Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY318546 Unique Reference Number 21 September 2006 Inspection date Sheena Osborne Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 husband and two adult children in March, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the childminder’s house will be used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding one child, on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 good. Children are cared for in clean home, where hygiene practices are mostly effective in reducing the risks from cross infection and promoting good health. However these practices have not yet been established with younger children, for example babies do not wash their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is able to respond appropriately if a child is ill because she has a sound knowledge of first aid and good written records are maintained to ensure that children's individual medical and dietary needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily outings in the fresh air and have opportunities to develop new skills because the childminder provides suitable equipment and support to help children learn to control their bodies. For example, younger children are provided with suitable equipment which provides support to enable them to pull themselves to the standing position.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the food their parents provide for them and benefit from having free access to drinks throughout the day. They eat their meals and snacks seated at the table or in high chairs. The childminder sits with them so that they can enjoy social conversation and develop their good manners.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a comfortable home which is kept clean and tidy. The childminder has safety procedures which are effective in minimising risks from potential danger. Therefore children are able to freely explore and play independently both indoors and outdoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of the children's development. She uses this to ensure that toys and equipment are safe and appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the children using them. These are well organised in storage boxes which are easily accessible to the children. This enables the children to move around and select toys, activities and equipment independently.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All of 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. A written emergency procedure is in place which is shared with parents, keeping them informed of the steps that will be taken in the event of an emergency. To further promote children's safety and wellbeing the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection. She knows who to contact and is aware of the local area child protection procedures. She has a written policy which is shared with parents informing them of this procedure.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care, they enjoy the time that they spend with her and have formed close relationships. Babies all round development is supported by the positive interaction they receive from the childminder throughout the day. 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.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the children's developmental needs and how children learn. She uses this to provide a variety of stimulating and challenging activities which enables all children to progress. Children have many opportunities for self-initiated play so they develop at their own pace and follow their own interests, as a result, they are happily and purposefully occupied. Children's language skills are well promoted through effective interaction during play activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. The positive relationship with parents contributes significantly to the children's care and well-being. The childminder gathers and shares information with parents, including written daily diaries so that parents are well informed of their child's achievements and progress. This ensures that children's care, well-being and development are greatly enhanced.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children socialise with their peers and learn about the wider community through walks, visits to the local park and attendance at local toddler groups. This helps them develop their understanding of differences and similarities and to be aware of the needs of others. However, the childminder has limited resources to help children to learn about all members of the society and develop positive attitudes towards diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good awareness of appropriate behaviour management strategies and children are given consistent boundaries. Children's self-esteem is promoted through regular praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and confident and have their needs meet because the childminder effectively organises space, resources and activities. Consistent routines and kind and caring support enables children to confidently explore their environment, begin to express their needs and develop their ideas and interests. Overall, children needs are met.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to her own professional development. She attends all possible short training courses such as Baby Sign Language, Behaviour Management and Outcomes Matter. This furthers her knowledge of early years development to inform her practice.

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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 All required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed which contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being. The written policies and procedures provide a framework to ensure that children are safe and well cared for. These are shared with the parents, which means that they know about the provision and the care their child receives.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • increase the range of resources and activities that will help children learn about all members of society and develop positive attitudes towards diversity • ensure that all children are encouraged to develop good hygiene practices

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The quality and standards of the care

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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