Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318448 Inspection date 23 June 2006 Inspector Carys Millican

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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?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and two children aged three and five, in Stanwix, Carlisle. The whole of the childminder’s 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 four children at any one time and one child for overnight care. She is currently minding one child aged under five years, part-time and three children aged over five years, after school. The childminder cares for children aged over eight years. She walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local carer and toddler groups.

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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 is a member of the Carlisle and District Childminding Group and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and well maintained environment. They begin to learn the importance of appropriate hygiene methods and personal care following the role model set by the childminder. Young children follow flexible care and sleep routines according to their needs. Detailed information is obtained for parents on registration to ensure continuity of care. Each child’s daily sleeping, eating and changing routine is recorded in their own special dairy. Children are protected from the potential risk of infection as the childminder follows her sick child policy. All documents, policies and procedures are in place and parental consents obtained to ensure the health and welfare of children is maintained. Children enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They benefit from regular outdoor activities. They enjoy a walk in the fresh air

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Helping children to be healthy

when taking children to school and when picking them up. They play outdoors in the enclosed garden, where they ride cars and bikes, make obstacle courses, and use pop-up-play toys and ball pool. Children benefit from the secure, close, and caring relationships developing with their 'special' carer. This promotes their emotional well-being. Young children thrive because their nutritional needs are well met. Detailed information regarding individual dietary needs and preferences are obtained from parents and routines are followed. Children are nourished and their individual needs met. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and children are provided with a variety of healthy snacks and meals. Young babies are held whilst being fed. They enjoy the experience, and they respond and thrive on the physical contact they receive.

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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 and well organised environment. They are provided with a suitable range of age appropriate and stimulating resources within a generally safe and secure environment. Young children use safe and suitable toys and equipment. The childminder carefully selects resources for children which meet safety standards. Toys are regularly checked for small, broken and loose parts. Most ages and stages of development are catered for and resources are carefully supervised and monitored to ensure younger children’s safety. Children benefit from a generally safe and secure environment. Suitable safety equipment is in place and potential hazards and risks are identified and minimised. The fire evacuation procedure is in place and fire fighting equipment available. The

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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 childminder is clear on what she would do in an emergency situation, however she has not practised the evacuation procedure whilst caring for minded children. The first aid box is accessible and contents regularly checked, and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues; she has obtained the Local Safeguarding Children Boards guidelines and record keeping is in place to record concerns or existing injuries. Children’s safety and well being is promoted through the documentation maintained. Parental permission is obtained for outings and to travel in the car, and procedures are in place to ensure only named persons collect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and contented. They are confident in their surroundings and settle well in the relaxed atmosphere. Young children’s enjoyment and achievement is promoted through the many play experiences created during their time spent with the childminder. She has sound knowledge, understanding and experience of caring for children. Young children respond to what they see, hear and feel. They develop confidence and self-esteem through this interaction, and through the care, love and attention they receive. Babies imitate the childminder's gestures as she smiles and interacts with them. The childminder actively plays with the children supporting them in their play and encouraging development. They learn by imitating others as they enjoy the close interaction they receive from the childminder and her family. Babies snuggle in and begin to communicate as they listen and respond to the intonations in

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder’s voice. Babies get excited as they play with favourite toys whilst sitting on the childminder’s knee. Young children receive lots of cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder, which increases children’s sense of well-being and security. Older children are able to make choices and decisions in their play. The needs of children of varying ages are met as the childminder provides suitable activities which take into account children's ages and individual ability. Young children remain interested and their all-round development is promoted. The childminder has obtained the Birth to three matters pack, which is used in practice to help children's development and therefore promote the outcomes for children. Planning is in place which allows children to engage in a full range of activities. A portfolio of photographs shows children happily engaged in a number of indoor activities and outdoor activities, which help to promote children’s learning and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

physical development. Children play with pop–up toys in the garden, they dress up and complete various craft activities. Young children follow flexible routines that flow with their needs. These routines are discussed with parents to ensure continuity of care. A detailed daily diary allows parents to see what their child has achieved during the day and records these achievements by using photographs. Young children begin to socialise with others. They are provided with opportunities to mix with children of different ages. They go out for walks and visits to places of interest such as the local museum. The childminder provides activities which take into account their individual needs and offer sensory experiences. Young children enjoy the

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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 resources provided that enable investigation and exploration, and that encourage them to move arms and legs. Babies enjoy exploring the activity mat whilst lying on their stomachs. They feel the different textured cloth and roll over onto their backs to look at the mobile toys hanging up above. Lots of eye contact encourages them to explore people, objects and feelings through all their senses. Children benefit from the close attachment formed with their 'special person', which contributes to their sense of belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Young children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. They develop a sense of belonging and self-assurance since they form familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationships with the childminder and her family. Children are valued, comforted well and thrive on the positive interaction they receive. Young children enjoy snuggling in as they sit on the childminders knee to have a bottle of milk. They seek out the childminder's face as she speaks to them when sitting in the low chair as she passes them rattles. Children are provided with a suitable range of resources to promote development and an understanding of diversity and the wider world. Children's art work is creatively displayed on the wall and the Birth to three matters poster has been personalised with photos of the minded children at play. Young children settle well. They benefit from the physical, psychological and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

emotional comfort they receive from the childminder. Young children enjoy the company of others, they feel safe and loved and respond to what they see, hear and feel. They thrive on the interaction and attention they receive from the childminder and her family. Children respond well to the positive ways the childminder rewards achievement, through gestures, such as smiling, praise and encouragement. Young children benefit from the good relationships developed with parents. Their general welfare is promoted since the childminder collects extensive information from parents to ensure children’s individual care needs are consistently followed. The required documentation and parental consents are in place including a number of detailed policies and procedures. The complaints procedure is explained to parents and a written policy available. However, the complaints register is not yet in place. Information is shared daily to ensure continuity of care. Children benefit from the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

regular exchange of written information with parents. Daily diaries are completed for each child which record everyday care routines, activities, and achievement and progress towards next stages of learning and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and play is very well supported by the childminder as she gives them individual attention. Young children feel at home and at ease in the bright, welcoming, well-organised environment. Older children are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and are gaining independence. Children's

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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 developmental needs are well met as they are provided with a wide range of toys, resources and activities and opportunities to socialise with others throughout the week. Children's health, hygiene and safety is promoted. They are cared for in a warm, welcoming, safe and secure environment. Children's welfare and well-being is maintained by the provision of the relevant documentation and from the policies and procedures in place. Their individual needs are extensively recorded and parental consents are fully maintained. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and extensive knowledge of child development. Regular exchange of written and verbal information keeps parents informed about the service, their child's routine, activities and development. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints made to Ofsted since 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

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): • practise the fire evacuation procedure.

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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 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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