Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320450 Inspection date 30 August 2006 Inspector Denise May Smith

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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her child, aged 16 in Peterborough. 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 and is currently minding one child under five and two children over five, before and after school, on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has a dog.

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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 home where they stay healthy because the childminder implements appropriate hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. They learn about personal hygiene as part of daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the lavatory, prior to meals and after touching the dog. Records of accidents, incidents and medication are completed to safeguard children's well-being. Appropriate procedures are followed by the childminder when children are unwell and the childminder verbally shares information with parents relating to when children are sick or contagious. However, parents have not signed the consent form for emergency advice and or treatment and the childminder has not yet completed a first aid course. The childminder provides children with home cooked meals according to their individual needs. She offers children appropriate snacks of fruit and the occasional

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Helping children to be healthy

biscuit throughout the day. Children each have a ‘special cup’ which is regularly filled so they can access drinks as they wish. Meal times are a social occasion where children sit with the childminder who offers support as necessary. Children take part in a range of physical activities on a daily basis which contributes to their good health. They develop large and small motor skills as they make use of indoor and outdoor activities and equipment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The provision is resourced with a basic range of age appropriate, clean toys and equipment enabling children to play safely. Most toys and play materials are stored in child-height storage units which encourages children to make independent choices in their play. Children are cared for in a safe and child-friendly environment. They are able to move around freely and play happily in comfort. Older children can play knowing that the younger children’s safety is considered. Toys with small pieces are removed and when older children are present the childminder explains why they must be responsible with them as they play, such as being careful with felt tips. Children are protected on and off the premises because the childminder is vigilant and reminds children about various aspects of safety, such as holding hands when on outings. This helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has an appropriate knowledge of child protection issues and is able to recognise signs of abuse. She would always follow the procedures set out in the local guidelines. However, she does not have the Department of health booklet "What to do If you suspect a child is being abused’ to refer to if needed. Overall, 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's knowledge of appropriate procedures to follow enhances the overall safety of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides children with a balanced day taking into account their individual needs. Children have opportunities to play indoors and outside and are given lots of opportunities to take part in regular exercise as they play in the fresh air at the park, on picnics or as they walk to and from school. Children settle into the childminder’s care, they are relaxed and make themselves at home. She makes it welcoming for them by providing a range of developmentally appropriate activities and resources such as baking cakes and art-and-craft activities. The childminder enjoys supporting the children in their play and readily joins in with their games if appropriate. Children have positive relationships with the childminder; they are warm and affectionate together and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is developed and meaningful praise and encouragement helps

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children to develop their confidence and self-esteem. The childminder is able to offer appropriate support and activities to the children in her care. However, she does not have the 'Birth to three matters' framework which supports the care of children under the age of three to refer to.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are developing positive attitudes to others and show care and consideration towards their friends because the childminder encourages them to work together and to share the toys. She encourages the children to be polite and to say please and thank-you to each other. Children are helped to manage their own behaviour as there are clear and consistent boundaries set. The childminder has realistic expectations about children. Sensible house rules are reinforced by the childminder, such as encouraging children to tidy away the toys when they have finished and not climbing on the furniture. Children are valued as individuals and are cared for according to their individual needs. Self-esteem and independence skills are fostered because the childminder uses effective strategies, such as giving children choices in their play and praising actions such as sharing toys. Children gain an appropriate understanding about the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

wider world and community through regular outings into the local area and when on outings, such as trips to Ferry Meadows. However, the range of resources which show positive images of other cultures are limited. This does not help to develop children's understanding of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder works in partnership with parents to ensure that children feel secure in her care. There is daily verbal communication between the childminder and their

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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 parents. Appropriate settling in procedures are in place and support the children’s transition from home into her care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's generally appropriate organisation. Most of the required procedures are in place which promote children's well-being and safety. Relevant information regarding the children’s individual needs is gathered from parents enabling her to offer appropriate care. Children's enjoyment is fostered well as the childminder uses her time appropriately. For example, the daily routine includes taking and collecting children from school, snacks, mealtimes, time for unhurried play and opportunities to take part in planned activities. All children benefit from the range of activities and opportunities both indoors and when outside. The setting is organised to support children in their play. Appropriate storage of toys and resources ensures that children of all ages can make independent choices. Children are managed well and appear happy and settled. The

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Organisation

childminder has completed her initial introduction to childminding training, but has not yet undertaken any first aid training compromising children’s care if they have an accident. The needs of the range of children for whom the childminder cares are being met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course • ensure that parents provide written permission to seek medical advice and/or treatment • ensure that the register of attendance reflects the actual times children are present rather than the contracted hours • ensure that all children have access to an appropriate range of activities and resources which promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice.

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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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