and carers can stay with their child until they are settled. The childminder provides a daily diary so parents are well informed about their children's routines. Children are settled happy and confident, they play together and enjoy each other's company. Children's behaviour is good and generally they play together well, ably assisted by the childminder, who encourages them to share and develop their relationships. Children are beginning to learn about diversity and the wider world with a range of resources, such as books and posters. Regular walks and visits ensure children are familiar with their environment and they are learning to socialise with others. This helps them develop their understanding of differences and similarities and to be

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Effective organisation of resources and activities ensures children are secure and confident and have their needs met. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enable children to confidently explore their environment, begin to express their needs and develop their ideas and interests. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Policies and procedures are mostly verbal, but are shared with parents through daily discussion. This ensures parents know what to expect and can be confident their

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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 children receive appropriate care. Documentation is complete and up to date and stored safely. Necessary information that helps to keep children safe, such as consent to seek medical help is accessible for emergencies.

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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): • further improve play opportunities for children under 3 yrs, for example, by using the Birth to Three Matters Framework.

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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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